Sucks that the flames did not use their 2nd round pick on Stankoven in that draft. It is frustrating sometimes when GM’s and/or scouting staff just can’t seem to get out of their own way. This isn’t directed completely at the flames as lots of teams passed over Stankoven when they had their chance. I just remember that he was by far my favourite option for that 2nd round pick of that draft. Don’t know why so many teams prefer “safe” picks once you are past the 1st round. I always think it’s better to swing for the fences with those picks especially. Safe picks that turn into 3rd/4th line players or 5th/6th defencemen can usually easily be acquired through free agency or trade. Players with top 6 offensive skills or offensively-gifted defensemen are tough to get and should be the target of virtually every pick outside the first round. That’s not to say teams should not try to get those guys in the first round - of course they should. Just that you should pick guys with very high offensive ceilings even if they have warts in their game that could turn them into duds. A guy like Stankoven is a perfect example… scouts and GMs got too hung up on his size instead of focusing on his skill and the points he was putting up. I think it’s worth taking the risk with most players.
|