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Originally Posted by Calgary4LIfe
I think this showcase - not necessarily the wins or scores, but watching these kids play, and seeing how old they are - really supports some of the high rankings that this prospect pool enjoys on many pundits' lists.
There was a lot of skill out on display in these games, as well as a lot of size. Then you have to remember that basically the entire draft class from this past draft was missing (except Phillips), which includes 2 first rounders. Plus there were a lot of other prospects missing - other drafts with NCAA prospects, and European prospects. Plus, Parekh wasn't playing (and Basha didn't play last night).
I said it before and I will say it again, this rebuild won't take long at all if they bottom out this year/next year. There is too much talent coming up. 2 first rounds this draft (and expected more with the Andersson trade). Flames have the goalie in place. They have some really good defencemen in place. They will have a few good vets in place too (Weegar and Huberdeau) over the next several seasons. The only real hole organizationally at this point is that #1 franchise-type of center that is so elusive.
It has definitely been a little dark to be a Flames' fan the last couple of seasons ever since the Flames lost Gaudreau and Tkachuk. However, this certainly feels like the start of an exciting time here in Calgary. In the next 2-3 years, even people who don't follow the Flames very closely will be excited by what are starting to see on the ice. It certainly seems like the good times are not far off again. I am shifting my focus away from worrying too much about the wins and losses, and towards the evolution of the future core here. This is going to be a fun ride.
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They're stocked with wingers that have potential. No concern there.
They have both offensive D (including a blue chip one) and some stay at home ones with size.
Center is what needs to be addressed from a skill standpoint.
I like the mix of Frost, Reschny, King (with an outside chance of Zary or Potter sticking at C) to fill out your bottom 2-3 slots, but you need an impact center in that group, and you need Reschny to reach his potential.
Unless there's a superstar at another position that falls to you, best center available would be my approach for the next draft. I wouldn't be mad if say 4 of 5 of their first picks were centers. It will likely be a numbers game in the end.