I'm surprised most people seem to completely rule out drafting Valeri Nichushkin. He's ranked ahead of everyone but Jones in the March ISS draft rankings. Most people seem to be apprehensive about drafting a Russian for many reasons, but what if we have the next Malkin on our hands here?
If we had the #1 pick this would be my preference:
Mackinnon
Jones
Drouin
Nichushkin
Barkov
I think Nichushkin is definitely an elite-calibre prospect. I really believe he deserves to be in the top 5 of this draft, and you can make a case for him at any position.
He will fall, however. Why?
Well, he signed a KHL agreement that lasts for another 2 years. So, on top of already thinking the 'Russian Flight-Risk' gamble on this pick, think about it from his perspective as well.
I haven't read too much on what he wants to do, but even if at this very moment, he is 100% committed to wanting to come over to the NHL after his KHL contract finalizes. Think about what he will be giving up.
1) He could be making close to $8-10 million (or more) nearly tax-free dollars in Russia vs. being 'stuck' with an ELC that pays him $925,000 (+ bonuses, up to a max of under 4 million) for 3 years (or did they change it to 2 in the last CBA?) if he decides to come to the NHL.
2) He will be 'comfortable' there - already being a 'star' in his homeland.
3) Perhaps he also gets 'settled' and marries someone, who also advises him to stay in Russia.
This is going to make a lot of teams back off Nichushkin. He is elite enough to be in the top 5 easily, and could very well turn into an top 10 elite caliber player in the NHL. Or he could very well be the next "Best player outside the NHL" for the majority of his career. Flames might be wise to gamble on him with their St. Louis pick, but it is just too much of a gamble to go after him with the first pick, no matter how much of a possible reward that is. Besides, although some scouts would rank him better than the other forwards available, the risk associated with the pick would probably be greater than the projected dominance (if any) over the other skaters available in that tier.
I really like him too, but he he is just way too much of a risk.
The Following User Says Thank You to Calgary4LIfe For This Useful Post:
problem with Drouin is that we already have smaller wingers both on the team and coming up as prospects. Hudler, Sven, Gaudreau all project likely to be in our top six around the same time as this pick is making an impact. The flames would be getting pushed around like the oilers out there if you add drouin to that mix. I would like some bigger bodies in Mackinnon/Barkov.
Drouin is EASILY a class above any of Gaudreau or Baertschi or Backlund. Dude has hands for miles.
It's a tough choice, I'm not sure who I'd take between the two, I think Drouin is more explosive but Mackinnon is more defensive while still maintaining a solid overall offensive presence.
The question I think boils down to, how bad do you think the flames will be next year? Are they McDavid bad? If so, maybe you take Drouin or Jones this year and Mcdavid next year. Seeing as the flames aren't going to be a competetor this year, drafting a center a year later isn't a high priority. It isn't like we need a center for our elite wingers anymore. We don't have one!
That said, I think with the Blues or Pens pick we need to pick a d-man. Don't wanna fall in to the same trap as the oil where they never picked Defence.
Drouin is EASILY a class above any of Gaudreau or Baertschi or Backlund. Dude has hands for miles.
It's a tough choice, I'm not sure who I'd take between the two, I think Drouin is more explosive but Mackinnon is more defensive while still maintaining a solid overall offensive presence.
The question I think boils down to, how bad do you think the flames will be next year? Are they McDavid bad? If so, maybe you take Drouin or Jones this year and Mcdavid next year. Seeing as the flames aren't going to be a competetor this year, drafting a center a year later isn't a high priority. It isn't like we need a center for our elite wingers anymore. We don't have one!
That said, I think with the Blues or Pens pick we need to pick a d-man. Don't wanna fall in to the same trap as the oil where they never picked Defence.
__________________
Calgary Flames, PLEASE GO TO THE NET! AND SHOOT THE PUCK! GENERATING OFFENSE IS NOT DIFFICULT! SKATE HARD, SHOOT HARD, CRASH THE NET HARD!
I really really hope we package up St. Louis 1st, Glencross, and high prospect (reinhart?) and get another pick in the top 8. would be awesome
To get both Mackinnon and Monahan would be my dream scenario. That would be like inserting Crosby and Toews into your lineup simultaneously. Exaggerating for effect, obviously.
problem with Drouin is that we already have smaller wingers both on the team and coming up as prospects. Hudler, Sven, Gaudreau all project likely to be in our top six around the same time as this pick is making an impact. The flames would be getting pushed around like the oilers out there if you add drouin to that mix. I would like some bigger bodies in Mackinnon/Barkov.
Drouin and MacKinnon are almost exactly the same size, though. I think if Drouin can play center in the NHL its a no brainer. Admittedly, I'm not knowledgeable about prospects, but everything I have seen from Drouin screams superstar in the making. Don't get the same vibe from MacKinnon.
The Following 2 Users Say Thank You to cubistcastle For This Useful Post:
