Quote:
Originally Posted by Flames Draft Watcher
Not sure how anyone could be lukewarm or undecided on the 2011 draft. Despite only having 5 picks we ended up with:
1. Baertschi - we all know what he can and will bring
2. Granlund - Tied for 2nd in points at the World Juniors. Played okay in top finnish league after his brother left for North America. Still a project but has good skill
3. Wotherspoon - Surprised everyone by becoming a key member of Canada's blueline at the World Juniors. Played well in the WHL playoffs and Mem Cup. Looks very much like a future NHLer, perhaps as early as next season.
4. Gaudreau - Hobey Baker finalist. Lead the World Juniors in goals. Not much more he could've done. His stock his risen dramatically since being drafted. One of our best prospects.
5. Brossoit - Questionable cut from the World Juniors. Dominated the WHL and took his team to the Mem Cup. Looks like good value from a 6th round goalie.
There's plenty of drafts from our past that didn't look as impressive two years later. You're selling that draft class short if you think they are indistinguishable from the average Flames draft. 2011 rightfully has people thinking that Flames have finally improved their drafting.
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1. I haven't anointed Baertschi as a star yet although he looks promising, he didn't live up to the expectations of this board last year.
2.We've had other picks star in the World juniors and not amount to a lot.
3.Wotherspoon looks good, but lets wait to see how he handles pro hockey. He may turn out to be the best of the bunch though.
4. Gaudreau is interesting but it's still a toss up if he'll ever play in the NHL.
5. Brossoit has easily passed his test in the WHL but goalies are a crap shoot.
I don't want to be a pessimist but we've been just as gung ho for other drafts and few turn out. I really hope they all do great but I'm not ready to call it a great draft until I see some results.