This draft was always a 2 man draft. Not to say good players couldnt be found later, but the top two guys of Hughes and Kakko are both way ahead of the rest in both current development and potential ceiling. Getting either one seemed too good to be possible...until it became true. I'm thrilled with either. I'd love a young American stud with Patrick Kane hands to build around, but Kakko brings an elite combination of size, skill and physicality that is exceedingly rare. Think Malkin. While Hughes is hanging in the studio of the lottery show Kakko is over in Finland playing in the playoffs against men. I'm absolutely thrilled no matter which one we end up with. Great day for this franchise and can't wait to see one of these guys in blue.
I’d prefer Kakko but yea either is great. Finally caught a break. Hopefully TB wins and Dallas makes it to the WCF (not likely), then it would be great if they could trade up and take Podkolzin
If they keep the WPG pick and stay at #20 maybe they add one more D to the great pool they have with someone like Harley, Broberg or York. They do have a more pressing need for wingers in the system though, even with the likely Kakko selection. Kravtsov may be better at W than C.
I suspect Gorton will try to be incredibly aggressive to move up to 4 with the Av's by using players like Chytil, Pionk, Rykov, Vesey, Fast. Namestnikov and the 20th It makes sense for both teams.