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Originally Posted by djsFlames
Here's my slightly more critical opinion..
It just seems that when the Flames make their list, they focus all their intel from strictly internal personnel, and turn a cold shoulder to the NHL scout/mainstream reports from people who may have watched some of these kids for longer periods of time than the Flames' guys. This is what concerns me. I think you need to factor in some outside opinions as well. Talk to those other scouts. Gather as much info. That may be part of their process, but judging by how Feaster came across, it sounds like everything's judged internally. And if you're sticking to only a couple opinions of those who caught a mere handful of games (when they talk about players picked, it doesn't sound like they're taking from a large sample size of games, ex-Jankowski) perhaps they're not gauging the player properly. And sure, I like Poirier, but I'd like to know what places Poirier higher than Shinkaruk in their minds. If three of four scouting reports have him ranked at 40-70 (one 29th), then obviously those opinions were completely discarded here. Do they truly, honestly believe Poirier will be a more impact NHLer in the future? If they can't say so confidently, then maybe that was not the pick to be made at 22. But if so, then I sure hope they're right.
I'm not one to judge as to whether they picked "right" or not, cause it's impossible to tell right now, but I feel like there's some tunnel vision going on within our management group. And with their track record (despite a slightly improved 2011 draft) I just don't think they should be "not caring" about what the mainstream/outside sources feel about where players should be ranked, especially when it greatly differs from their own rankings. Trying to be clever should only be tried consecutively like this if you have proven that your scouting staff can pick out gems that have gone under the radar with your past picks. And other than what we found in TJ Brodie, we are no Detroit.
I like the picks though, all the 1st rounders look talented, and Monahan was my favorite going in. I just hope we don't regret these choices later, seeing as this draft could either make or break us down the road.
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Though this view has a degree of rationality behind it--why wouldn't you get as many opinions as possible for the most informed decision--there is a couple of drawbacks.
First, it is difficult to judge whether the Flames completely ignore the opinions of independent scouting services, as discussion regarding players is kept behind closed doors.
Second, I would rather the Flames be committed to their process, and the abilities their staff, then giving weight to the opinions of an unknown, unfamiliar person. I have no clue as to who writes the reports for central scouting, or the Hockey News, or any other such reports, and I do not know what makes them qualified to evaluate a pool of prospects. That is not say the people in central scouting are terrible at what they do; rather, the Flames have hired people to do a job. Let them do their job, and reward them by drafting players your scouts believe in.
Of course, our scouting and player development might be crap. But then we have a much bigger problem than who we draft 22nd overall.