Quote:
Originally Posted by Calgary4LIfe
Nichushkin is really coming on. I think he fits on that Dallas line so well. I wanted the Flames to draft him as it seemed like he would be the best power-forward coming up in quite a long time, and it seems he is starting to do just that. Think he is a really, really special player.
Of course, I am more than happy with Monahan. His offence and the way he just fit into an NHL lineup makes me think this was a better pick (and much safer, and a more valuable position). I see Monahan as the future leader of this team in every regard - such a mature player and individual already. I am glad the Flames chose him over Nichushkin.
Nichushkin is going to be a very special player though. Some of his assists have been just cashing off of the play of Benn and Seguin, but he also drives some offence that Benn and Seguin cash in off of as well. You can see that defenders are having a tough time containing his speed, skill and size already. Wait until he fills out more - he is going to be lethal.
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Yeah, Niki was my hope as the Flames went into the draft this year. I knew Calgary wasn't getting the 5 guys who I considered having higher top-line/top-pair potential (MacKinnon, Jones, Drouin, Barkov and Lindholm) with less bust potential than Valeri. In a few years, you can really see a big time scorer in the making out of this kid. When you mix speed, skill and a size that most defenders will just have a horrid time dealing with... you really see Dallas was running all the way to the bank with a big grin on their face with this pick so late.
As for Monahan, I can see him being a leader similar to Toews (hate making this comparison), where he's vocal, leads by pure example and has an incredibly high work-ethic. I don't see him as a physical leader on the team, because that's not his game... but he'll be wearing the C in 5-6 years probably.
Overall you can't really hate on what Calgary did at the draft. They got a future leader, I don't know if I'm sold on him being that top line center we've needed forever, but a definite 1B/2 Center for this team for many, many years... In addition to two wingers that truly have some great potential. Emile Poirier is fantastic, Calgary has no one in their current ranks (and not many other teams do either) that can score and plays on the edge. And Klimchuk... I personally see a Zach Parise type player in the making. He works exceptionally hard, has great hands, is a leader on the ice in a medium sized frame... If these three work out; Flames might have made out really, really well at the draft.