E.L. wrote:
I'm surprised Askarov hasn't made too many top tens, because I'm pretty sure one goalie starved team will take the plunge after the top 3 goes.
I think that'd be a mistake. And that's nothing against Askarov, but trying to build around a goalie almost never pays off. The Devils did it, but they, of course, had a generational talent who stayed at the top of his game for almost the entirety of his career. Montreal is a prime example of why you don't do it. Price was hands-down the best goalie in the league when he was in his prime, but injuries have largely reduced him to a shell of his former self. The Wings have bigger needs, especially if Zadina doesn't pan out as hoped.
Most mock drafts I've seen have a top three of Lafreniere/Byfield/Stutzle in various combinations, which allows the Red Wings the option of getting the top defenseman in this draft, or taking a top forward. Jamie Drysdale seems like the smart pick, but there's also Cole Perfetti, Marco Rossi, and Lucas Raymond, all with the potential to be elite forwards in the NHL.
I'm not suggesting that Detroit build the team around Askarov. I view as more of a significant piece in part of the rebuild. All the prospect raters seem to think that he is a possible generational or at least an All-Star calibre NHL goaltender. Does he come with risk? Of course, he does, but, so do the other prospects at #4. He seems the prospect with the greatest upside. For me, that makes him the best prospect left at any position. He also fits a significant need that currently exists with the Red Wings.