flames get 1st overall pick, today who would you pick?

[FlameyMcFlameFace]

lets say the flames won the lottery for the first time. The draft is today, who would you pick in this talented top 5 draft? Honestly I'm picking seth jones. I know im going to get some heat about picking a dman first. But how often does a 6-4 right handed nhl ready dman pop up?

hes just too good to pass up on..

[Ashasx]

Today, MacKinnon.

That could change by the draft.

[dammage79]

MacKinnon or Barkov, both would be the answer to our woes.

[Wronskian]

Absolutely mackinnon; number one center quest is over.

[jg13]

Mackinnon because the team needs a legit potential #1 center.

Jones would likely be the flames choice because it doesn't make sense or address the teams needs.

[Ashasx]

Odds are, even if we finish last, we don't pick first (75%). In many ways, it might be good that the decision would be made for us in such a situation.

I wouldn't be disappointed if they picked any of MacKinnon, Jones, Barkov, or Drouin.

[Mean Mr. Mustard]

Don't draft for position. Plus NHL defensemen take years to mature relative to forwards who are able to contribute immediately. Look at Erik Johnson and Chris Pronger for examples of that - they turn into really solid contributors but often it takes a few years to get the pace of the game and the defensive responsibilities.

[puckluck2]

As long as it's not Jones I'd be happy. No thank you to a defencemen first overall.

[Miniac]

Mackinnon # 1 center

[Wronskian]

Have to give a shout out to Monahan, won't go top 3 but I love his game. Everything this team needs in one player.

[FlameyMcFlameFace]

Originally Posted by Wronskian

Absolutely mackinnon; number one center quest is over.

What about our slacking defense? I honestly dont believe the flames are in a position to pick a prospect just because he is a center when our defense is weak too. When we draft a center, all of us are going to start complaining about the lack of defensive depth we have..

I might be alone, but I dont see why center is our ONLY focus right now.

[Dorkmaster]

Seth Jones. Seems like consensus number one. You need to draft the best player regardless of position and Jones seems to be it. High hockey IQ to go with excellent athleticism and puck skills. Also doesn't hurt to stock up on Portland Winterhawks.

[FlameyMcFlameFace]

Originally Posted by jg13

Mackinnon because the team needs a legit potential #1 center.

Jones would likely be the flames choice because it doesn't make sense or address the teams needs.

How?? Am i missing something about the flames defense.. Enough for you too say Seth Jones doesnt fit the teams needs?

[Roof-Daddy]

Originally Posted by flamesfan2.0

What about our slacking defense? I honestly dont believe the flames are in a position to pick a prospect just because he is a center when our defense is weak too. When we draft a center, all of us are going to start complaining about the lack of defensive depth we have..

I might be alone, but I dont see why center is our ONLY focus right now.

1st - Our defensemen aren't that bad, IMO
2nd - Our defense group as a whole is still relatively young
3rd - Its way easier to acquire top 4 defensemen than it is to acquire a legit #1 center


I take Mackinnon, no question.

[Ashasx]

Originally Posted by flamesfan2.0

What about our slacking defense? I honestly dont believe the flames are in a position to pick a prospect just because he is a center when our defense is weak too. When we draft a center, all of us are going to start complaining about the lack of defensive depth we have..

I might be alone, but I dont see why center is our ONLY focus right now.

MacKinnon 2013, Aaron Ekblad 2014.

[mustache ride]

Originally Posted by flamesfan2.0

What about our slacking defense? I honestly dont believe the flames are in a position to pick a prospect just because he is a center when our defense is weak too. When we draft a center, all of us are going to start complaining about the lack of defensive depth we have..

I might be alone, but I dont see why center is our ONLY focus right now.

Because it's been twenty years and the two best centers we have had are Conroy and Langkow.

[$ven27]

MacKinnon. But we won't be that bad IMO. More likely 5ish.

[jg13]

Originally Posted by flamesfan2.0

How?? Am i missing something about the flames defense.. Enough for you too say Seth Jones doesnt fit the teams needs?

when your top 2 centermen are alex tanguay and mikael backlund, i believe mackinnon fits your needs a bit more than seth jones when you have brodie, wideman, bou and gio....

[FlameyMcFlameFace]

Originally Posted by Roof-Daddy

1st - Our defensemen aren't that bad, IMO
2nd - Our defense group as a whole is still relatively young
3rd - Its way easier to acquire top 4 defensemen than it is to acquire a legit #1 center


I take Mackinnon, no question.

I disagree, can you justify why our defense is that much better then our centers??

As for your 3rd point, yes i agree you can find a top 4 dman easier. But why wouldnt you pick the best player you can get? Its not like once we draft our center we are a stanley cup contending team.. We need more then a centre. Im saying pick the best player.

[FlameyMcFlameFace]

Originally Posted by jg13

when your top 2 centermen are alex tanguay and mikael backlund, i believe mackinnon fits your needs a bit more than seth jones when you have brodie, wideman, bou and gio....

Your thinking if we draft Nathan suddenly the flames are a contending team.. To me thats a bunch of bs...