What to do with first overall

[Christian T]

Yahoo 10 Team Keep any 5 + 2 Rookies (under 82GP)

G, A, PPP, SOG, HITS, BLKS, W, GAA, SAVES, SV%

Currently sitting in 1st and somehow managed to acquire the 1st overall pick in our draft next year from the bottom team (traded Makar/Barkov/Geogiev for B. Tkachuk/Nylander/Karlsson+ 1st). Our trade deadline is on Wednesday and I’m trying to weigh my options. I believe most of the other GM’s would take Bedard if they had the chance with approx 50-60 players already being kept, so I’m wondering if the right move is to hold onto the pick or try and trade it to upgrade my current keeper core listed below: Mackinnon, Meier, B.Tkachuk, Shesterkin and Nylander/E.Karlsson.

my gut is telling me to keep it, but I’ve already been offered deals that include multiple picks in the top 5 rounds, or players such as Thompson or Pettersson who would replace Nylander/Karlsson. Just looking for some advice if you guys were in this situation!. Team is in sig.

[PenguinHunter]

Keep the 1st overall pick -
The hype for Connor Bedard is just going to continue to grow and grow.
So the value of that pick is just going to increase and increase.
Even if it is a limited keeper, there will be managers that really want Bedard and pay up for that 1st overall pick.

[Rockies & Hockeys]

I'd be open to moving it, but let the league know you'll be shopping around and only accepting something that makes it impossible to turn down. Otherwise just keep it.

[dejeanneret]

The three responders before me nailed it. My response is a conglomeration of what they all said.

Boils down to move if someone is willing to give a massive overpay. Otherwise, keep it and take Bedard or BPA if there happens to be a surprise drop given the league size and settings.

[Axeman33]

Keep it and draft Bedard. I dint think anyone will give you anything close to legit value.

[stevegamer]

Like others have said, you wait for now. Pre-draft, I'd see if there's anything crazy out there that you have to take, but I'd probably simply take Bedard.

After you've drafted him, and the draft is over, then you can trade him for a haul of players that will help you immediately and improve your keepers, if you wish to do so.

Extremely high draft picks peak in value in that week or so before the draft, unless there's a clear #1, which extends the peak duration. Here, you will have the guy, and be able to use him as a chip post-draft if you want.

[Fighting_Emu]

Keep Bedard. Crosby got 100 in year 1 and a 1w0 in year 2. Our superstars have required some slow cooking lately but I think Bedard bucks that trend. If he goes to Columbus??? He'd be flanked by gaudreau and kaine in year 1- a pp featuring werenski? I honestly feel like a ppg is the floor. He could break 100...

[Belexus75]

to me Bedard is Jack Hughes 2.0...similar size, similar style of play....Jack took a while which does not mean Bedard will too but i think expecting 100 points in first year is unreasonable. If he gets that its a bonus but would temper exceptions.

[COLT.45]

Keep the pick and draft Bedard.
If you do want to move him, do it before games start next season but after the draft, so that you aren't burning your keeper slots. Let someone overpay when the hype is at a max and you don't have to lose assets (Nylander/EK) to your keeper rules.

[senryu]

Keep the pick and draft Bedard.