Ryan Sproul

[THE OCHO]

I have recently traded away many of my prospects this year. Now I'm looking to restock. I still have Strome,Kucherov and Nyquist at forward, so I'm looking to add on defence for the future. I haven't heard much about Sproul, but like what I've read about him. Plus his start in the AHL is not to shabby. How long will the Detroit system keep him down? Is he worth the wait? Also any thoughts on Jon Merrill would be appreciated. (For team in sig)

Thanks, The Ocho

[Dobber]

Who are your other options? Sproul will take at least a couple of years

[THE OCHO]

Other options are J.Merrill, S.Vatanen, C.Ceci, G.Reinhart, M.Dumba, H.Lindholm. Also recently dropped M.Del Zotto

[als_revenge]

I like most of those options better. Vatanen and Lindholm are producing now and are good options. I believe Ceci might be a year away as well. How patient can you afford to be?

[THE OCHO]

I'm willing to wait a year. Maybe 2 for someone with higher upside

[Wrist_Shot]

All great young D options. I just don't like waiting for DET prospects, so I often devalue them a bit for this reason. Sproul has done well at all levels and will likely do so when he makes it to the NHL. But, I would pick up H.Lindholm, Ceci, J.Merril, Vatanen before Sproul (in that order) before Sproul. I have Ceci on my team and would trade him for H.Lindholm right now b/c he has impressed me this year in the ANA games I've seen. Plus, he has the coaches trust and is getting plenty of opportunity. Lindholm seems to be the real deal.

Ceci has produced in the AHL so far with a bit of a drop off in the last week or so. I could see OTT waiting on him a bit to develop his physical play and defensive abilities, so next year may not be in the cards for him in OTT. I'm good with that b/c I'd like to see him really do well in the AHL so that he can make a smoother transition to the NHL.

[franklin]

I would grab Lindholm before Sproul no doubt.

[fungchen3]

As much as I like Sproul, I'd snag Ceci, Lindholm, Vatanen and Dumba ahead of him right now (in that order). Sproul COULD end up the best producer of the lot but it will be 4-5 years from now - too long when other slick kids are there for the taking.