List of *likely* available picks at Number 3 in June.
1. Vasili Podkolzin, RW, KHL
Elite skill, compete level, and work ethic. Contract in the KHL runs through 2021 and may stay longer. Ready to play in the NHL now, but ties to Russia may be a problem. Might be a waste of a 3rd overall pick.
2. Dylan Cozens, C, WHL
Similar style to Jonathan Toews, may not fit in great immediately but as Toews regresses, will take over 2nd line or 1st line Center. Will gel very nicely with Dylan Strome down the middle.
3. Bowen Byram, D, WHL
Elite Defenseman, best in the draft. Does Chicago really need more D prospects? Would work best if Gus, Forsling, Koekoek, Dahlstrom, Beaudin, and Krys could all be moved. Might want to take a forward instead. Will play in the NHL right away. May be a good idea to draft Byram and trade Gustafsson and Byram gets his role.
4. Alex Turcotte, C, USNTDP
Injury prone, fantastic two way forward
5. Trevor Zegras, C, USNTDP
Similar style to Patrick Kane
6. Kirby Dach, C, WHL
Needs more compete and physicality, solid two way forward.
7. Matthew Boldy, C, USNTDP
Skilled PWF
8. Peyton Krebs, C, WHL
Good player on a crappy team
My Choice: Last night I said Podkolzin, 100%. Now read up on him, seems risky at 3. I'd rather pick Zegras or Cozens. See Byram's description above.
To sum up, Byram is my first choice if we can move Gustafsson. Second choice would be Cozens. I'd prefer to not take Podkolzin unless we know for sure he'll be on the team in 2021. Byram is the "right now" pick.
Darren Drager said he has no doubt Podkolzin will be in the NHL next season. Maybe he can get out of his contract somehow or sompthing else. I don't know how that all works but Drager knows what he's talking about
I am not a Hawks fan, but regardless it should always be BPA especially with an early first. Don't worry what you need, or how it will fit on your team. Get the best player you can.
Darren Drager said he has no doubt Podkolzin will be in the NHL next season. Maybe he can get out of his contract somehow or sompthing else. I don't know how that all works but Drager knows what he's talking about
don't know if that's true but I agree contract probably isn't a problem and he should probably be picked #3
Only take Vasili if he's a 100% lock coming. I agree with Best available....but in the KHL means NOT AVAILABLE. I agree with this position. Cozens or Byram (Depending on defensive prospect or Gus trade. I've heard NOT Gus, but maybe Beaudin to MTL or Mitchell's rights back home to EDM.) Then Dach because the center position is just so much more important than winger.
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