I agree, centers are rarely busts. Plus they tend to be more defensively responsible.
But most of the high-upside guys who may be available at 26 are wingers.
If the Flames pick where they are now, then I hope they pick defenseman Tobias Björnfot. Corey Pronman has questions about his offensive upside, since he stats were the same as last year. But he seems to be similar to Valimaki in that he's pretty all-around. Guys like this seem like pretty safe bets.
Jakob Pelletier would also be nice. Huge point totals and relentless on the forecheck. For whatever reason, the Flames seem to be good at developing players like him. Mangiapane has turned out pretty well.
If the Flames trade down a bit, then I hope they pick Bobby Brink. Again, small, but huge point totals. He's also good defensively. He's Martin Pospisil's line-mate, and they have been lighting it up together.
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