[2014 NHL Draft] Leon Draisaitl

[Dean Youngblood]

Somewhat polarizing throughout the year, Leon Draiisaitl finished his draft season strong meeting the lofty expectations that many scouts have of him. Reminds me of a Anze Kopitar type of player or a bigger, better skating Sedin brother.

"Leon Draisaitl is an intelligent playmaking forward with good offensive instincts. The German import is effective in puck possession using his lengthy frame to shield away defenders and maintain puck control. He displays top-end vision and can read the play ahead of his peers...Read More"

[Kudelskis Krushers]

Somewhat polarizing throughout the year, Leon Draiisaitl finished his draft season strong meeting the lofty expectations that many scouts have of him. Reminds me of a Anze Kopitar type of player or a bigger, better skating Sedin brother.

The link you have to highlights is of a goalie named Dunk, as opposed to the 2012-13 WHL highlights for Draisaitl.

[theIceWookie]

I honestly think Draisaitl should be in conversation for 1st, serious conversation. His skating is a weakness, but it's virtually his only one. He's got fantastic puck protection skills, he's one of (if not the) smartest players in the draft, and he makes things happen no matter what his supporting cast is. And for all the talk about weak skating, he's actually kind of awkwardly smooth east-west, surprisingly so for those that watch closely IMO. But like some other rangy centers, it doesn't matter because he plays a cerebal gmae that slows everything down nicely.

But I think he'll actually go 5th or later.

[gainerama]

I think he won't make it past 3rd overall. If EDM doesn't get Ekblad, they could use a big center and skip Sam Reinhart since they are tired of the small, soft centers that are already on the team. Don't need Gagner 2.0 this time.

[mounD]

I think he won't make it past 3rd overall. If EDM doesn't get Ekblad, they could use a big center and skip Sam Reinhart since they are tired of the small, soft centers that are already on the team. Don't need Gagner 2.0 this time.

If Florida uses the #1 overall pick, they're most likely going to draft Ekblad; and if another team trades up to get #1, they're probably going to take Ekblad. I don't see Sam Reinhart NOT going #2 in the real draft, given that he's more NHL-ready than Bennett, and scouts seem to like his overall game a good deal more than Draisaitl. So, in my opinion the draft will go (1) Florida - Ekblad, (2) Buffalo - Reinhart, (3) Edmonton - Draisaitl, (4) Calgary - Bennett.

Edmonton is definitely in the market for two things: top pairing Dmen who can play in all situations, and Centermen with size and skill. They won't let Draisaitl slip past them if they can't get Ekblad. The only scenario that would see Draisaitl falling to #4 would be if Nylander/Ehlers were taken at #1st overall by the Cats (unlikely, but possible I guess), and if Buffalo passed on Ekblad to draft Reinhart. In that case, Edmonton would certainly draft Ekblad, and Calgary would be blessed with the Deutscheland Dangler.

[Jordyr77]

As a Flames fan, my worst fear is they take Ritchie.... that would be an absolute shame. But I'd be happy with a big,skilled centre. Would have a great 1-2 punch with Monahan. Flames would be pretty big down the middle.

[keytolife]

While not the best Player in the draft i think he could very well be the best Fantasy pick out there.

[Shift Disturber]

If Florida uses the #1 overall pick, they're most likely going to draft Ekblad; and if another team trades up to get #1, they're probably going to take Ekblad. I don't see Sam Reinhart NOT going #2 in the real draft, given that he's more NHL-ready than Bennett, and scouts seem to like his overall game a good deal more than Draisaitl. So, in my opinion the draft will go (1) Florida - Ekblad, (2) Buffalo - Reinhart, (3) Edmonton - Draisaitl, (4) Calgary - Bennett.

Edmonton is definitely in the market for two things: top pairing Dmen who can play in all situations, and Centermen with size and skill. They won't let Draisaitl slip past them if they can't get Ekblad. The only scenario that would see Draisaitl falling to #4 would be if Nylander/Ehlers were taken at #1st overall by the Cats (unlikely, but possible I guess), and if Buffalo passed on Ekblad to draft Reinhart. In that case, Edmonton would certainly draft Ekblad, and Calgary would be blessed with the Deutscheland Dangler.

I agree with your likely top 4 selections but I don't think Calgary will necessarily pick LD if Bennett is gone. I would not be surprised to see them take Ehlers to shore up the RW instead.

[Shift Disturber]

As a Flames fan, my worst fear is they take Ritchie....

Please - don't even talk about that. I think Treliving is his own man and will ignore Mr. Truculence's input...

[mounD]

I agree with your likely top 4 selections but I don't think Calgary will necessarily pick LD if Bennett is gone. I would not be surprised to see them take Ehlers to shore up the RW instead.

Honestly, after Bennett/Reinhart + Ekblad anything can happen. This draft is pretty wide open between 4 and 10-ish. That's just what I think would happen if LD were somehow available at 4th overall to CGY.

[DMaz16]

I think he won't make it past 3rd overall. If EDM doesn't get Ekblad, they could use a big center and skip Sam Reinhart since they are tired of the small, soft centers that are already on the team. Don't need Gagner 2.0 this time.

While I could also easily see Edmonton taking Draisaitl in the 3 spot, I have to disagree on your assessment of Reinhart as small and soft. While he plays a cerebral game that allows him to avoid major contact he is in no way soft. He plays a solid two-way game and has no problem handling the tough western conference style hockey played in the WHL. Honestly other than Draisaitl having a 20 pound advantage, they play very similar games.

[Dean Youngblood]

I honestly think Draisaitl should be in conversation for 1st, serious conversation. His skating is a weakness, but it's virtually his only one. He's got fantastic puck protection skills, he's one of (if not the) smartest players in the draft, and he makes things happen no matter what his supporting cast is. And for all the talk about weak skating, he's actually kind of awkwardly smooth east-west, surprisingly so for those that watch closely IMO. But like some other rangy centers, it doesn't matter because he plays a cerebal gmae that slows everything down nicely.

But I think he'll actually go 5th or later.

He most certainly is in the discussion for 1st overall. He's that good and a team looking for size and skill with a very high ceiling will take LD. I bet he doesn't get by #3.

I think he won't make it past 3rd overall. If EDM doesn't get Ekblad, they could use a big center and skip Sam Reinhart since they are tired of the small, soft centers that are already on the team. Don't need Gagner 2.0 this time.

Soft? Really? I am not sure you have seen Reinhart. He's probably the most coveted pivot in this draft. The Oilers should be thrilled to land him.

[Axeman33]

He most certainly is in the discussion for 1st overall. He's that good and a team looking for size and skill with a very high ceiling will take LD. I bet he doesn't get by #3.




Soft? Really? I am not sure you have seen Reinhart. He's probably the most coveted pivot in this draft. The Oilers should be thrilled to land him.

Playing devils advocate then Brendan, if you are the Oilers GM at the draft table and both Draisaitl and Reinhart are still there for you to choose at #3, who would you draft?

[Dean Youngblood]

Playing devils advocate then Brendan, if you are the Oilers GM at the draft table and both Draisaitl and Reinhart are still there for you to choose at #3, who would you draft?

Reinhart. But if it's Bennett vs Draisaitl, it's a harder decision for me. I think Draisaitl is a great fit in EDM

[DMaz16]

Playing devils advocate then Brendan, if you are the Oilers GM at the draft table and both Draisaitl and Reinhart are still there for you to choose at #3, who would you draft?

The question isn't directed at me however having seen both Draisaitl and Reinhart in person numerous times I would unquestionably take Reinhart if I was Edmontons GM.