Quote:
Originally Posted by Lanny_McDonald
I actually have to disagree with you here. I think the Flames have evolved in their drafting and are taking a lot more calculated risks in selecting players, no longer focusing on just guys they think might make a good 4th liner, but instead picking guys with big upside but some challenges to work through. It gives the system a way different look than years gone by. The upside is much higher, but so is the failure rate.
For example, Ryan Francis and Rory Kerins from 2020 are both smallish but highly skilled players. Both have shown some incredible growth that caught the eye of people observing camp. That is what you hope for out of late picks, and these guys are now seriously in the conversation of being legitimate NHL prospects, and not just possible minor league players. The guy that is most interesting to me from this draft is Jeremie Poirier because he is a such a strong offensive talent from the blueline. He's a game changer back there and just has to learn how to play some defense, which he has obviously taken seriously and committed to. In the past, he is a player the Flames would have passed on because of the major hole in his game. But they took a swing and it might payoff. This draft could be a very good one for the Flames in the long run. Same things apply to 2021. Whynot and Beck were surprise picks to me, and they have potential to payoff well. Sure, we won't know exactly what we have until they are a year into their AHL careers, but the fact they made people sit up in their seats and take note at this point speaks well for them and the Flames' drafting. Yes, lots of warts to these guys, but a lot to like as far as skill goes.
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I agree with this point. There was a point where the game had evolved and the Flames were still picking guys like Hunter Smith and Keegan Kanzig who were built for the slower game.
I guess the point is most people overrate drafts until the players start to wash out when turning pro. Very possible these recent drafts turn out to be duds.