Preds talk

[Dawson]

For those who like watching hockey (and like the Preds), thought I would start something up so we could talk.

[KB5252]

So what do you think of our draft? Think we addressed some needs but we still need some offense. We have 2 or three at most true centers and IMO we still need another big frame guy. Our young defense corp looks good for years to come.

[head1]

I like the Colin Wilson pickup but wasnt really happy they gave up the 40th to get him. But he is who they had targeted for a while and so they felt they should so who am I to argue?

Not so sure on the Pickard move but, he was the best goalie in the draft and was the best value for them at the time.

Josi will be a good one as alot of people had him ranked as the 5th best defenseman in a VERY deep def draft.

Overall it was a decent draft I think but they really didnt address much if anything other than Wilson. From what I can tell they are making all these moves for the draft next year because it is loaded with Centers and Wingers.

[Dawson]

I dont claim to know enought about the prospects to comment but all the people I have talked to who LIVE BREATH AND DIE HOCKEY love our first 2 picks. They think Wilson will be playing with us in the NHL in 2 years.

[head1]

I dont personally LOVE the first two because I dont think Pickard is better than Rinne who is the future of the preds in goal.

[KB5252]

Originally Posted by head1

I dont personally LOVE the first two because I dont think Pickard is better than Rinne who is the future of the preds in goal.

I agree right now but we had to hedge our bets with Ellis. He looks like he could be a solid goal keep for a number of seasons, but then again so did Mason before he ended up as the man last year.

[head1]

Ellis signed a 2 year contract. I dont think we will be keeping him any longer than that because we have 2 more very good goalies in the system now. I see Rinne taking over in 2 years and being locked in for the long haul. Pickard I think will eventually be his #2 or take his spot, but I truely think they want to develop him and have his as trade bait around the same time all of our defensman should be blooming.

[KB5252]

Originally Posted by head1

Ellis signed a 2 year contract. I dont think we will be keeping him any longer than that because we have 2 more very good goalies in the system now. I see Rinne taking over in 2 years and being locked in for the long haul. Pickard I think will eventually be his #2 or take his spot, but I truely think they want to develop him and have his as trade bait around the same time all of our defensman should be blooming.

Ellis's contract gives me the impression that a) they want to make sure he can repeat his performance from last year over the next couple of seasons, or b) that they intend to use him as a stop gap measure to bring Rinne along. I'm not sure which it is yet.

[doozer]

Ellis played well enough down the stretch that he at least deserves the chance to be the man. if he proves otherwise, they should be OK with the young guy.

[KB5252]

Originally Posted by doozer

Ellis played well enough down the stretch that he at least deserves the chance to be the man. if he proves otherwise, they should be OK with the young guy.

Rinne is huge. The only thing that worries me about him is stamina down the stretch.

[Dawson]

Originally Posted by KB5252

Ellis's contract gives me the impression that a) they want to make sure he can repeat his performance from last year over the next couple of seasons, or b) that they intend to use him as a stop gap measure to bring Rinne along. I'm not sure which it is yet.

Yeah, those are my thinkings as well. I am sure if he performs like he did last year, then he deserves his #1 goal tender position. We had to get another young goalie in minors because we cant send Rinne there again this year. He wouldnt pass wavors.

[head1]

They wont need Pickard at Milwaukee because we have two very good goalies who should be there next year in Dekanich and Smith. Both of those have NHL futures and we also drafted another goalie late who is the same mold and skillset as Rinne. Anders Lindback, another 6'6'' goalie from sweden. Lindback was a pick by the same scout who pushed for Rinne among others.

Alot of people compare Pickard to Carey Price who is unreal and some say he maybe better than Price(they used to play together). So if our future is Rinne/Pickard that is awesome, but Smith and Dekanich are both nhlers down the road so they could possible be trade bait.

[KB5252]

Originally Posted by head1

They wont need Pickard at Milwaukee because we have two very good goalies who should be there next year in Dekanich and Smith. Both of those have NHL futures and we also drafted another goalie late who is the same mold and skillset as Rinne. Anders Lindback, another 6'6'' goalie from sweden. Lindback was a pick by the same scout who pushed for Rinne among others.

Alot of people compare Pickard to Carey Price who is unreal and some say he maybe better than Price(they used to play together). So if our future is Rinne/Pickard that is awesome, but Smith and Dekanich are both nhlers down the road so they could possible be trade bait.

I think it is safe to say the Predators have a long term plan and look to be in good shape to make a "strong" run at the cup in two to three years. My fear is that they need scoring now, it will help put butts in seats. I also think we will be missing a good strong "goon" to keep opponents off our young guys like Rad.

[doozer]

Jordin Tootoo is a pretty big goon.

[head1]

All of the prospects are in Nashville this week going through drills and from the sound of it they are doing pretty well. Wilson is leagues ahead of even the older guys and many think he will be with the Preds this coming season.