Flames don't need to get a #1 centre this draft, if there isn't one available. Yes, this statement does not make sense. Point is, you don't pass on Lindstrom because you don't think he can be a #1 centre. Maybe he will be your #2.
Florida isn't in the finals just because Barkov is their #1. They are in the finals because they have a #2 in Bennett. They have one of the best wingers in the game in Tkachuk. They have a lot of other good pieces too. I love Bennett - I always have. However, Tkachuk is the much more valuable player. If Lindstrom becomes that, you wouldn't be happy? If Tij becomes that, you wouldn't be happy? Tij may end up excelling as a centre next season - he will finally get both the chance to play centre, as well as be given good opportunity to do so. What if he blossoms as a centre? We don't know. Just draft the best player.
I prefer Iginla, hands down, over Lindstrom right now because I see him as the much more dynamic player. I just think that if you are going to not draft Lindstrom ONLY because you view him as a winger vs a centre, or not quite a #1 centre, then that's wrong.
Take the BPA period, regardless of position, and draft premium position only when there is a tie.
Who is the most important player in Florida? Certainly Tkachuk is right up there. It almost doesn't really matter anyway, because no single player will get it done. You just build a core by drafting who you think project having the best NHL careers. If that's Iginla, draft him. If that is Lindstrom, draft him. If that's Parehk, or Silayev, or who knows whom, draft that player.
This draft is going to be fascinating to watch unfold. However, as the picks get made, I won't get too bent out of shape. Whomever the Flames draft is likely to become a top-end player, and the next player added to the future 'core' that this team is building around that includes just Wolf at this time.
There may be existing prospects/young players in the organization already that take enough steps and become a core player, but right now, I see this organization as having a lot of really good supporting pieces that championship teams need, and this is not nothing (hello Oilers until this season). Calgary just needs to draft the best core players to build around at multiple positions.
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