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Calgary4LIfe · 01-29-2014, 01:59 AM

It isn't just having 'two good centers' on the Flames.

Both Sam Reinhart and Monahan have exceptional hockey IQ, and play very good 200ft games. Both are natural leaders as well, and both have loads of maturity. Reinhart probably has an edge on his offensive game, but who thought Monahan would be able to score this much in his first season? Tough to say where either one of these prospect's ceilings are in terms of offence.

What makes drafting Reinhart very attractive is that now you get a double-threat of a Monahan or Reinhart on the ice against. With their IQ and defensive acumen, you should be able to throw either one against the top teams in the NHL. It becomes much more difficult for other teams to line-match against the Flames.

If the Flames end up drafting McDavid next year (or Jankowski really comes through, etc), Reinhart also has another trick up his sleeve - he is a RH shot (which will make faceoffs against him tougher for the opposition slightly, as I don't there are too many centers that are RHS). Then you have the Ivan Hlinka line of Klimchuk-McDavid-Reinhart (not that you should ever be drafting for junior chemistry at all, just funny how it can work out in the end - lol).

I like Ekblad, and I think there is nothing wrong with selecting him if the option is there to select 1st. I just think Reinhart shouldn't be discounted in the least when being compared to Ekblad, and though our center depth is vastly improved, it will only be 'decent', not great (unless, once again, Jankowski really pans out in a big way, which you can never bank on any single prospect doing so).

With regards to Edmonton, I am not even sure how much more they would favor Ekblad in this draft. Yes, they do need defence, but IMO they need a high-upside center that can play a good 200ft game and isn't undersized either. Line matching must be super easy against Edmonton. You have RNH to worry about.. and then Sam Gagner. They need a good center just as badly as I think they need defence. I really hope Reinhart doesn't end up in Edmonton.

01-29-2014, 01:59 AM	#868
Calgary4LIfe Franchise Player Join Date: Jun 2010 Exp:	It isn't just having 'two good centers' on the Flames. Both Sam Reinhart and Monahan have exceptional hockey IQ, and play very good 200ft games. Both are natural leaders as well, and both have loads of maturity. Reinhart probably has an edge on his offensive game, but who thought Monahan would be able to score this much in his first season? Tough to say where either one of these prospect's ceilings are in terms of offence. What makes drafting Reinhart very attractive is that now you get a double-threat of a Monahan or Reinhart on the ice against. With their IQ and defensive acumen, you should be able to throw either one against the top teams in the NHL. It becomes much more difficult for other teams to line-match against the Flames. If the Flames end up drafting McDavid next year (or Jankowski really comes through, etc), Reinhart also has another trick up his sleeve - he is a RH shot (which will make faceoffs against him tougher for the opposition slightly, as I don't there are too many centers that are RHS). Then you have the Ivan Hlinka line of Klimchuk-McDavid-Reinhart (not that you should ever be drafting for junior chemistry at all, just funny how it can work out in the end - lol). I like Ekblad, and I think there is nothing wrong with selecting him if the option is there to select 1st. I just think Reinhart shouldn't be discounted in the least when being compared to Ekblad, and though our center depth is vastly improved, it will only be 'decent', not great (unless, once again, Jankowski really pans out in a big way, which you can never bank on any single prospect doing so). With regards to Edmonton, I am not even sure how much more they would favor Ekblad in this draft. Yes, they do need defence, but IMO they need a high-upside center that can play a good 200ft game and isn't undersized either. Line matching must be super easy against Edmonton. You have RNH to worry about.. and then Sam Gagner. They need a good center just as badly as I think they need defence. I really hope Reinhart doesn't end up in Edmonton.