This is why I want the flames to trade tanev, hanifin and lindholm sooner than later. I truly believe if they sent those three out now that flames could challenge San Jose for that third overall pick. Having the third overall pick would be the biggest asset we could get for trading those guys.
The problem with sooner is most teams don't have the cap space until you get closer to the deadline.
I think people are starting to sleep on Eiserman a bit. 6' 200lbs with mitts of absolute silk. Plays a heavy game and has an absolute rocket shot. This kid is going to be dominant year 1 in NHL.
I know I’m a fool for wanting to steer away from Americans, but I really am. If he’s the BPA I obviously select him but if it’s between him and Lindstrom I’d lean towards Lindstrom. I want a guy here for a decade and a half.
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I think Mackling is #1 just for his pure offensive IQ, he's a playmaker who can also score goals where as Eiserman is for sure the #1 pure goal scoring threat with a huge frame.
Personally I'd be happy with either of them, the Flames need both.
How did Eiserman not get invited to team USA's WJHC camp this year??
Eisermans great, so is Demidov. But the Flames need to draft another Sean Monahan if they're going to be picking in the top 10 if the have the chance to. Give me the center every single time.
Honestly, come draft day I'm just setting myself up for disappointment because Lindstrom isn't going to be there unless the Flames pick at 2.
.there's something really special about a 6'5 puckhandling speedster.
__________________ "Everybody's so desperate to look smart that nobody is having fun anymore" -Jackie Redmond
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E-Mac's back with our quintessential #NHLdraft rankings in our unique spreadsheet format.
Celebrini continues to leads the way...
But we have some risers...
(cough, Cayden Lindstrom, cough - big surprise lol)
Intro:
"This is our December update to our patented quintessential spreadsheet format, composed by the incomparable Chief of Scouting, E-Mac. Check out the many tabs/sheets (subjects along the bottom) of this spreadsheet. Watch for features to be added and expanded upon as the season unfolds.
The big mover from our preseason rankings has been creating a buzz in hockey circles - Cayden Lindstrom. The 6'3 centre is lighting up the WHL this season. Defenseman Anton Silayev has also moved up to the top 5. Defenseman Zeev Buium is another big mover, having moved up from 29th to the top 10.
For this edition, you will notice additional tabs for prospects < 5'11 as well as for overage prospects, that is, having gone through at least 1 year of eligibility.
For optimal viewing, you can open up the spreadsheet rankings to a separate page by clicking the icon in the upper right-hand corner. Please enjoy and, as always, we appreciate any feedback from all of you Upsiders.
Don't just go inside hockey. Don't get caught on the Dark Side. Join us on the Upside.
If you enjoy and would like to have a downloadable version of these extensive rankings, simply buy us a cup of coffee (via KoFi), follow us on Twitter/X @UpsideHockey, drop us your email address, and you'll become an Upside Hockey Insider."
Should note a whopping 367 prospects included in the ultra mega draft spreadsheet (7 rounds plus our watchlist) - yah, you could say it's extensive lol
Would love for the flames to get one of Cellebrini, Eiserman or Lindstrom. If they don’t get one of them and end up picking from one of the highly ranked defensemen… I hope they target one with high offence skill, hockey IQ and skating. We’ve seen the impact those kind of guys can have for teams (Makar, Hughes, Fox, Josi). It completely changes the way a team can attack up the ice and on powerplays. I’m less excited to see the draft projection for a defenseman that is just considered solid defensively without putting up much for points. Not sure which defenceman in this draft would be ranked highest based on their offensive ability and skating… but that’s who I would be looking for.
Eisermans great, so is Demidov. But the Flames need to draft another Sean Monahan if they're going to be picking in the top 10 if the have the chance to. Give me the center every single time.
Honestly, come draft day I'm just setting myself up for disappointment because Lindstrom isn't going to be there unless the Flames pick at 2.
.there's something really special about a 6'5 puckhandling speedster.
Unicorn and Bigfoot in one package.
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Carter Yakemchuk is being ranked anywhere from 13th to 26th, from what I've seen. 6'3", drives play, pushes pace, good skater, very aggressive, and skilled with the puck. He can be a bit of an adventure in his own zone sometimes, but many kids his age have that issue. 35 points (14 goals) in 31 games, to go with 56 PIM. This kid will be a huge riser on draft day, book it.
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The hell with this draft we need to stock pile 2026 un-protected 1st rounders for a shot at Bedard's cousin, scouts are already claiming McKenna might be even better.
