What 2014 Draftees will start in the NHL this season?

[StuntMan12]

I'm thinking (but could be wrong)

Aaron Ekblad
Sam Reinhart
Leon Draisaitl
Sam Bennett (Wouldn't be too surprised he starts in the OHL though)
William Nylander (Does need to fill out a bit but I could see him starting at least 10 games)

[gainerama]

I'm thinking Ekblad, Reinhart, Draisaitl and Kapanen

[STLblues]

im thinking ekblad is only one

[Savvy1982]

I'm thinking Ekblad, Reinhart, Draisaitl and Kapanen

I posted a couple weeks back that I thought Kapanen could play this year and was roundly mocked for that opinion. Word now out of Pittsburgh is that he's expected to challenge for a roster spot this year.

I like this list of players, especially Draisaitl since Edmonton's current 2C is Mark Arcobello.

[petegreg21]

Ekblad 100%
Reinhart 25% chance
Draisaitl 75% chance (EDM would be smart to send him back to Prince Albert)
Bennett 10% chance
Dal Colle 15% chance
Virtanen 0% due to shoulder surgery
Fleury 0%
Nylander 30% (I'd let him play 2LW with Naz)
Ehlers 30% (Will start if Kane is traded. If not, back to Hali)
Ritchie 0%

Word is Kapanen has as good a shot as anyone to stick this year. Also appears to be the first player to sign his ELC.

[rataylor22]

I'm thinking (but could be wrong)

Aaron Ekblad
Sam Reinhart
Leon Draisaitl
Sam Bennett (Wouldn't be too surprised he starts in the OHL though)
William Nylander (Does need to fill out a bit but I could see him starting at least 10 games)

Bennett is almost guaranteed to get his 10 games. It doesn't hurt the Flames at all to do so. Unless he comes to camp and is just completely out of his depth (unlikely, given how well he did at development camp) he will be given every opportunity to at least get that experience.

[doulos]

Ekblad and Draisatl seem to be the only ones that have a really good chance. The rest really depend on their camp I imagine. Even Draisatl could go back to Jr if the Oilers decide that want more than 1 NHL player to play C for their team right now.

[Zorro]

There may be a few guys that play their 9 games, but I feel the only guy that will stay in the show will be Ekblad..

Obviously there could be a 'skinner' like surprise, but its hard to put a finger on those guys..

[agentzero]

Rutherford always says his prospects are show-ready. Skinner.. Lindhol.. now Kapanen. Skinner he was right but Z is right too. Hard to peg. I would bet on Draisaitl and Ekblad but the Oilers are awful young..Might be best to save him a losing season, even if he's close to ready..

[metaldude26]

There may be a few guys that play their 9 games, but I feel the only guy that will stay in the show will be Ekblad..

Obviously there could be a 'skinner' like surprise, but its hard to put a finger on those guys..

Yeah, I'm thinking that there are quite a few guys who will start the season and get their nine games. I don't see too many who should stick though.

[BradyJets]

Ekblad 100%
Reinhart 25% chance
Draisaitl 75% chance (EDM would be smart to send him back to Prince Albert)
Bennett 10% chance
Dal Colle 15% chance
Virtanen 0% due to shoulder surgery
Fleury 0%
Nylander 30% (I'd let him play 2LW with Naz)
Ehlers 30% (Will start if Kane is traded. If not, back to Hali)
Ritchie 0%

Word is Kapanen has as good a shot as anyone to stick this year. Also appears to be the first player to sign his ELC.

This quote seems correct in the percentages, or at least close, especially regarding Leon.

Ekblad, maybe Kapanen, will stick...others will get some games, but would probably be best served playing in juniors.

[Bazz]

im thinking ekblad is only one

This

[grits207]

The Leafs have a pretty big hole at on their 2nd line with Kadri and Lupul. It's not inconceivable that William Nylander could beat out the likes of Clarkson, Komarov, Santorelli or Ashton for that spot, even if he still has the body of a 12 year old.

[petegreg21]

The Leafs have a pretty big hole at on their 2nd line with Kadri and Lupul. It's not inconceivable that William Nylander could beat out the likes of Clarkson, Komarov, Santorelli or Ashton for that spot, even if he still has the body of a 12 year old.

Frattin played quite a bit with Kadri in the lockout season so I wouldn't be surprised if he gets first stab at that spot.

[pmorrow]

I'm thinking (but could be wrong)

Aaron Ekblad
Sam Reinhart
Leon Draisaitl
Sam Bennett (Wouldn't be too surprised he starts in the OHL though)
William Nylander (Does need to fill out a bit but I could see him starting at least 10 games)

Just a small sidenote but I think OHL players must make their NHL roster out of training camp or be sent down for the rest of the season. It's not like the AHL.

It's hard to find this info online so if anyone can confirm or deny this it'd be a help to us all.