Quote:
Originally Posted by GreenLantern2814
They’ve gotta walk into the draft with at least 4 picks in to top 40, preferably with a top-3-at-worst first selection.
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yeah I think this a reasonable expectation (the "4 picks in the top 40" bit, not the top 3 selection ... I just don't see the Flames suck that hard in the long run). It obviously depends on the structure of the packages, but the returns for both Lindholm and Hanifin could easily both have a late 1st in there. Then there's Zadorov and Tanev for later picks too ... just stockpile picks in any way you can.
This team badly needs a ton of picks. Just look at the past three drafts and it's no wonder the prospect pool is shallow. In 2021, they chose not to sign four players, including two 3rds - and there's questions regarding Strömgrens potential too IMO. In 2022, they only made three picks ... and their top selection of that draft has rape allegations hanging over his head. 2023 was better, but even that is not a full draft class in terms of quantity. And they miss some future picks as well: no 5th or 7th in 2024, and depending on the outcome of the 238 Monahan conditions, they might give up another 4th in 2025.
Just stockpile picks. The draft is not a magic wand that will guarantee you success, but the more picks you have, the bigger chance you have to hit the jackpot.