The Athletic: Top 50 drafted NHL prospects

[sureLoss]

https://theathletic.com/442466/2018/...-2018-edition/

Flames have only 1 player in the top 50, @ 35 Valimaki.

Former Flames prospect Fox is @ 34.

In the honorable mentions list of 70 players: Dube (twice), Mangiapane, Kylington, Gawdin, and Andersson

[Cantrader]

That is no good.Fox could end a top 2 D. He probably will end up playing for the Rangers, hope he ends up being a Tim Erxion

[SportsJunky]

The Fox thing doesn’t bother me. By most accounts he wasn’t going to sign here. Treliving did what needed to be done. Good luck to Fox.

[GioforPM]

I bet Valimaki winds up better than Fox.

No Parsons, eh?

[Husky]

Fox has a great offensive skillset but his skating is average at best.

[iloveicedhockey]

I like articles like this when they're backed up by opinion, videos, etc.

Given that the majority of the list is first round from the last three years, it's not surprising only having Valimaki in the top 50. Having 5 in the top 120 is above average though, which is nice.

He even had a little dig at Yamamoto.

[Northendzone]

Originally Posted by Husky

Fox has a great offensive skillset but his skating is average at best.

At least for him, skating is something that is easier to correct

[EastCoastFlamesFan]

Originally Posted by GioforPM

I bet Valimaki winds up better than Fox.

No Parsons, eh?

I thought the same thing RE: Parsons. His past year probably doesn't help anything. Hope to see him back on track this season.

[Husky]

Originally Posted by Northendzone

At least for him, skating is something that is easier to correct

People always say this but it either rarely happens or its sonewhat linear and everyone improves as they develop and train so by benchmark standards they are akways average to poor skaters at the higher levels.

[Parallex]

Originally Posted by GioforPM

No Parsons, eh?

To be fair rocking a 0.902 save percentage in the ECHL isn't going to get you on a top prospects list.

[Enoch Root]

Originally Posted by GioforPM

I bet Valimaki winds up better than Fox.

No Parsons, eh?

I second this. My view - before trading Fox - was that Valimaki was our top prospect out of the Dmen, and I had Fox 4th (behind Andersson and Kylington). I still feel that way, though it is close, as they are all good prospects.

A great way to try and rank them is to think about trading them... would you trade Valimaki for Fox (assuming no concerns about signing ether one)? I sure wouldn't. Wouldn't be too happy trading Andersson either. Kylington vs Fox? I would prefer whichever one was the Flame

[GioforPM]

Originally Posted by Parallex

To be fair rocking a 0.902 save percentage in the ECHL isn't going to get you on a top prospects list.

I haven't looked, but I wouldn't be surprised if ECHL save percentages are generally lower for goalies that move on upwards. I imagine the defence is way worse and the shots are fast and furious (though not by as good quality shooters of course).

ETA: Looking quickly, I think that supposition doesn't stand up. That said, it seems like his team was pretty bad.

[Strange Brew]

Can’t be shocked by this given the trades of draft picks.

So was Fox saying we wouldn’t sign with Flames or with any team before UFA?

[GioforPM]

Originally Posted by Strange Brew

Can’t be shocked by this given the trades of draft picks.

So was Fox saying we wouldn’t sign with Flames or with any team before UFA?

Flames for sure, if Treliving's comments are parsed. I suspect the latter as well - I don't think he will sign with the Canes anyway.

[Monahan For Mayor]

If I had to bet. I'd put my money on Boston as To where Fix ends up.

[Flames Draft Watcher]

Valimaki >> Fox IMO

[Royle9]

I know it was Parson's first year pro, however he struggled immensely which hurt his "prospect" stock if you will. I'm not surprised he was left of honestly, he did not look good for the majority of last year and was hurt for a chunk as well.

It's an important year for him and John this season, likely splitting time in the AHL if Rittich is sitting as backup the entire year this year.

[Oil Stain]

Originally Posted by Royle9

I know it was Parson's first year pro, however he struggled immensely which hurt his "prospect" stock if you will. I'm not surprised he was left of honestly, he did not look good for the majority of last year and was hurt for a chunk as well.

It's an important year for him and John this season, likely splitting time in the AHL if Rittich is sitting as backup the entire year this year.

I found it curious that despite Parson's poor season, he still ended up ranked higher than Gillies or Rittich on the Calgarypuck prospect ranking.

Prospects that become impact NHL players generally improve rapidly season over season until they reach the NHL.

Parsons had a down season his first year in the AHL. Worse than Gillies, but is still ranked above.

Do you think this is mostly due to draft position/fame?

[Enoch Root]

Originally Posted by Oil Stain

I found it curious that despite Parson's poor season, he still ended up ranked higher than Gillies or Rittich on the Calgarypuck prospect ranking.

Prospects that become impact NHL players generally improve rapidly season over season until they reach the NHL.

Parsons had a down season his first year in the AHL. Worse than Gillies, but is still ranked above.

Do you think this is mostly due to draft position/fame?

Anyone can have an off year. That doesn't necessarily derail their talent or projected upside.

Do you think Puljujarvi is garbage?

[Cantrader]

Originally Posted by Flames Draft Watcher

Valimaki >> Fox IMO

I think so too. May even see Valimaki this year.