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Originally Posted by Bandwagon In Flames
I realize this has been beaten do death, and the only reason I brought it up was due to the other side of the discussion being brought up again..
But please explain why exactly were the Flames in perfect position to take Jankowski? At the time we had 1-2 B-level prospects in our system. Instead of picking another B-level prospect, the Flames decided to take a project pick who HAS A CHANCE to become an A-level prospect in 3-4 years. I have no issues with the wait, it's the HIGH RISK. The pick would be ideal for a team like Detroit who doesn't have the room to develop players in the NHL and already had plenty of B-level prospects almost ready to make the jump from AHL.
I can almost guarantee that many more posters would have exception with this if it wasn't for all the 2nd - 6th round picks that have adjusted well to pro.
Jankowski hasn't shown much flash or consistency after 3 years and was deemed our 11th ranked prospect. I'm seeing the 'high reward' slipping away, even through my homer glasses.
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To me, at that point in time, it looked like the Flames were going to push the Vets for a couple more years to try and make the playoffs. I fully believe Feaster and Weisbrod were planning on making the playoffs with a patchwork of players. To them, it probably looked like a good 3-4 years of playoff attempts...then they would have a young high risk high reward player possibly ready to step in to the rebuilding years.
Please remember the Flames were picking at 21 to gain a second round pick(Sieloff). At 21 in the first round to have a raw prospect with size and a skill set that could translate in to a "Joe Nieuwendyk" type player with more experience and playing time. This seems like a great time to me to Take a risk.
We all know what transpired the next two seasons. Now Even if he trends to a "Joel Otto" type 3rd or 4th liner that is defensively Responsible, good on the draw and still has the raw offensive talent to make some beauty plays I think it was worth it. Hell even if he flops, the % of players drafted 20 or lower that have solid NHL careers is still quite low.
Either way, our drafts have been pretty solid since 2011 and looking at what we have in the pipeline I like what I see. I have patience and trust in how Jankowski is being developed in Providence. It is his Third year in NCAA Div 1 which is a huge step up from his High School Prep League and has not looked out of place.