My guess is that the first 5 picks ranked by the Flames (in no particular order) are: Ekblad, Reinhart, Bennett, Dal Colle, Ritchie.
Maybe Burke was just blowing smoke by saying he doesn't like Draisaitl, or maybe that was the truth.
I like the fact that so many mock drafts are seeing these guys being selected in almost random orders. They are all very unique prospects when comparing to one another.
Reinhart - incredibly high IQ, elite offensive abilities, 200ft game
Bennett - great IQ, great offensive abilities, gritty competitor
Ekblad - big and extremely good skating 2-way defender with a very complete game
Draisaitl - big bodied center with elite playmaking abilities and puck-possession
Dal Colle - Great skating, high IQ, amazing offensive abilities (playmaking and shooting) LW/C
Ritchie - highest ceiling powerforward that loves to play a physical and punishing game, with great offensive abilities
Each guy's skill-set is fairly unique. Each prospect has a particular strength that none of the others possess (at least to that degree).
Each player has the projection of turning into a very good and very important player for the Flames moving forward. I am doing my best to not get too attached to a certain prospect, as I have no idea how the draft will unfold. If I was to guess (and having the Flames picking at 5) here is my worthless mock draft:
Buffalo - Reinhart
Florida - Ekblad
Edmonton - Draisaitl (Trusting Lowe on liking Draisaitl)
NYI - Dal Colle
Calgary - Bennett
Calgary picks Ritchie only if Draisaitl is the player left from the 'top 5' (trusting what Burke says). For those that really don't like Ritchie, this should be very reassuring. For those that like Ritchie, I really don't see the Flames making a mistake with anyone that is available here.
Don't forget wildcards like Nylander, Ehlers, Kapanen (a bit more of a long-shot here) and even Fleury (if a team is particularly found of a defencmen). 2 of the top 5 players may even be available when the Flames select.
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