Reading some scouting reports on Richie, it wouldn't be the end of the world if the Flames drafted him.
Obviously we'd love to get a big, skilled centre like the Sams or Draisaitl, but Richie sounds like a pretty impressive player. He's big, mean and physical. We all know that. But he's also patient with the puck, has a high hockey IQ, battles for pucks effectively, has a great shot and can find teammates with good passing. It also only takes him a few steps to reach full speed, which is one of his greatest assets.
His biggest knocks, from what I've read, are his durability, consistency and defensive game. His durability issues are worrisome, especially for a player that plays as rough as he does. Consistency comes with maturity and easily correctable with a coach like Hartley. Developing a defensive game (for a forward) takes work and won't come easy, but it too is correctable with effort.
I'd love them to draft one of the big 4, but if Richie is their guy, I'll be okay with it.
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