Quoting: CD282
What do you guys think?
If we understand what Edmonton's philosophy will be on draft-day - something Lowetide identified will be forward-heavy in his top-93 - it's important to consider all aspects of what Edmonton's depth charts look like right now. There exists an organizational positional deficiency among left wing scoring forwards and right handed centermen. You're correct in identifying players that could have second-line potential and having them anchor the third line: this would develop Edmonton's depth to levels unheard of since the glory days of the mid-80's.
My entire draft strategy would come down to whether or not I saw Nugent-Hopkins as a long-term piece in Edmonton. I know the term and AAV aren't as ideal as they could be, but if RNH agreed to the Hayes deal and was an Oiler for life (I think his player-type would allow him the longevity to still produce to the end of his deal, similar to Pavelski?), then I believe finding a right-handed pivot should take precedent over a winger. If names like Mercer or Quinn become available, I think they need to be prioritized despite not filling an immediate need. It's unforgivable to pass up on high talent in a draft, which is a mistake this franchise has made far too often.
If however, Nuge wants out of Edmonton, then the organization would need to prioritize a LW prospect in the first round. In terms of top-6 talent, Edmonton should be fine with it's dynamic duo down the middle and Yamomoto plus Lavoie on the right wing. Outside of Nugent-Hopkins having converting to the wing, there's not a lot in the system that could play that premier role in a few years and I think it is the greater area of need. Jarvis (if he's productive on his off-hand side), Mysak, Amirov, and any name that falls out of the top-20 would be my priority.
That being said, I don't make the Reichel pick at #33 unless Nugent-Hopkins is truly set to leave Edmonton, and you've incorrectly identified Jarvis and Mercer as centermen.
I'd still go with Jarventie with the late second. I don't think him being Finnish matters: if the kid can play, he can play. If what you've said about Jarventie holds merit and he does have #1LW potential due to his skillset and that it might play well off of McDavid, what Edmonton really needs to find with the #20 and #33 picks (as you've identified) are a top-six left wing and a right-handed top-six center that are both destined to anchor the third line.
RNH - Draisaitl - Yamamoto
(Jarventie) - McDavid - Lavoie
[] - McLeod - []
Using this assumed template of where prospects and players would likely end up, I think Edmonton runs set pairs of players at those picks in order to accommodate the gaps on the third line. In essense:
If a scoring winger is prioritized at #20 (Jarvis), then I believe Perreault or Foudy would be the player taken at #33. This gives Edmonton a strong side pivot on the third line for every draw and Jarvis is likely capable of playing both wing positions. McLeod offers defensive utility, and depending on the side of the faceoff, you'd run Jarvis - McLeod - Perreault or McLeod - Perreault - Jarvis. If a right-handed center is prioritized at #20 (Bourque), then I'd be shocked if that early second round pick wasn't used on a Nybeck or even Jarvis if he slides (he's still a second rounder on a few projections) and the Oilers would likely run lines in a similar fashion. The whole thing goes to hell if a Holloway, Mercer, or Quinn falls into the Oilers' lap, and I'd prefer if they just went with BFA (best forward available) through the whole draft.
If Benning is available that late, jump on him immediately. I'd be utterly surprised to see him available past the early third round.
I like the Bozak trade. I've never been big on Marody as a prospect. Shame he lost so much of last season to injury.
I don't think Benson nor Bouchard make this roster out of camp, and that Holland is super likely to sign Green to play #3RD. We gave up assets for the guy and got like two games out of him. I think Ennis would take the #3LW spot in Benson's stead.