Hopefully there are only so many chance to add the bigger more aggressive players to compliment the small core the Flame will have signed up long term going forward.
Core Flames that will be on the team for at least the next 4 years:
Gaudreau, Monahan, Frolik, Gio, Brodie, Hamilton,
These guys will account for around 30M in cap for the next 4 or more years or 40%.
There also is Bennett, who if he plays as well as expected, will be adding another 5-6M to long term core cap...this time next year.. bringing it close to 50% of the teams cap.
Out of the 7 the only Hamilton and Bennett has make-up to be above average in the truculence department.
This 6th pick is a chance to address a glaring need in the Flames core. It is far less risky to pick a Mcleod or Logan Brown or one of the more physical d-man than to sign Lucic or Okposo or Backes to expensive long-term deals as has been suggested as a remedy to the Flames truculence problems. It has a higher degree of probable success of hoping that a lesser talent (Bouma, Colborne, Ferland, Hunter Smith, Kanzig) grows into a top line player with an edge.
Bottom line IMHO - Flames can not and will not draft Nylander or Keller or Juolevi with their #6 pick
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