Quote:
Originally Posted by Calgary4LIfe
It wouldn't surprise me at all if the Flames end up drafting Aitcheson with the 18th pick, though I am sure it would annoy a number of people here.
I think this kid is going to be a rockstar at the NHL level. Such an old-school player - hits like a truck, will fight, great defensively already with strong gap control, and he generates offence? I know many mock drafts have him around the Flames pick, but I would be surprised if he is still around. Oh yeah - he is a left shooting left defencemen too - something that the Flames also need. I can see the angst on the board when the Flames draft him, but boy oh boy I would love to have this kid in the organization. I can't quote you Cral, but thanks for posting the "Ridiculous Upside" link.
I am not convinced that the Flames pick a center at 18. I don't really see any 'sure-fire' NHL centers at this spot - not top 6 anyway. I think most get converted to the wing, if they make it at all. Fairly tough to find a center in the second half of the first round, but even harder in a weak draft. I think the Flames will move up if they really like a center and the price makes sense. Otherwise, they will pick BPA according to their list, and that list may not have a center on it. i guess we will see what the Flames do. Maybe they move up, or stand pat, or move down. It certainly sounds like there are many more teams willing to move around this draft.
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Would you have drafted him last year at #18?
He was 6 days away from being eligible. I might be in the minority but I've said for years these older mature players are a bigger risk if you go off their draft year stats.