Part of me thinks people might get caught up in ranking systems which is valid when was the last time top ranked prospect went second doesn’t really happen. But this year I’m not exactly sold it’s as clear cut choice as lead to believe. 10 months is an entire season worth of development difference. How much does that alone close the not soo big gap between them? Again I’m not predicting it to happen but rangers did just resign Kreider long term have Panarin and need a centre. It’s not like reaching grabbing a guy that would be there at 6 grabbing a better organizational fit that should be gone by the time Ottawa picks at 3. It’s really not a reach but I do get it take best available just not 100% certain that will prove to have best results.

(Stutzle is closer to 6 than 2, and Byfield is closer to 1 than 3)

Awesome, that's the kind of insight i was looking for, thank you

Thanks!

That's incredibly false.

I remember Blake being a smart d-man. If so, he would move down to 4 and draft Drysdale (an area of real need instead of adding to an already stacked forward group) while demanding a king’s random from the Wings. Swap of picks, 2x 2nd rounders in 2020, and a 2021 2nd should be enough.

Even a swap with Ottawa for #3 and an asset if they have both forwards rated about even would do it. If they are set to go for a F.

So I wouldn’t say never.