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sureLoss · 07-28-2013, 07:48 PM

Ok, I was bored so I decided to do some research on the consensus top 3 that FCs and Last Word on Sports agree on. This is just information I have summarized going through articles and forum posts ... feel free to criticize if you think you have better insight on the player.

Sam Reinhart
This playmaking center at this point in time is the clear favourite to go 1st overall. Going to hear a lot of comparisons to Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. Some say Reinhart's playmaking ability/passing skills are on the same level as RNH, some say a few notches below. The pros that Reinhart has right now over RNH in his draft year is that Reinhart is already listed 15lbs heavier than RNH was in his draft year and that Reinhart is more well rounded (i.e. plays a better 2 way game). The main criticism on Reinhart is his shot needs more power behind it.

William Nylander
Probably the most offensively talented forward in the draft. Getting comparisons to Patrick Kane although a few people will tell you he plays a very similar game to his father. Biggest hole in his game is defense, all though he does backcheck. Will probably be among the smallest players to go in the first round and his lack of size will probably make him a better winger at the NHL level. Usually have some concern with European players and how they will adapt with the NA game, but Nylander was playing hockey in Chicago before leaving to dominate the Swedish junior leagues at 15, so he has some exposure and prehaps has a better idea of what to expect when he comes over.

Aaron Ekblad
Will most likely be the best defenceman at the draft. Some people who follow the OHL compare him to Chris Pronger. For those asking how he compares to Seth Jones, at this point most will say there is no question Jones is on a higher tier than Ekblad. Ekblad is praised for his work in his own zone and transition play, but some question his offensive game as it hasn't improved significantly from his rookie year. If Ekblad's offensive numbers significantly improve this year while playing solid defensively, his draft stock will rise significantly.

From a Flames Perspective
All 3 players will fill organizational needs. Playmaking center, RW and a top pairing defender. All 3 have right shots so that is a bonus.

If I were the Flames I would rank them at this point
1. Reinhart
2. Ekblad
3. Nylander

07-28-2013, 07:48 PM	#29
sureLoss Some kinda newsbreaker! Join Date: May 2004 Location: Learning Phaneufs skating style Exp:	Ok, I was bored so I decided to do some research on the consensus top 3 that FCs and Last Word on Sports agree on. This is just information I have summarized going through articles and forum posts ... feel free to criticize if you think you have better insight on the player. Sam Reinhart This playmaking center at this point in time is the clear favourite to go 1st overall. Going to hear a lot of comparisons to Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. Some say Reinhart's playmaking ability/passing skills are on the same level as RNH, some say a few notches below. The pros that Reinhart has right now over RNH in his draft year is that Reinhart is already listed 15lbs heavier than RNH was in his draft year and that Reinhart is more well rounded (i.e. plays a better 2 way game). The main criticism on Reinhart is his shot needs more power behind it. William Nylander Probably the most offensively talented forward in the draft. Getting comparisons to Patrick Kane although a few people will tell you he plays a very similar game to his father. Biggest hole in his game is defense, all though he does backcheck. Will probably be among the smallest players to go in the first round and his lack of size will probably make him a better winger at the NHL level. Usually have some concern with European players and how they will adapt with the NA game, but Nylander was playing hockey in Chicago before leaving to dominate the Swedish junior leagues at 15, so he has some exposure and prehaps has a better idea of what to expect when he comes over. Aaron Ekblad Will most likely be the best defenceman at the draft. Some people who follow the OHL compare him to Chris Pronger. For those asking how he compares to Seth Jones, at this point most will say there is no question Jones is on a higher tier than Ekblad. Ekblad is praised for his work in his own zone and transition play, but some question his offensive game as it hasn't improved significantly from his rookie year. If Ekblad's offensive numbers significantly improve this year while playing solid defensively, his draft stock will rise significantly. From a Flames Perspective All 3 players will fill organizational needs. Playmaking center, RW and a top pairing defender. All 3 have right shots so that is a bonus. If I were the Flames I would rank them at this point 1. Reinhart 2. Ekblad 3. Nylander Last edited by sureLoss; 07-29-2013 at 08:11 AM.