Two dmen in the first round? That dude is smoking crack. Way too many good offensive players in the first round. I like Stramel…..we’d have to take him in the first since we don’t have a second rounder at this point.Dread_Pirate_Westley wrote: Thu May 11, 2023 10:46 am Newest mock is from Pronman: https://theathletic.com/4506243/2023/05 ... y-pronman/
Notes: He, like Wheeler, has Smith going 3rd overall. Slots Reinbacher 5 to Montreal. Michkov falls to 8 to Washington which would be fitting that in the year the Hawks get their new Kane, the Caps get their new Ovie.
If they go Danielson instead of Willander who was still on the board in this mock then I would be stoked with these three picks.
10. St. Louis Blues: Tom Willander, D, Rogle Jr. (SWEDEN-JR.)
I have a hard time seeing St. Louis walk away from the No. 10 pick without getting a center or defenseman, something their system desperately needs. Willander’s stock is way up right now and he could be a top-four defenseman in the league for a while.
Analysis: Willander’s skating is his main asset for the NHL; he is one of the best skaters in the draft. He has a quick, powerful skating stride and can push the pace up ice with the puck. Willander’s skating allows him to close on checks well and be a quality defender especially when combined with the fact he has some physicality in his game. I wasn’t always sold on his offensive touch. I don’t see a big-time playmaker as a pro, but Willander has good enough skill and vision to move pucks at higher levels well, especially given the space his feet can generate. He has the making of a good two-way top four defenseman.
25. St. Louis Blues (via Dallas Stars): Charlie Stramel, C, Wisconsin (BIG TEN)
Stramel had a down season, but I still believe he will go Day 1. He would be a swing pick by St. Louis with their second pick as a big center who, as a junior player, showed snarl and skill but struggled as a college freshman.
30. St. Louis Blues (via Toronto Maple Leafs): Oliver Bonk, D, London (OHL)
When I started this process I figured Bonk would end up somewhere in the top 20, but as I kept going through names he worked his way closer to 30. He’s well thought of in the league but has a “boring” skill set for a first-round pick in that he’s a big, mobile defender who can move pucks but isn’t high-end at anything. Getting him and Willander in the same draft adds massive depth to the Blues’ blue line though.
Re: 2023 NHL Draft Thread
151Official "Bitch Ass" Fan and proud of it"
"Suck a dick Johansen"
"Official Sponsor of the Legend....Jeremy Roenick"
"Suck a dick Johansen"
"Official Sponsor of the Legend....Jeremy Roenick"