Let's explore Calgary's late round steals vs. the rest of the NW to start. I'm not going to include any picks made in the 1st or 2nd round:
Edmonton
1. Mike Comrie (91st Overall)
Nothing else worth mentioning since 1999 really... They're on par with us in terms of poor late-round performance. Hey - they suck too!
Colorado
1. 240th Jeff Finger (very serviceable for this late a pick)
2. Radim Vrbata (212th - the guy's still a 20 goal scorer)
3. JM Liles (159th)
4. Marek Svatos (227th)
5. Brandon Yip (239th - might be a bit early to call a steal but a fine rookie season thus far)
6. David Jones (288th - see above)
7. TJ Galiardi (55th - see above)
Makes our drafting look downright embarrassing. Granted, one of the best in the league at finding talent
Vancouver
1. Kevin Bieksa (151st Overall)
2. Alex Edler (91st) - Great defenseman for that late a pick
3. Mason Raymond (51st - 20 goal scorer, fine pick).
Hate to say it, but slightly better results than Calgary
Minnesota
These guys don't have a single pick (3rd rounder or more) that I'd consider a steal. We're better than them (GO MOSSER!...)
In Summary
We're slightly below average when compared with our Divisional peers. Arguably as good as, or better than, Edmonton, definitely better than the Wild.
My point is, the Flames are trying to be a world class organization, and to do that you need world class scouts. Tod Button shows us nothing to indicate he is of that caliber.
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