I know it depends on where they finish, but should they keep all the picks and draft the best players available?

Should they package some combination of picks to ensure a chance at Grigorenko/Yakupov/Galchenyuk?

Should they package some picks for a legit veteran center from another team?

I'm hoping they finish low enough to draft one of the Russians, but if they don't I'd like to see them trade their top 1st rd pick and their top 2nd rd pick for a top 3. If that won't work then package both 1st rd picks for a top 3. Then we'd have Roy, Hodgson, Ennis, and top rookie down the middle, with Roy becoming expendable at some point during next season (and getting another 1st rd pick for 2013).

Plan B.

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Wheelhouse

Although I hate Russians and their unpredictability I wouldn't mind trading up for the number one or two pick.

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I am, you know I am. I am Canadian.
#1 Hockey Nation.

You'd trade our draft picks for the abortion pill? Not sure how that would help the hockey side of things...

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It's not like we need to give it to Gragnani any more...

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I say package the two seconds and Roy for a third 1st. Seems reasonable.

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Girgensons for captain. Team Keep Nick DesLauriers forever.

@TJLuckman550

I say package Roy and one of the second's for a 1st. If Gaustad is worth a 1st, Roy and a second rounder should net you a first. Especially if Roy keeps playing good the rest of the season.

If Gaustad and a 2013 4th are worth a 1st, then Roy alone should be worth a 1st. The only thing holding back the Roy market was the extra year on his contract that made him a non-rental. Otherwise Roy is a better player and will get better value either on draft day or next year's deadline.

So there's really no need to throw Roy into a deal in order to move up in the draft. Roy plus picks would be for a move like Getzlaf, but Getzlaf only has a year left just like Roy. I wouldn't want to send multiple top picks for only one season with ANY center...not even a healthy Crosby. Getzlaf would have to agree to a contract extension for a deal like that to work, and I doubt he would.

I'd send 5 top picks for one health Crosby every day of the week.

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For only one season before he signs elsewhere?

I missed your stipulation of "for one season" in your original post, sorry....I'm in your boat with that sentiment.

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My initial vision was trade Roy and the top picks at the draft to ensure whichever "G" Russian they prefer becomes a Sabre. That immediately makes us one of the most skilled teams down the center hands down for the next 10-15 years. You want multiple cups, that's where you start. Luke Adam then practices to become a stalwart, which just might suit him better anyways. After that concentrate on mostly forwards, and they don't necessarily have to have size. Foligno and Armia are both decent size already(which sort of dispels the myth we're too small w/o Zack). This is our opportunity to become stacked, and once you're stacked, you'll have a distinct advantage for years to come.

You act like Russians are the only ones who are unpredictable.

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"Counting all the assholes in the room, I'm definitely not alone!" ~ Michael Poulsen, Volbeat, Still Standing.

Malkin is pretty unpredictable when he has the puck. So is that Datsyuk guy.

I see what you did there.

Actually they aren't really unpredictable with the puck, you know eventually it's going to either go in the net after they touch it.

Regards to the actual draft, I'd like to keep all the picks and draft them. I think we'll still end with a top 10 draft pick on our own. But if we don't, I'd like to trade away our first and maybe both seconds for the number one spot if we can.

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I don't believe in drafting for a speciffic need or position. i think you go with the very best player available. IN the later rounds, it's okay to try and balance out your organizational depth a little, but not in the top 4 rounds.

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"I love that you know how to do that." Cheryl/Carol/Crystal

"And I love that I have an erection that doesn't involve homeless people." Kreiger

Haha. Not only are Russians prone to pack up and go back home to the KHL if things don't go their way, but some have some serious determination issues. Don't act like you guys don't know what I'm talking about either because many GMs have passed on picking Russians early in the draft.

And yes I know there are many determined ass kicking Russians in the NHL and no I don't think that it's only Russians that are sketchy. They just have a bad track record.

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I am, you know I am. I am Canadian.
#1 Hockey Nation.

I was just having a bit of fun, and I know exactly what you mean. It's another risk/reward thing just like the Kassian trade. Taking a Ruskie is risky(see Filatov), but it's a risk worth taking to get a super skilled player.

Yeah I'd go after Yakupov for sure.

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I am, you know I am. I am Canadian.
#1 Hockey Nation.