Quote:
Originally Posted by HighLifeMan
Just for some perspective Connor Mackey had 2 points in 29 USHL games at the same age as Boltmann. Fast forward five years and not only did he go on to become the top college free agent available last year but is likely ready to step into an NHL lineup today. The early returns are not great, but we knew that he was a work in progress from the second he was selected.
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Yes, free agent. Mackey was undrafted. I'm not saying that Boltmann will never improve or develop, although honestly it doesn't look promising. But there's no need to take a shot in the dark in the third round on someone you don't even have a guarantee of signing if he does reach the level of a Mackey-type. Or Fox, another third round collegiate defenseman.
Yes it's 'just' a third rounder but historically for around the 80th selection thats still a 30% chance of playing more than 100 NHL games. That is significant for a team with a relatively bare cupboard for prospects in the system.
I realize it won't be the end of the world for the Flames. I will continue to tune in and watch his growth. After all, I still want him to be successful.