Went with Fox this round, but there are really 6 guys I still really like at this spot.
Fox has pretty good upside as an offensive defencemen. He is probably just a tad behind Kylington as the Flames highest ceiling offensive defencemen (not all around defencemen). That always carries a lot of value in my opinion. For instance, Wideman 2 seasons ago was simply gold for the Flames and was a huge reason why the Flames made the playoffs. Fox is a better skater and puck mover IMO than Wideman.
Klimchuk - I really, really like Klimchuk still. He has tools to become a reliable top 6 scorer - his shot is absolutely lethal I think, and he has great IQ. It is sad to see myself ranking him this low as it is within this group, but all the time he has missed due to injuries makes me wonder if his development has been impaired. I really hope he has a healthy year in Stockton - I still think he has the ability to become a pretty good NHL'er, but if his development takes another hit by injury, I will start getting used to the idea that he won't make the show.
Parsons - Kipper. That is what I think. Yeah, they don't play the same style. Why I make that comparison is in terms of his 'fight' - Kipper made some outstanding momentum-changing saves because he would not give up. Parsons is like that. Kid has a tonne of compete - probably the most compete out of all the goalies.
MacDonald - Size and athleticism. Goalies are always such a crapshoot, and thus are always ranked lower in my list, but MacDonald has done nothing but impress me since the draft.
Schneider - yep, another goalie here in this group. Kid competes like Parsons I think. Parlayed a generous camp invite into a contract by being so impressive. I thought he did well in the AHL for his stint there too. He is forgotten about, but he is very much a very strong goalie prospect.
Dube - the center version of Klimchuk to me in some ways. Does so much right all the time.
Rafikov - yeah, yeah, it looks like he may never come over. I see him as a less physical Kasparaitis. Defends well, moves the puck decently, is a good skater, and agitates really well. I thought he had solid top 4 potential. I can't lower his ranking simply because it looks like he isn't coming over - if he progresses, the Flames can always encourage him to come over, or trade him to a team like Tampa that seem to love Russians.
Ollas-Mattsson here as well. Size, aggression, solid puck-mover and also a bit of a feel-good story that is hard to root against.
Culkin - this is his last season before he becomes a Negrin. Just like I am worried about Klimchuk, I am even more concerned with Culkin. If it wasn't for his injuries, he probably would have been selected in the top 10.
There are a few others that I am mulling over as well. I really don't know who I will pick next once Fox is off the board, and it looks like I may be voting for Fox for a few more rounds by the looks of it.
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