Draft Advice

[VanDan]

Hi everyone,

I have a few scenarios for an upcoming draft (team is League 2 in my signature). 13 teams, multi-cat with no salary cap. Play 3 C, 3 RW, 3 LW, 3 F, 6 D, 2 G. Categories are points, +/-, PIM, SOG, Blks, Hits and I'm not competing for three years so I'm willing to wait on studs (but not take on too many hit or miss prospects). 6 teams are chasing the money and 7 (including me) are on rebuilds.
I know I'm weak on D and G but will have to get them through the draft as stud young D men don't get traded. I also think Askarov will go either at 6 or the 9 overall spot as both teams badly need a young goalie for the future so I'm wondering if I should take him at 4 (which too high IMO) or just hope to grab him with my 2nd rounder (20th overall but I really doubt he'll be there - Spencer Knight went in the early 2nd round last year).

I have the 1st overall (Lafraniere/Byfield), plus 4th overall and a 2nd rounder (20th overall) plus lower picks. I'm looking at a few scenarios for the draft:

1) Just draft the best player available at 4th overall (probably a forward) and get a D man in trade or next year's draft which looks deep
2) Draft Drysdale/Askarov at 4th overall (which is too high IMO)
3) Trade for 9th overall (thinking Saros and a lower pick)

The draft is a few months away but I wanted early feedback. Thanks in advance!

[stevegamer]

First, I don't think you are that weak in net. You have 2 current starters, one of whom is a FA in Talbot, and non-keeper with his age. You have a young goalie who looks like he'll be the backup by mid-season at the latest, assuming he doesn't have all kinds of issues with the different sized ice surface. Dealing Saros for a pick to possibly take Askarov, if he's even there, is a step or more backwards. You give up years of development time, and add bust risk.

Second, not competing for 3 years seems like a long time to not compete. I understand that some leagues seem to set up where a bunch of teams rebuild, but 7 at once seems like a lot, if 6 teams are chasing the playoffs.

Third, I'd simply take BPA with your picks. Your league is multi-cat, and there's no guarantee that any young D or G you get will be ready in 3 years, nor that they will be useful. At least with a forward, you should know by then. Also, there are generally useful multi-cat D that come out of nowhere as older rookies.

Good luck.

[Axeman33]

Take the BPA and worry about positions later. It's always easy to trade a high end forward for a D down the road.

[Eskimo Brother]

Definitely BPA. Don't trade down for Askarov or Drysdale, and no way do you draft them at 4.

I also agree with Steve's point that you should aim to compete sooner because turning the corner will take longer than you think. If you aim for three years it will be five. Aim for 1-2 years and then it will be 2-3.

[VanDan]

All good points, thanks! I think it's sensible to get the BPA and then make a trade later.

[TheDard]

How many months away is your draft?
As the 2020 NHL draft is set fot October 9th & 10th.
If it is after. Then you will know which team has drafted who. May help with your later picks.

As for 1st and 4th overall. Go the best player available route.

[VanDan]

It's TBD but it's usually during training camp and would be after the NHL draft for sure.

[Magicstew]

It's TBD but it's usually during training camp and would be after the NHL draft for sure.

Go with best player available.