Originally Posted by
horrorfan
Having the 13th pick, I knew it would be a challenge drafting at the end of the first and having back-to-back picks throughout the draft. Especially, as I knew there would be times where I had to decide whether to reach for 'my guy' or take a chance at losing them. Also, I had wondered what the short season (and increased max games) would do to goalie drafting amongst the group.
My general strategy was to focus on offense for my first picks and then probably grab a goalie at the 3/4 turn, as I expected the top guys to be gone or soon thereafter, and wasn't sure waiting for the 5/6 turn would be smart.
Without further ado:
Round 1/2: Eichel / Svechnikov
I was not expecting Eichel to fall here so I didn't hesitate taking him first. Svechnikov was on my short list of players to target and decided on his solid, all around production. Eichel was a bust. Svechnikov was ok but didn't progress offensively like I had hoped.
Round 3/4: Burns / Rask
If I didn't have a centre already I would have considered one here, but Burns still is one of the best fantasy-wise at his position, especially with strong shots and solid hits and blocks. The goalies were coming off the board so I knew I needed one and Rask was the best available on my list. Knowing he might get rested a fair bit, I had to try and get Halak later. Looking back Burns felt like a reach as I needed a bounce back to justify this price. Rask was solid most of the season when he played.
Round 5/6: Lindholm / Larkin
Knowing this league, wingers who take faceoffs are targeted and Lindholm fits in, with decent hits total as well. Not sure if Larkin would've lasted until my next picks but aside from his +/-, he provides both strong SOG and FOW with a good chance at a bounce back season offensively. Lindholm was my best offensive player this season - that sums up my team. He did what I was hoping for and more. Larkin was a bust.
Round 7/8: Korpisalo / Halak
I had my eye on the Columbus duo but Elvis was grabbed a few picks before me. Korpisalo could start with the role but we'll see how the early season goes. As I wasn't sure if he would be the starter, I wanted to ensure I got my Rask handcuff, even if Halak at this point might be a bit early. Eesh this didn't go well. Korpisalo was poor, while Halak was ok.
Round 9/10: Jones / Doughty
With only one D, I wanted to make sure I didn't get stuck with guys who either were too one dimensional or didn't have enough PP time. I'm happy with getting both who can provide solid offense and peripherals. Jones didn't have the offensive production as I was hoping. Doughty was a pleasant surprise, at least in the first half.
Round 11/12: Rinne / Kreider
With only one clear starting goalie on my team, I needed another one who could get a decent workload. Rinne struggled last year but hopefully he'll bounce back a bit with some quality starts, when I can fit him into my starting lineup. I hadn't picked a winger since round 5 and Kreider gives decent offense with good peripherals, including some PIM.Rinne didn't factor in much and wasn't consistent. Kreider was ok, pretty much did what I expected.
Round 13/14: Dumba / Hischier
Didn't plan on getting my 4th D by round 13, but Dumba at this stage, with the aforementioned offense and peripherals, was too good to pass up. Pure centres are not plentiful and hope that Hischier can take the next step this season. I know he's hurt but hopefully not for long.Dumba, like Jones, I was hoping for more offense. Hischier unfortunate with injuries.
Round 15/16: Suzuki / Henrique
Did I mention the league targets wingers who takes faceoffs? We'll see if Suzuki takes the next step or just has a modest offensive season, but at least he also chips in with a few hits. Henrique might have been a bit early but he's a decent contributor across several categories.Suzuki was great, one of my few bright spots. Henrique stunk, then got waived, then came back with some solid production, then fell off again.
Round 17/18: Yamamoto / E. Staal
Honestly I have no idea whose line Yamamoto is playing on but if he can give me some offense (not expecting anything close to last year's pace) and continue to hit a lot then I'll be happy. Wasn't planning on having two Buffalo centres but not many pure centres left so hopefully Staal will fit into his new home well and provide modest production for my C4.Yamamoto couldn't reproduce last year's success. Staal had very little to offer.
Round 19/20: Driedger / Niederreiter
Another goalie for depth, and if Bob struggles again then I might have another starter. Niederreiter on a good team and potentially could land on a solid top-6 line. If he can get around a point every two games with some more hits, then it works for me. Any more and it's a bonus. I'll take it in round 20.Dreidger was solid when he played. Neiderreiter was a bit inconsistent early on but good value production in the end.
Round 21/22: Ekholm / Beauvillier
Depth picks. Ekholm as my D5 who is a decent, back end starter in both offense and some peripherals. Maybe this is the season that Beauvillier will break out, but if not he's a decent L4.Ekholm, was fine but didn't move the needle much. Beauvillier took awhile to get going with injuries not helping.
Round 23/24: Gudas / Lemieux
Grit, grit and more grit. Meh, Gudas was fine. Lemieux didn't last long.
Round 25/26: Kakko / Marino
Low risk, potential high reward if Kakko can bounce back in his second year. Marino is a depth piece - not sure what to expect now that Matheson is there but gives some peripherals on my bench.Yeah that didn't work out.
Round 27: Faksa
It was 3:30 in the morning my time and I didn't really care who I picked. Depth centre, that's all.Didn't last long on my squad.
***
The Babatuukk
C: Eichel, Larkin, Hischier, E. Staal, Faksa
L: Svechnikov (R), Kreider, Henrique (C), Beauvillier, Lemieux
R: E. Lindholm (C), Suzuki (C), Yamamoto, Niederreiter (L), Kakko
D: Burns, Jones, Doughty, Dumba, Ekholm, Gudas, Marino
G: Rask, Korpisalo, Halak, Rinne, Driedger