Heh, can I punt?

If Teemu makes a big impact this year, I might be inclined to add another dynamic forward. So much depends on another year of data — not just of the draftees, but also of our existing prospects. But I greedily want an arsenal of forwards.

That said, our biggest organizational need may be a D with size who can also play the game.

I think that Teemu is of an elite quality as are JT, KO, JB, and maybe SB. We have a real depth of decent forwards, we just happen to be one shy in the elite quality variety.

So—Garth’s shopping list:

One elite LW

One elite defender

Several young quality defenders to fill the roster spots now held by Sutton, Meyer, Witt, and Martinek until our prospects are ready

Maybe one tough and talented LW to help Hunts dig the puck out of the boards for JT.

But—as Dominik hinted—if we do not draft Teemu, think of the drama we will miss. Imagine the LightHouse rafters (do modern arenas have rafters?) shaking as the fans chant TEEE—-MUUU after another brilliant goal!!!

BTW other sources besides TSR include THN’s 2009 Draft Preview and several online descriptions of the two players.

Firstly, it would appear that Pulkinnen is actually a Right-Winger (as it says in the TSR profile and look at the video/photos of him playing) not a Left-Winger, as listed in your story.

Clearly, looking at the TSR and other like reports it would appear that the draft has more top-end talent at forward than on the D. Insofar as my selection would go, I feel like although the good adage “draft the best player available” could be applicable, that the Isles need a stud defenceman – whether that is Fowler or Gudbranson, I think that would be a better selection long term.

When it comes to evaluating Pulkinnen’s talent you’ve got to compare him to Granlund – who plays the same league and is being hyped as well. Regardless, hopefully this season will shake out the draft order with a bit more certainty.

I was unable to find it for the purposes of this post, but I have seen a video of Teemu in the locker room mugging it up and imitating a video performance by a pop star. if you look at some of our potential stars, Josh has a bit of a personality about him, but the others really don’t that I know of. This is just one of those intangible things that don’t show up on a stat sheet, but you need a guy like Teemu to shake things up a bit.

I just hope that the Isles do good enough that we are worried about who is left when our turn comes up.

And, going back to my earlier comment, if Phil Kessel DID insist on playing with brother Blake (and I wouldn’t discount it as they seem symbiotic….look and talk alike and Blake decided to play hockey because of Phil and undoubtedly decided to move east to play at UNH because of him) and agreed to $6 mil for two years only requiring a second round pick in compensation…in that case, forget Teemu and get Cam.

But if he insists on going to the Island (which I don’t think is out of the question), that would change the picture. Garth would not and should not give up our first rounder this year. I could see him giving up a first and maybe a second rounder in next year’s draft as it is weak. If PK will not sign anywhere but the Island, Garth is in the driver’s seat.

As I pointed out on another thread, it would be great if Garth pursued some limited options consistent with rebuilding to improve the team. Perhaps if there is some good news coming out of this next meeting on the 22nd, Wang might give him the green light to go after Babchuk, sign Phil Kessel to an offer sheet, and trade Park for Byfuglien.

The other scenario is also of interest. We stay with the guys we have and give everyone a shot. Maybe do the Park-Byfuglien thing, but otherwise just trade Weight, Biron, and Sutton for picks.

Then we fall into the bottom five, catch lightning in a bottle and get boosted to #1 overall again. Phoenix is just a few spots back and wants Hall bad enough to trade their first rounder from Calgary which either doesn’t make the playoffs or bows out in the first round. With a top five pick, a mid first round pick, four second rounders, and two third rounders, we have more than enough assets to draft Cam AND Teemu.

Boston will be desperate for cap space and will likely be happy to talk turkey regarding Stuart who they will not be able to sign. I am guessing that LA may have done well enough to impress Kovalchuk and LA may, in turn, be impressed enough with him to drop Frolov. If we can sign him to a two to three year deal, that should give Teemu enough time to fulfill his Jokerit contract and get seasoned at Bridgeport.

Fowler, Hamonic, and MacDonald should be well blooded by the start of the 2011-12 season as well and, along with Stuart, should be more than adequate replacements for Witt, Martinek, Sutton, and Meyer. And the rebuild should be completed shortly as DeHaan, Ness, Niemi, the younger Kessel, and Klementyev join the defensive core while Streit and Gervais are eventually traded for picks.

Koskinnen and Nilsson should be completely ready and, if DP is healthy and is performing well, his contract will be short enough that he would look very attractive to Colorado if their goaltending is still unresolved. A first and a third round pick from them together with a first and third rounder for Streit and a first or second rounder for Gervais will keep the flow of talent going. Also players like Anders Lee, Casey Cizikas, and Matt Martin should be pushing for roster spots which will add complexity and depth. And then Garth’s five year plan—begun in 2008—will have been completed. Let the Drive for Five recommence!!!