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Observations:
- Eiserman all the way down at 8
- Catton a surprise at #2, with the much talked about Lindstrom at #3.
- 4 wingers in the top 10, and 7 forwards overall. THN basically ignoring how teams actually draft.
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Carter Yakemchuk is being ranked anywhere from 13th to 26th, from what I've seen. 6'3", drives play, pushes pace, good skater, very aggressive, and skilled with the puck. He can be a bit of an adventure in his own zone sometimes, but many kids his age have that issue. 35 points (14 goals) in 31 games, to go with 56 PIM. This kid will be a huge riser on draft day, book it.
He always had a weird nose for the net, he has that ability to get shots on the net from the point, I think he was a better forward than DMan.
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Ferrari has been lower on Eiserman than most for a while. Wrote this about him a couple of months ago:
Quote:
Eiserman is the real head-scratcher. What do you do with a player who has the chance to be one of the best goal-scorers we’ve seen in the draft since Auston Matthews? With a game so incomplete, you question whether he will ever be able to take advantage of the truly special ability he has.
Eiserman is a floater for large stretches of time, and he can be a bit of a lackluster distributor. He is the kind of player who puts his head down and looks to shoot at every chance. He needs to diversify his skill set in a major way.
sounds like Patrik Laine to me.
Was also surprised that Team USA didn't even bother to include him in the WJC preliminary 29 player roster while including 2025 prospect James Hagens (they ultimately cut him, but still).
Really curious about Buium. No idea how big his role is going to be at the WJC (I'd expect 2022 picks like Hutson, Casey and Chesley play heavy minutes), but I wouldn't be shocked if he continued to shoot up in rankings.
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Probably not of interest but interesting (to me) to see where all these players were at the Brick tournament.
Bedard was 10th in scoring in his year. Celebrini was 35th. But you see a hell of a lot of great players spread throughout. Tom Willander (Van) was a ringer that Alberta brought in from Sweden to play, teammate of Yak. These are 10 yr olds.
Observations:
- Eiserman all the way down at 8
- Catton a surprise at #2, with the much talked about Lindstrom at #3.
- 4 wingers in the top 10, and 7 forwards overall. THN basically ignoring how teams actually draft.
I appreciate their approach of just doing an honest perspective. This draft is shaping up to be a very defense heavy 1st round where the wingers will suffer drops and centers will get a pretty big bump because there are so few.
Cade Lindstrom is a real unicorn in this draft though. The speed with the size and skillet are insane. And I think after some development he will become the play driver that review knocks him on.
I imagine some tutoring with a Kadri like player would be a massive asset.
Just need the Flames to pull put a lottery W . I'd hate to see that player on any other team other than the Flames.
__________________ "Everybody's so desperate to look smart that nobody is having fun anymore" -Jackie Redmond
Last edited by dammage79; 12-21-2023 at 06:34 PM.
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I appreciate their approach of just doing an honest perspective. This draft is shaping up to be a very defense heavy 1st round where the wingers will suffer drops and centers will get a pretty big bump because there are so few.
Cade Lindstrom though is a real unicorn in this draft though. The speed with the size and skillet are insane. And I think after some development he will become the play driver that review knocks him on.
I imagine some tutoring with a Kadri like player would be a massive asset.
Just need the Flames to pull put a lottery W . I'd hate to see that player on any other team other than the Flames.
I think if they get top 5 or 6, they will have some pretty amazing choices, including potentially Lindstrom.
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Just watched some highlights of Lindstrom. Definitely looks like a great player to build around if he can translate his game to the NHL. Looks like he plays at a very fast pace which is great to see. Looks like he uses a very short stick for his size which helps with his quick hands in tight.
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Iginla (6-foot, 186 pounds), a forward with Kelowna of the WHL, has 42 points (25 goals, 17 assists) in 32 games. The 17-year-old is second on Kelowna in scoring and sixth among WHL players in goals.
"He's a dynamic offensive player and has speed and quickness that makes a difference and possesses natural offensive instincts and finishing ability," Central Scouting vice president Dan Marr said. "He's a player you can't keep your eyes off when he's on the ice."
Iginla is one of 14 players participating in the game who received an A rating from Central Scouting in its November players to watch list.
...it's wild seeing Iginla getting slated right around where the Flames will undoubtedly be drafting.
It'd be something.
Right around where the Oilers will be drafting as well. If they are drafting before the Flames around that same range and Iginla is available, they will take him because it would be such an Edmonton thing to do.
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"A pessimist thinks things can't get any worse. An optimist knows they can."
