The First Round of the CP All-time Calgary Flames Mini-Draft is now complete, with 10 of Calgary's greatest players from the past and present being selected:
Surprising few in attendance, Aeneas selected JAROME IGINLA first overall. It was fitting that Calgary's greatest player was the top pick -- his combination of skill, speed, strength, toughness, and leadership would have dominated in any era.
With the second pick, GirlySports took AL MacINNIS, Calgary's second all-time leading scorer and 1989 Conn Smythe Winner. MacInnis was far and away the best defenceman available in the draft, and will anchor the blue line for Team a-ring-a-ding-dong-dandy.
In the third slot, czure32 selected MIKE VERNON, Calgary's all-time wins leader. Vernon backstopped the Flames to the Finals in 1986, and again in 1989 when the Calgary won the Stanley Cup. Throw in multiple All-Star selections, and it's easy to see why the Flames have retired his #30 jersey.
Selecting fourth overall, StrayBullet picked another goaltender, MIIKKA KIPRUSOFF. As the only other elite goaltender in the draft, it was no surprise to see Kipper picked early in the first round. Since arriving from San Jose in 2003/04, the Finnish netminder has a Vezina Trophy, the NHL single season record for GAA, and a trip to the Stanley Cup Finals.
At number five, Prototype quickly selected THEO FLEURY, Calgary's all-time points leader. The diminutive Flame started his career in 1989, helping Calgary win the Stanley Cup. Over the next 10 years, he became the Flames leader, Captain and one of the most popular players in team history.
With the sixth pick, JerzeeGirl selected the "Magic Man", KENT NILSSON. With 469 points in only 345 games, Kenta is the most prolific scorer in Calgary Flames history, and he is likely the most skilled player ever to wear the Flaming C.
The seventh overall pick went to WindomURL, who quickly selected JOE NIEUWENDYK. A bonafide number one centre, Joe had the size, skill, and hands to score at will. His back-to-back 51 goal seasons to start his career will likely never be matched in Calgary.
With the eighth pick, HalifaxDrunk selected GARY ROBERTS. The gritty but skilled left winger amassed 505 points with the Flames, and was an integral member of the team during the team's hey-day from the mid 80's to mid 90's. His leadership and toughness will undoubtedly help Team C of Red.
Choosing ninth overall, Jagger selected HAKAN LOOB, the skilled Swedish forward. Another Flames favorite, chants of LOOOOOOOOOOOOB permeated the Saddledome during the 1980's. He was the first Swede to score 50 goals in a season, and he ended his career in Calgary by helping the Flames capture the Stanley Cup in 1989.
Rounding out the top 10, tvp2003 picked JOE MULLEN, the seventh forward taken in the first round. Despite his size, Joe had the heart, determination, and scoring touch to help lead one of the most prolific offences in the NHL during the late 1980's.
EDIT: I was going to add more analysis and/or draft grades, but I didn't think that would be very nice. I'm also a little biased since I'm also participating in this draft
