2012 Draft

[dasnut]

Alright, yes I know it's way too early for some of you to begin this discussion.  Yet, it's the only thing that we have to look forward to right now as long as Priest and GMSH are with this organization.  I guess I would like a little discussion that seems a little more uplifting than the current stuff.   

Since reading this article:  http://www.tsn.ca/draftcentre/story/?id=384768

Are the CBJ ready to try and take on another Russian player? Don't we need a defenseman far more than offense? Dare they trade down? I know nothing about Nail Yakupov or Mikhail Grigorenko.  Are they yet another risky pick being Russians or are they safer picks because they're playing in Canada?

 

[CHUNKBOX]

i too think they would be gun shy to draft another Russian prodigy ... but it seems if they want to keep their pick and they continue to suck ... they will have to ... outside of trading the first pick for a stud D man or goalie ... trading away the #1 overall would be a waste ... might as well take your shot and hope one of the Russian kids pans out OVIE style ...

i feel it will be Nail just because he is a winger ... and we have a bit of center depth ( believe it or not )

[InauguralCBJFan]

Apparently Nail is the real deal. Little show boaty at times, but I'd rather bring some character to a team that has none.

But in light of this season, the better pick would probably be to shore up the blue line.

Next 3-4 weeks will be big for Howson's immediate future...make or break time, buddy.

[perfectstranger]

Think about how anyone drafted by CBJ must feel.  A career black hole until you reach UFA status.  Sure, they're making some $ in the meantime but they are all proven winners who have to learn to be losers while employed in Columbus.  Has to be a real bitter pill to swallow.

[wsucorey4]

I would be ecstatic to get Nail, as he obviously has some offensive skills, but I would rather have Grigorenko. While we do have some "depth" at center, he could be that big body to fill a void between Nash and Carter. THAT line has the potential to be one of the most dangerous lines in the game. It gives us two big bodied centermen with him and Johansen and creates room to ship Brassard out the door.

[Tuskin]

Brassard wont bring anything in return. He has too high of a pay grade for little return on the ice.

[dasnut]

At this point I would just rather see a complete overhaul of the roster (since my dreams of Priest and Howson actually being removed appear to be nonexistent circumstances in JPM's mind) and get this team ending on a good note.  This team right now needs so much more than a #1 draft pick it's not even funny.  I would much rather see them start winning some games than "Fail for Nail".  I believe the only thing left for this team to do this season is to find themselves and realize the need for finding their own identity should be their most important goal for the remainder of this season.  Getting the #1 overall draft pick would be great for this organization, no doubt, but history has proven that the CBJ has hands down the worst track record of developing their youth.  And THAT does not make me excited for us getting the #1 overall pick, with the strong possiblity of it being just another promising career wasted away.