Final Keepers, leaning one way, but interested to see your thoughs

[Dobber]

This is based on Keeper League #3 in this section. I traded Jiri Hudler yesterday for a 10th rounder. That was made possible by the IIHF news, otherwise I was getting nothing.
Anyway, we keep 12 players. Here are my 11 for sure keeps:

C - E. Staal, Kopitar, O. Jokinen
W - Filatov, Giroux, Kovalchuk, Hemsky
D - Goligoski
G - Price, Osgood, Varlamov

The poll above are six candidates for the final spot. Keep in mind that I can probably compete for 2nd or 3rd this year, but probably not first. And jockeying for draft position is useless because this league is heavily lottery based.
As luck would have it, I pick 2nd overall this year. I also pick 20, 27, 37, 41, 47 as my top picks, and I have many other picks heading on down through 160th overall.

I am leaning towards one of these players, but if Dobber Nation leans heavily another way it would give me pause. Let me know your thoughts!

[ridinryan44]

I'd go Hodgson. Seems to me that no matter what you do with him; trade him, keep him, or play him, you're gonna get your money's worth. Any of those other guys may be available for you to re-draft if you want them back, Hodgson would be my choice for sure!

[letnry]

I say Grebeshkov as the best available D because otherwise you will be weak at D. This is without knowing who may be available in the draft mind you, but given your current keepers and the list of considerations, thats my vote.

[natgeo]

Another vote for Hodgson.

[Chadosaur]

I'd go Hodgson. Seems to me that no matter what you do with him; trade him, keep him, or play him, you're gonna get your money's worth. Any of those other guys may be available for you to re-draft if you want them back, Hodgson would be my choice for sure!

I concur. Some more D might be nice, but you can always get one of Quincey or Grebeshkov back at #2.

[Chicleteur]

Theodore could have been a good option as well as it would secure you all the WSH starts, but you still also have Osgood and Price. I'm really with RR on this one. All the other guys can be easily re-draftable where Hodgson has "draft me" written all over him. He fits in the win in 2-3 years theme you have.

[natgeo]

I say Grebeshkov as the best available D because otherwise you will be weak at D. This is without knowing who may be available in the draft mind you, but given your current keepers and the list of considerations, thats my vote.

He could probably trade Hodgson for a better defenseman than Grebeshkov though. No offense to Oilers fans, but Grebs is fourth man on the totem. I think he's going to bbe hard pressed to repeat last year's numbers.

[angus]

I'd vote Hodgson for one reason.

I like Huselius more in the short term (1-3 years) and because he is a winger, but Hodgson will have trade value in both situations

1) as a 19/20 year old on a strong NHL club
2) dominating junior and dominating the WJC.

So worst case you can move him if you want to contend (and his value is definitely going to be higher than Huselius').

[letnry]

I concur. Some more D might be nice, but you can always get one of Quincey or Grebeshkov back at #2.

probably true. I can't imagine Hodgson being taken 1st overall either though.

[Zorro]

Hodgson forsure Dobber. Draft the best player right? If all these guys were available in a draft and you had to take one, you would certainly take Hodgson. Even if you were just keeping him to trade which is what I would do. You could get two of these guys in this poll for Hodgson right now. The "hype" is huge for this kid right now. Keep him initially and then trade him. Get yourself something that will definately help you claim 2nd or 3rd.

My vote: Hodgson

[reeveta]

Looking at your team protecting a D seemed like a good idea but those two D don’t seem worth it.
To me it came down to Huselius or Hodgson. Huselius for points, Hodgson for hype. Given the ‘expert’ nature of the pool I am guessing there won’t be some foolish GM who will trade you M. Savard for Hodgson after Hodgson gets a goal and an assist in his first game. I think Huselius will bounce back to the low 70s this year which would be very decent for a winger (I know that is a lot but I think he can). So my vote was Huselius.

[Dobber]

Great thoughts. I was going Hodgson, but wanted to see if there were any fans of the idea of keeping a fourth goaltender and be 100% set in the position. However, the votes for Huselius is unexpected and has me thinking about that. Keep the thoughts coming!

[Dobber]

I'd be leaning towards Hedman for No.2 overall - I need a stud D even if I have to wait a few years for him to be a stud. The defending champ has Weber, Phaneuf and Gilbert, which makes me jealous...

I won't know who's available until the weekend, but last year I drafted Theodore, Huselius, Voracek and Filatov with my first four picks (all 4 picks between 10th & 42nd)

[sixhands]

I voted Quincey because I think Colorado are going to play the bejeesus out of this kid.

He was also drafted by Detroit and we all know their track record with regards to late round picks.

You could play it safe and go Hodgson or you could do what you do best and go out on a limb and pick Quincey (or anyone else for that matter)

Either way you still have the 2nd pick as back up.

cheers

six

[ddp]

Hodgson, the most upside, most talent, most interesting, most value. He won't dissappoint. Huselius? really? not a fan.