Quote:
Originally Posted by kyuss275
I like Jones but i am not sure the flames could market him to flames fans like they could with a MacKinnon or Drouin. Jones will probably take longer to make the NHL and i'm not quite sold that he would stay in Calgary when his option is up to leave.
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Aside from the normal risk of drafting a defenceman that high, these two factors can't be overlooked. Flames brass want a fast turnaround. Even top-flight defencemen typically take years to round into form. Pronger wasn't really a game-changing defenceman until about his fifth season in the league. MacKinnon and Drouin project to be difference-makers much sooner. Then there's the long-term prospects of signing Jones. Even if he turns into the player many say he will be, the Flames could very well only get a few good seasons out of him.
You gotta go with MacKinnon if he's available. The real tough choice is between Drouin or Barkov if the Flames pick third.