One thing that can't be overlooked is how important strong two-way centers are. Crosby, Bergeron, Datsyuk, Zetterberg, Krejci, Toews, etc. Guys that can get on both sides of the stats sheets - the offensive and defensive sides. Monahan is of that ilk, can you imagine adding another one like Reinhart (who may be even more offensive?).
I really like Ekblad, and he has shown himself very, very well in the world juniors. I don't think you can go wrong selecting him first at all. However, having a Monahan/Reinhart tandem that eats up a bit more than half the game - two players that will do a lot to drive possession - that means a lot moving forward.
Like others have pointed out, it is very rare to get a 1st line player outside the first round, and a 1st line center outside the top 5 picks. Though I won't say it is 'common' to get top pairing defencemen in rounds 2 and lower, I would estimate that it is just as likely than getting them in the 1st round.
Best case scenario for me - Flames take Reinhart 1st. They have a late first and take a defencemen, use a 2nd and a 3rd to take another 2 defencemen (unless of course, there are glaringly better options). Scatter-gun approach seems to work pretty well for some teams - i.e. Nashville - in drafting D. Their games are much more difficult to project, and the first 3 rounds are littered with disappointments and outstanding surprises.
Having another high-IQ, mature, 2-way center who reminds me a LOT of Monahan already on this team would make for a dynamic top 6 that play a full 200ft game. I simply don't think it is a mistake in the slightest to go in that direction, and I think it would be a huge waste of an opportunity if the Flames don't take advantage of it if they end up having that choice. I like Ekblad, and there will be no tears from me if the Flames draft him, but my preference is definitely Reinhart.
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