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Looking back at the '11 Draft: Larsson was the right pick


Neb00rs

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At the time, pretty much every single one of us would have picked Larsson. That year we were still looking to draft a blue chip defenseman to rebuild our defense. Larsson was projected to be that.

Just like another poster mentioned, had Parise and Kovy not left or even if we managed to retain just one of them, we'd be in a lot better shape in terms of offense.

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it only depends on how you see that question really.

 

At the moment of the draft with the structure and depth of the team at the moment it was the right pick. Long term based on other events that happened and how our team is structured at the moment it might not be, unless he becomes an incredible player but so far he's pretty expendable. It might switch again in a few year if somehow we're loaded with forwards and that Larsson is a top pairing dman.

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Most hockey fans, including us, thought we got the gift of the century by winning the lottery and having Larsson fall to us. I don't think there is any doubt it was the right pick at the time. I know it was still only a few years ago but I think a lot of people on here have forgotten just how highly Larsson wast touted; many thought he would be the first overall pick and be an elite d-man. He was the top ranked international skater. All the analysts were like "the Devils just got the steal of the draft..." But knowing what you know now...would you still do it?

Edited by Neb00rs
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it only depends on how you see that question really.

 

At the moment of the draft with the structure and depth of the team at the moment it was the right pick. Long term based on other events that happened and how our team is structured at the moment it might not be, unless he becomes an incredible player but so far he's pretty expendable. It might switch again in a few year if somehow we're loaded with forwards and that Larsson is a top pairing dman.

Everything that occurred after the draft is irrelevant to this discussion. We get it. Losing Parise, Kovy and Clarkson in quick succession left a big hole in our offense. However, all that happened after Larsson was drafted. At that time, defense was a huge need for the team and some scouts pegged Larsson to go #1 overall so to see us first win the lottery to jump from #8 to #4 overall and then seeing Larsson fall to us, we absolutely had to draft him. There was no question about it at the time. He was the right pick.

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Everything that occurred after the draft is irrelevant to this discussion. We get it. Losing Parise, Kovy and Clarkson in quick succession left a big hole in our offense. However, all that happened after Larsson was drafted. At that time, defense was a huge need for the team and some scouts pegged Larsson to go #1 overall so to see us first win the lottery to jump from #8 to #4 overall and then seeing Larsson fall to us, we absolutely had to draft him. There was no question about it at the time. He was the right pick.

 

Well thats what i just said lol

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Most hockey fans, including us, thought we got the gift of the century by winning the lottery and having Larsson fall to us. I don't think there is any doubt it was the right pick at the time. I know it was still only a few years ago but I think a lot of people on here have forgotten just how highly Larsson wast touted; many thought he would be the first overall pick and be an elite d-man. He was the top ranked international skater. All the analysts were like "the Devils just got the steal of the draft..." But knowing what you know now...would you still do it?

 

YES.

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Most hockey fans, including us, thought we got the gift of the century by winning the lottery and having Larsson fall to us. I don't think there is any doubt it was the right pick at the time. I know it was still only a few years ago but I think a lot of people on here have forgotten just how highly Larsson wast touted; many thought he would be the first overall pick and be an elite d-man. He was the top ranked international skater. All the analysts were like "the Devils just got the steal of the draft..." But knowing what you know now...would you still do it?

 

knowing what i know now i wouldnt do it. Larsson is lacking way too many skills that i really wish he had. Speed, shot, no big offensive upsides and skating is a big concern for me.

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This is the post that should make SD should be forced to re-read every time he posts

 

and why's that? 

 

are you telling you missed the 2 different posts i made saying Larsson was the right pick at the time based on the direction of the team. But things went in a way that it may not be the right decision long term? And thats after agreeing with Tri that it's pretty useless discussing stuff like this knowing all the facts after the draft. How is that unfair?

Edited by SterioDesign
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It's not like the Devils don't also need defensemen.  They do.  They still need 2 more for next year.  So yeah, I still make that pick.

 

You don't think we can take someone from Albany and just plug one in and maybe sign a middling vet UFA to fill in for Zids?

 

I think they should draft for need this year instead of BPA which has been blowing up in Lou's and Conte's faces more often than not lately.

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You don't think we can take someone from Albany and just plug one in and maybe sign a middling vet UFA to fill in for Zids?

 

I think they should draft for need this year instead of BPA which has been blowing up in Lou's and Conte's faces more often than not lately.

 

No, I don't.  I think they need 2 UFAs.  Albany's D this year aren't very good.  Gelinas cannot be a regular on this team without serious improvement.

 

I also agree about drafting for need but I don't think that will be an issue.

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