2026 NHL Draft

[donlever]

The guy broke Gretzkys record which some thought (me) wouldn't be touched.

He's not generational.

He's historical.

[Nuckertuzzi]

With that we have a new standard after generational to label players. Historical.


Still wouldn't put him on Mt. Rushmore tho. Not even close. Well, close maybe after 8-10 guys.

[Hockey Widow]

With JR's comments about 3 rookies in the line up next season, Lekkerimaki, Cootes and whoever they draft this year you have to believe that McKenna is their target. At least a forward has to be their target. None of the Dmen are projected to be NHL ready. And do we really have room for another young Dman next season? So I take it that they want McKenna. If they fall to 3rd I think that puts a fly in the ointment.

But do we know if McKenna is ready or wants to turn pro next season? I haven't heard of any of the Centres being ready either. Don't know about Sternberg.

[donlever]

Mount Rushmore plus 6 might be a good off season/post playoffs debate/discussion topic 'Tuzzi.

Overall (does a goalie crack the top10?)

Forwards.

D.

Goalies.

Could be interesting....I'm gonna guess Megs values Orr pretty highly.

How many Howes?

Is McDavid top 5 yet?

At the very least all the Messier mentions will drive Corn and McPilot crazy ...

[Nuckertuzzi]

Mount Rushmore plus 6 might be a good off season/post playoffs debate/discussion topic 'Tuzzi.

Was thinking the exact same thing. Was gonna rattle off a bunch of names but thought the better of it. You know how these subjective debates can blow up, didn't want to do it here.

Only thing I'll mention is not sure if he makes my Mt., but Lubomir Vaic has to be on the list.

[Nuckertuzzi]

With JR's comments about 3 rookies in the line up next season, Lekkerimaki, Cootes and whoever they draft this year you have to believe that McKenna is their target.

I think it was more of a hope than a plan. Awkward to commit a rookie if they end up 3rd with someone not ready.

That is unless they believe the top 3 guys on their list are undoubtedly ready to go next year.

[Hockey Widow]

well Lekkerimaki isn longer waiver eligible so he stays or gets traded for a 4th

Cootes almost made the team last year so I guess they want to get him into the show. But that is assuming one of Blueger or Chyle don't come back I would think.

As for our draft pick, anyone's guess, I guess.

[Ronning's Ghost]

With JR's comments about 3 rookies in the line up next season, Lekkerimaki, Cootes and whoever they draft this year you have to believe that McKenna is their target. At least a forward has to be their target. None of the Dmen are projected to be NHL ready.

Excellent point.

But I was talking about what I think they should do, not what I think they will do.

We have a whole topic about the differences there.

[Lancer]

well Lekkerimaki isn longer waiver eligible so he stays or gets traded for a 4th

Cootes almost made the team last year so I guess they want to get him into the show. But that is assuming one of Blueger or Chyle don't come back I would think.

As for our draft pick, anyone's guess, I guess.

That’s what concerns me with management picking third: the pressure to get someone they can show off next year to the fans. I would rather whoever they pick this June not play next year. It’s gonna be another shit-show and they won’t move the needle while getting their head caved-in.

I don’t think Chytil will be standing in anyone’s way at training camp. He probably won’t last a preseason game before getting bumped out of the lineup - literally.

Just BPA…