Not that the Flames drafting has been good by any stretch but when looking at it objectively the Flames were one of the better teams in the NHL from 2005-2009, not really getting good draft positions. The "bust" rate for players drafted in the late first round is pretty high and getting a player who scores 200 goals in the NHL is pretty rare. Going to the 2001 NHL entry draft (players who are 31-32 now) there have been five players who have scored 200 goals and only 3 more who have scored 150 or more. Realistically in the entire draft there are 8 players who will or may score 200 goals over the course of their career. The year 2000 - 4; 1999 - 5; 1998 - 12; 1997 - 6; 1996 - 6.
The Flames have historically been poor drafters, but there are unrealistic expectations of greatness that many fans seem to hold while saying, 'if only we picked...'
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