I know there's a thread in the Heat forum, but considering all of the hype around the upcoming draft and the fact that the Flames aren't making the playoffs this season, I think it's appropriate to have a discussion here, as well.
Here's how the prospect pool stands today. You'll notice that it isn't pretty in a lot of key categories.
The good news is, for the upcoming draft, the Flames currently have two 1st round selections, which will jump to three if the St Louis Blues make the playoffs.
They also have one pick in each of the 3rd, 4th (will gain an additional pick if St Louis misses the playoffs), 5th (from Columbus), 6th, 7th (two in the final round, from Chicago and Anaheim).
With potentially 3 1st rounders, they have an opportunity to completely revamp their prospect depth chart through the 2013 draft.
Here are the latest draft rankings as they stand today.
I know there's plenty of discussion going around fantasizing that the Flames are going to magically figure out a way to trade up to select two of the top three, but let's be honest, that isn't happening.
Basing things on where the Flames picks would land today, personally, I'd be ecstatic if the Flames managed to come out of the first round with the following players.
1st round
Nathan Mackinnon C (6'0, 182)
Rasmus Ristolainen D (6'3, 203)
Valentin Zykov RW (6'0, 210)
Fills the top 3 positional weaknesses in their current pool with highly skilled players in their respective positions, and more importantly, adds some much-needed size.
Thoughts?
Flames Prospects
