I remember Todd Button talking about him at the 2010 draft, and thinking that Button was just blowing smoke - saying how high this kid's IQ was, and how thick and strong he was. He has really impressed in the NCAA since then - not just statistically, but how much of a leader and a strong 200ft player who is a complete 'jack of all trades'. Hockey IQ, defensive acumen, offensive abilities, can dangle, can make great passes and moves in tight, and drives the net. He is a decent skater too. There doesn't appear to be any serious holes in his game, but nothing that screams anywhere close to elite either. He is just a very well put-together hockey hard-working hockey player.
I don't think he will make the Flames as a center. Looking at the depth, you see Monahan, Backlund, Colborne and Knight - I am not sure Arnold will displace any of them. That is a tight battle now, much worse if the Jankowski pick comes through, and if the Flames draft another top-tier centermen in the next two drafts (which judging by where this team may be next season, picking top 2 is not out of the question). Reinhart has already converted. Byron has already converted it seems. Street is still 'kind of' in the picture as a jack of all trades type with more experience.
I really believe he will move over to wing, but he will be a player in the NHL. What is his ceiling? I think he could be a decent complimentary piece to a 2nd line with his soft hands and hockey sense, but will probably max out as a third line type as his reasonable ceiling. No idea really though - this kid has got some soft hands. I would bet he at least becomes an every-day 4th liner and pk'er, and that isn't bad at all.
These 4th round draft picks are seemingly lucky to draft in for the Flames, and to trade with.
|