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Tilley · 03-11-2009, 08:42 AM

The emergence of youth in Calgary skews the depth of the wing prospects for the Flames. Wing prospects like Greentree, Nemisz and Larson don't have to be rushed because Iginla is going nowhere for another four years and Nystrom, Moss, Bourque, and Glencross have added youthful depth to the organization. Centres prospects like Wahl and Armstrong can also be brought along slowly because the Flames already have Boyd in Calgary. Backlund will also have time to mature (either in the QC or on the wing in Calgary) with Langkow and the addition of Jokinen.

I agree that our wing prospects currently look thin, however moving Armstrong (who was listed as a RW/C for the draft) and/or Marvin to the wings would bolster our bookend prospects.

I imagine choosing the option to make the pick in 2009 will be made when the playoffs end for Calgary. If the Flames win the division or go on a playoff run I would expect Sutter to hand over the 1st rounder to Phoenix this year. If Calgary has another one and out playoff I wouldn't be surprised to see Sutter take this years pick and take a wing. Everything I have read indicates this draft has high end skill but the depth isn't as good as 2008 or 2010. The 2010 draft is supposed to have more high end depth so I can see Sutter wanting to have a 1st.

My prediction for the 2009 draft for Calgary is that they will give up the 1st this year and select wingers with the early round picks. I also think Sutter will select a goaltender with a 4th or 5th rounder to replace Lalande. I also think Sutter has the inside track on a couple of NCAA free agents (hopefully Bozak) since he will have a number of contracts coming off the books and only Grantham, Backlund, Negrin, and Aulie graduating to the pros.

03-11-2009, 08:42 AM	#8
Tilley Retired Aksarben Correspondent Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Spokane, Washington Exp:	The emergence of youth in Calgary skews the depth of the wing prospects for the Flames. Wing prospects like Greentree, Nemisz and Larson don't have to be rushed because Iginla is going nowhere for another four years and Nystrom, Moss, Bourque, and Glencross have added youthful depth to the organization. Centres prospects like Wahl and Armstrong can also be brought along slowly because the Flames already have Boyd in Calgary. Backlund will also have time to mature (either in the QC or on the wing in Calgary) with Langkow and the addition of Jokinen. I agree that our wing prospects currently look thin, however moving Armstrong (who was listed as a RW/C for the draft) and/or Marvin to the wings would bolster our bookend prospects. I imagine choosing the option to make the pick in 2009 will be made when the playoffs end for Calgary. If the Flames win the division or go on a playoff run I would expect Sutter to hand over the 1st rounder to Phoenix this year. If Calgary has another one and out playoff I wouldn't be surprised to see Sutter take this years pick and take a wing. Everything I have read indicates this draft has high end skill but the depth isn't as good as 2008 or 2010. The 2010 draft is supposed to have more high end depth so I can see Sutter wanting to have a 1st. My prediction for the 2009 draft for Calgary is that they will give up the 1st this year and select wingers with the early round picks. I also think Sutter will select a goaltender with a 4th or 5th rounder to replace Lalande. I also think Sutter has the inside track on a couple of NCAA free agents (hopefully Bozak) since he will have a number of contracts coming off the books and only Grantham, Backlund, Negrin, and Aulie graduating to the pros.