T latest NHL Entry Draft takes place on June 24-25 this year. Taking place at the First Niagara Center in Buffalo, NY, this marks the 54th annual draft. The selection range is for players born between January 1, 1996 – September 15, 1998. (There are additional stipulations for non-North American players and those unsigned from last year’s draft.) With the 2016 NHL Entry Draft quickly approaching, it’s time to look at what the local teams need heading into next season.
Philadelphia Flyers – The Flyers are an interesting story heading into June’s entry draft. You have to respect what GM Ron Hextall has done with his club; last off-season he made headlines for hiring Dave Hakstol out of the University of North Dakota to be the team’s head coach. It was a surprising hire considering the number of head coaches with NHL experience available. Hakstol repaid his GM with a stellar rookie season behind the bench, and in my opinion, deserved serious consideration for the Jack Adams award, traditionally given to the league’s best coach.
For the past three seasons, the Flyers drafted defensemen with their first pick. It should be noted that not one Flyers draft choice from the previous three drafts has appeared in an NHL game yet. In fact, only six have appeared in an NHL game since 2010. That does not reflect well on the scouting department. However, one thorn in the cap for the scouts is defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere, drafted 78th overall back in 2012. Gostisbehere put together one heck of a rookie season; he’s the front-runner to win the Calder Trophy this year as the league’s top rookie.
Bottom line: the Flyers need to look at goaltending in order to contend long-term.
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New Jersey Devils – The Devils enter the Draft with nine picks scattered across the first seven rounds. They also have a couple solid prospects that are close to playing in the NHL. Pavel Zacha (1st, 6th Overall 2015) had a great season with the OHL’s Sarnia Sting, and was called up late last season; he’s 19 years old and has incredible upside. The other prospect is John Quenneville (Coach John Quenneville’s 2nd cousin), a dynamic forward currently with the WHL’s Brandon Wheat Kings. Zacha and Quenneville are both expected to push for roster spots in 2016.
With plenty of cap room heading into 2016-17, I expect Shero to be active in free agency. Currently, the Devils are set in goal with Cory Schneider as the starter and Ken Appleby (Undrafted) and Mackenzie Blackwood (2015, 2nd Round) waiting in the wings. But offensively, New Jersey needs support. Travis Zajac and Adam Henrique are top 6 forwards on most NHL clubs and locked up with long-term contracts. Patrick Elias has a year left and quite honestly, is a lot closer to retiring than signing an extension. Shero has big holes to fill and the Devils do not have a lot of prospects capable of making an impact anytime soon, besides the two mentioned earlier. I expect them to stockpile weapons on offense, specifically on the wings.
Bottom line: The Devils cannot afford to waste any picks this June.
New York Rangers – The Rangers have serious cap issues heading into 2016-17. Surprising, right? That’s the mark of a championship organization, though, and one of the reasons I have always respected them. They go all out every season, not wasting a cent in trying to bring a Stanley Cup home. Of course, the practice hasn’t worked since 1994, but kudos for trying.
The Rangers only have 5 picks in June, none of which are in the first 2 rounds. Rumors are swirling that Jeff Gorton (GM) is looking to move forward Rick Nash, who is a $7.8 million dollar cap hit through 2017-18, in order to obtain a 1st or 2nd round selection. That’s a hard sell, but for a team that might be a player away from making a Stanley Cup run, they may bite. Perhaps the Florida Panthers or even the Colorado Avalanche would entertain the thought.
Where could NY use help? Henrik Lundqvist isn’t getting any younger. Antti Raanta is a quality back-up, worthy of an opportunity to play somewhere. (There is a chance another team approaches the Rangers about his availability.) I wouldn’t be surprised if “King Henry” himself isn’t being considered as a moveable object. He’s another player with a huge contract, and I’m not sure he hasn’t already reached his peak.
Bottom line: The Rangers are a great team, top to bottom, and should compete for a spot atop the Eastern Conference next season even if they don’t make major changes. At the draft, they need picks more than prospects. Look for NY to acquire early round draft choices and a replacement for Lundqvist.
I’ll be tweeting from the NHL Combine and the NHL Draft live in Buffalo, NY, so be sure to follow along on Twitter @wolf3328.
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