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Originally Posted by dammage79
Goldobin is an interesting one for me. Can see him being taken anywhere in the first round really. Say the flames pick 7th or lower, with their recent knack for developing players recently I hope e they take a good long look at him and maybe pick him. Immense offensive skill. Just needs to round out his game a little more.
I'd argue he could be the exact kind if pick the Flames should make. They have tons of great two way forward a but lack dynamic offensive prowess type players.
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I really like Goldobin too, and though I wouldn't say he is good defensively, he isn't completely lost in his own zone.
I just don't see Burke picking him. Not unless Cammalleri moves on and he trades Hudler (and maybe even one step further and trades Baertschi as well). Gaudreau is that 'dynamic' offensive talent, but in a small package. Goldobin I would rank at near elite offensive ability as well. I would like to have him on the Flames, but he is fairly small (depending on what site you are looking for - but he at the very least has a very slight build). I think Burke will make sure the Flames select a player that has size + skill this draft, instead of just pure skill.
A Russian that I could actually see Burke drafting would be Barbashev. Plays with an edge - fairly physical. Has some high-end skill and is responsible defensively. Is 6'0" and 181lbs (again, depending on which site - but this one is the same one having Goldobin at 5'9" and 146lbs - and I know he is bigger than this now).
It is tempting though - Goldobin's offensive skill is probably top 5 in the NHL, and he has tremendous IQ. I really like him as a prospect myself - just can't see the Flames drafting him as they are assured of getting a prospect with skill+size this draft (one of the Sams may drop, Draisaitl might be there, Dal Colle, Ritchie and Perlini are ranked right around where the Flames seem to be finishing at, and could be more surprises).
I do expect the Flames to draft a couple more times this year from Europe (and possibly even Russia). They hired Todd Woodcraft this off-season.
http://flames.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=679765
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“Todd’s extensive experience in Europe, and particularly Russia, will be invaluable for us as we continue to place even greater emphasis on drafting and developing our own players.”
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Definitely think they will at least have a better focus on European prospects this draft, and could potentially pick some with their later-round picks (as I don't see them picking Nylander or Kapanen either for much the same reasons as not picking Goldobin - though Kapanen is apparently 6'0" and 181lbs now, so maybe he can be that high-offensive player you are looking for?).