[StrykerSteve]

Originally Posted by HockeyInTheHimalayas

I think the question should be, What could Calgary do to move up into the top 3 picks?

Jonathan Drouin at potentially the 3rd overall pick is going to be franchise changer (Of course he may go earlier). Absolutely the most skilled player in the draft, with world class hands. I would even go as far as saying, in terms of pure stickhandling ability his hands are the dirtiest even across the last 3 drafts. Not only did he outscore Mackinnon in the regular season by 30 points, he continues to do so in the playoffs as well. The point differential in the playoffs is also trending towards the gap widening between the two as Mackinnon had a great start to the playoffs, but Drouin tied him and has taken the lead now.

Playoffs:
Jonathan Drouin 16GP 11G 23A 34PTS
Nathan MacKinnon 16GP 10G 21A 31PTS

Regular Season:
Jonathan Drouin 49GP 41G 64A 105PTS
Nathan Mackinnon 44GP 32G 43A 75PTS

After watching Drouin's slick, slick hands at the world juniors, and reading the articles about his teammates and coaches raving about his pure skill and work ethic, it's hard to imagine there is a better player in this draft than him. I really wish the Flames can somehow manage to select Drouin. I understand Mackinnon is a more complete player, but when you can pickup a guaranteed point per game player, and world class offensive player, I would take Drouin in a heartbeat.



Also on those points by Jiri about Sven, I would absolutely agree. Sven's hands aren't "unreal", but his offensive instincts are the big thing with him, coupled with above average offensive attributes, and no real down point on the offensive side. I am quite certain he will be a very good offensive player, very soon, and will not take the same amount of time as Backlund to adjust. I think he will pickup next season where he left off this year, on a hot streak.

Drouin may very well be a "flash in the pan". He's had one dominant season.

He was barely even in the discussion at the start of the season.

http://www.tsn.ca/draftcentre/feature/?id=9600