Quote:
Originally Posted by Flames Draft Watcher
A couple reasons why EDM can't have as much patience as we can with this pick.
1) EDM just doesn't have as much coming up as forwards as the Flames do. The Flames have guys like Baertschi, Granlund, Poirier, Gaudreau, (Ferland?) who may step in shortly as top two line forwards. Does EDM have anybody ready to step in there? We also have Reinhart, Arnold, Hanowski, Agostino, Knight, (Ferland?) who may step in shortly as bottom two line forwards.
2) More pressure is on EDM to be competitive sooner. The Flames can suck next year and it won't be a huge problem but EDM really needs to start to turn things around next year. Way more pressure on them
Both these reasons combine to form much more pressure to draft someone this year who can step in and make an immediate difference. So NHL readiness may play a larger role than they would like it to. The Flames can easily afford to take whoever they like and be patient with him. The Oilers almost need this year's pick to pull a Monahan and step in right away. Draisaitl/Dal Colle may be more NHL ready than either Sam. Reinhart is almost an RNH clone and doesn't bring that size they badly need. Very interesting pressure there on EDM and it may be the tiebreaker in what looks like almost a dead heat amongst those top end forwards.
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The last thing the Oilers need is another guy rushed into the NHL. Monahan had a good rookie season but he still played like a rookie. Sheltered minutes, and one of the worst plus/minues on his team. That won't help the Oilers get better. They already have enough young guys making mistakes.
The Oilers will need forwards on cheap contracts in 2-3 seasons if they are improving. Having a blue chip prospect that can step in an outperform his contract in a couple of seasons would help them a lot. That means the Oilers should pick the best player available whether he will take longer or not.
If Edmonton can't have patience with the pick then they should trade it. But lets be honest. There is no pressure on the Oilers to improve quickly because Katz won't fire Lowe or Mactavish so they can do whatever they believe is best for the long term.