[Yrebmi]

Originally Posted by pgsieve

Spoiler!

I had intended on doing this once everything was done (as I didn't want to derail the discussion)- but i wanted to provide my entire voting list before I left for extended international travel.

I think we really have something with Acolatse. That being said- I never really got to vote this year:

1. Gaudreau:Tough not get excited about this kid. Looked good in the worlds, excellent year last year, and I think we have enough "mass" up front to make sure he doesn't get destroyed. Biggest concern: Size and NHL/AHL schedule

2. Wotherspoon: Our best defensive prospective IMO. I don't think he looked out of place for the few call up games, and I think if he didn't get hurt he would be ranked a lot higher on the overall board. Biggest concern: Speed and injuries

3. Grandlund: Similar review with Wotherspoon. I wrote this guy off last year, and man did he impress. If Johnny fails or gets hurt- look for Grandlund to be the first call up. Biggest concern: Size and defensive coverage

4. Ortio: Our best goalie in the system. Looked good last year and is very strong positionally. Looking forward to seeing another big year in the AHL. Biggest concern: Rebounds

5. Bennett: I'm not sold on Bennett. If I wasn't more terrified of the backlash of ranking him far lower- he might have fallen out of my top 10. Needs to have a strong junior year and a great World Juniors. I also want to see him come to training camp and do more pull-ups than anyone. Biggest concern: Character

6. Poirier: I think he is going to light up the AHL this year and force the Flames hand on a few call ups. Biggest concern: Finish

7. Acolatse: I've voted for the guy enough- time to tell you why. Not only is Acolatse a solid shut down D- he can also put the puck in on occasion and is one of the meanest out there. Acolatse screams truculence and I expect him to get 1-2 call-ups this year. Biggest concern: Injuries

8. Baertschi: Sven's defensive game needs a lot of work. He reminds me a lot of Ryan Howse (with a few more tricks). I was really happy to see him spend some time in the AHL and I look forward to watching his development. Biggest concern: Character and work ethic

9. Kanzig: I'm extremely interested to see Kanzig make the jump this year from junior. I think he has all the right tools- just needs to put it together. I'm most excited to see how this "project" player turns out. Biggest concern: Speed

10. Gillies: For a team with huge goaltending questions after Kipper's departure- I'm extremely excited to have two goalies in my top 10. Gillies is a bit more unproven for me, but I'm excited to see him make the jump out of college. Biggest concern: Speed and footwork

11. Klimchuk: Klimchuk reminds me of a 1st round pick we would have made in the past. Our depth is so strong that he takes the back seat- however I think he would have Johnny's "kind of attention" if this was 2-3 years ago. Biggest concern: Skating

12. Reinhart: He was my biggest surprise last year. Glad to see him get some success and I think he could have another big year. Biggest concern: Size and truculence

13. Sieloff: If Sieloff hadn't been injured last year- he would be in my top 5 and probably ahead of Wotherspoon. Solid d-man that also screams truculence. He needs to have a big year. Biggest concern: Injuries

14. Wolf: Who isn't excited to see the "Big Bad Wolf" come to town. I just hope he has some kind of hockey skill and doesn't cost us with his extra-curriculars. Biggest concern: "Style of play"

15. Knight: Knight is another guy in the same category as Klimchuk. I'm excited to see him in his second season, now that he is used to the AHL schedule. I think we might have something here. Biggest concern: Offensive production relative to other prospects

16. McDonald: As much as I was surprised that we took a goalie as high as we did- I can see us making a move and trading either Ortio or Gillies. McDonald could be a good goalie for us. Needs to have a big year to try push for a spot in the World Juniors. Biggest concern: Growth with his frame

17. Hanowski: Hanowski is my biggest "fan favourite". Hard worker and put up some solid numbers last year coming out of college. I think he could still surprise some people. Biggest concern: Offensive production relative to other prospects

18. Jankowski: I know everyone will probably jump all over me for having him so low. I ranked our prospects on where they are TODAY. Although I have my doubts for whether Jankowski is a bust or not, he is still developing. He needs more time to really become the player the Flames hope he can be. Biggest concern: Speed and growth with his frame

19. Rafikov: I don't know much about this player- but his play in the summer camp elevated him to my list.

20. Harrison: Disappointing year for Harrison, but I like his style. Needs to have a strong bounce back year. Biggest concern: productions


Overall- I think the Flames are in a lot better position compared to previous years. Although I think everyone would rather avoid another year of players like David Jones, Byron, or Glencross- we can't make the same mistake as the Oilers. The young guys need time to develop and understand the transition into the Pro game. My biggest concern is that we have the right veterans to teach good habits going forward.

Now... Go out and vote for Acolatse before I go away!

Thanked because I always appreciate a good list with reasoning even if I do not agree.