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Calgary4LIfe · 07-04-2017, 01:23 AM

I voted Jankowski, and really feel he is the best prospect on the Flames, and I said the next round is going to be tough.

I am still unsure who I will vote, but the "Flavor of the month" responses with regards to Valimaki I think are actually unwarranted. I don't THINK I will pick him next, but I wouldn't argue with a single person if they did.

For instance, everyone knows that Valimaki was nearly a PPG defencemen in his draft year in the WHL. Anyone bother to go and check that out for themselves?

http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/l...010092017.html

Yes, he was 4th in scoring on the team. Pretty high for a defencemen. Funny enough, he was the 2nd highest scoring defencemen on the team (though he scored the most goals). Parker Wotherspoon (yes, our Wotherspoon's brother) is a fairly highly regarded defencemen in his own right, but this was his draft +2 season. Only 5 more points in 9 more games.

Pretty good, right?

I have said this before a few times, but I honestly think that not only did the Canucks screw up in not taking Tkachuk, but they made a worse mistake in selecting Juolevi.

The Knights are not a strong team this year (though Parsons says what?), but it is worth glancing at their team.

http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/l...008142017.html

8th in team scoring, including 2 defencemen ahead of him (including a 16 year old defencemen). He had a decent playoff run, so there's that.

Valimaki is a much better prospect in my opinion. Flames did excellent in nabbing him, and I bet he becomes a fairly good player for the Flames and forces the Flames to make a decision. I wouldn't ridicule anyone for thinking he is the #1 prospect even. I think he is that good.

For those that doubt Jankowski, just imagine a 6'4" center that skates very well, and uses his long reach to just control the game. The way he uses his reach really reminds me of Jagr/Lemieux. You then watch Colborne play, and he just doesn't really make plays while using his reach. Colborne used his reach to just knock pucks off opposing players sticks, and sometimes for protecting the puck. Jankowski does that, AND makes plays around players with his reach. It is difficult to explain, but I think his skill will really surprise some people on these boards.

I think he has all the tools to become a #1 center. Mangiapane has been the only really skilled player that Jankowski has played with in like... 7 years? I can't wait to watch him with actual talent around him. He has great vision out there. I actually really enjoy watching him play. High ceiling, and fairly high floor. I really think he is going to at LEAST be a #3 center in the NHL with his skating, IQ and defensive acumen (including face-offs).

It is just going to be really interesting to see where the Flames slot him in. I hope it isn't on the 4th line. I would love to see him play with Bennett as Bennett's LW (and Versteeg on the right) for now. Heck, flip-flop them every 10 games from wing to center and see who does better as a center. I just think he needs a top 9 spot with skilled players to really shine.

07-04-2017, 01:23 AM	#95
Calgary4LIfe Franchise Player Join Date: Jun 2010 Exp:	I voted Jankowski, and really feel he is the best prospect on the Flames, and I said the next round is going to be tough. I am still unsure who I will vote, but the "Flavor of the month" responses with regards to Valimaki I think are actually unwarranted. I don't THINK I will pick him next, but I wouldn't argue with a single person if they did. For instance, everyone knows that Valimaki was nearly a PPG defencemen in his draft year in the WHL. Anyone bother to go and check that out for themselves? http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/l...010092017.html Yes, he was 4th in scoring on the team. Pretty high for a defencemen. Funny enough, he was the 2nd highest scoring defencemen on the team (though he scored the most goals). Parker Wotherspoon (yes, our Wotherspoon's brother) is a fairly highly regarded defencemen in his own right, but this was his draft +2 season. Only 5 more points in 9 more games. Pretty good, right? I have said this before a few times, but I honestly think that not only did the Canucks screw up in not taking Tkachuk, but they made a worse mistake in selecting Juolevi. The Knights are not a strong team this year (though Parsons says what?), but it is worth glancing at their team. http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/l...008142017.html 8th in team scoring, including 2 defencemen ahead of him (including a 16 year old defencemen). He had a decent playoff run, so there's that. Valimaki is a much better prospect in my opinion. Flames did excellent in nabbing him, and I bet he becomes a fairly good player for the Flames and forces the Flames to make a decision. I wouldn't ridicule anyone for thinking he is the #1 prospect even. I think he is that good. For those that doubt Jankowski, just imagine a 6'4" center that skates very well, and uses his long reach to just control the game. The way he uses his reach really reminds me of Jagr/Lemieux. You then watch Colborne play, and he just doesn't really make plays while using his reach. Colborne used his reach to just knock pucks off opposing players sticks, and sometimes for protecting the puck. Jankowski does that, AND makes plays around players with his reach. It is difficult to explain, but I think his skill will really surprise some people on these boards. I think he has all the tools to become a #1 center. Mangiapane has been the only really skilled player that Jankowski has played with in like... 7 years? I can't wait to watch him with actual talent around him. He has great vision out there. I actually really enjoy watching him play. High ceiling, and fairly high floor. I really think he is going to at LEAST be a #3 center in the NHL with his skating, IQ and defensive acumen (including face-offs). It is just going to be really interesting to see where the Flames slot him in. I hope it isn't on the 4th line. I would love to see him play with Bennett as Bennett's LW (and Versteeg on the right) for now. Heck, flip-flop them every 10 games from wing to center and see who does better as a center. I just think he needs a top 9 spot with skilled players to really shine.