Craig's List 2014 Prospects

[Table 5]

I think it's safe to say more NHL GM's would trade their roster for their own, than they would with Edmonton.

[devo22]

Originally Posted by GettinIggyWithIt

... but they also have quite a few picks stacked up in the next couple of drafts which should set them up nicely.

3 firsts and 3 seconds over the next two drafts. Factor in the last two drafts and the Sabres have had a total of 17 picks in the first two rounds between 2012 and 2015 ... plus whatever they'll acquire this deadline.

2012
1st round - 12th overall - C Mikhail Grigorenko
1st round - 14th overall - C Zemgus Girgensons
2nd round - 44th overall - D Jake McCabe

2013
1st round - 8th overall - D Rasmus Ristolainen
1st round - 16th overall - D Nikita Zadorov
2nd round - 35th overall - LW J.T. Compher
2nd round - 38th overall - C Connor Hurley
2nd round - 52th overall - C Justin Bailey

2014
1st round - BUF pick
1st round - NYI pick *
2nd round - BUF pick
2nd round - MIN pick
2nd round - LAK pick

2015
1st round - BUF pick
2nd round - BUF pick
2nd round - NYI pick
2nd round - LAK pick

* top 10 protected, could slide to 2015

7 first rounders and 10 second rounders in 4 drafts ... man, that's a lot of bullets in the chamber.

[CliffFletcher]

I know someone had to take the fall for the Sabres decline, but Regier laid the foundations for a proper rebuild. And no, rebuilding doesn't mean tanking. It means stockpiling picks and drafting well.

That's where I think the Flames are still only dipping one toe in the rebuild water. You really gotta load up on 1sts and 2nd round picks for a few drafts in a row to do it properly.

[The Original FFIV]

Originally Posted by CliffFletcher

I know someone had to take the fall for the Sabres decline, but Regier laid the foundations for a proper rebuild. And no, rebuilding doesn't mean tanking. It means stockpiling picks and drafting well.

That's where I think the Flames are still only dipping one toe in the rebuild water. You really gotta load up on 1sts and 2nd round picks for a few drafts in a row to do it properly.

What is a proper rebuild though? Acquiring prospects is another method and some might say better as you typically get a better read on players after 1-2 years of development instead of picking a guy right out of a development league.

[really?]

Originally Posted by The Original FFIV

What is a proper rebuild though? Acquiring prospects is another method and some might say better as you typically get a better read on players after 1-2 years of development instead of picking a guy right out of a development league.

Agreed. The problem is after a year or two of development the team you're trading with has a read on the player as well. Chicago would be very unlikely to trade you a 20 year old Toews or Kane, Nashville would not trade a 20 year old Weber. There are occasions where those type of players have been dealt (Iginla), but those are rare situations and you have to catch a desperate team at the right moment and have signifcant assets. Calgary does not have those assets, (maybe Giordano) without a sweetner such as a lottery pick, and when rebuilding you need those picks.

Drafting and developing is the surest way to success, but the right folks have to be drafting and developing. There is no one proper way to rebuild, but look at the teams who are most successful and there inner core consists of guys they drafted.

[CliffFletcher]

Originally Posted by The Original FFIV

What is a proper rebuild though? Acquiring prospects is another method and some might say better as you typically get a better read on players after 1-2 years of development instead of picking a guy right out of a development league.

As really? said, teams are usually very reluctant to give up a prospect who is developing nicely after 1-2 years of development. The ones they give up on are typically on their way to being disappointments. So you're trading for a reclamation project. If the prospect really is developing to his full potential, you have to give up top value to get it. That means either another top prospect, or a very good player in his prime. Frankly, the Flames have only a couple very good players in their prime who would get you a top prospect in exchange (Giordano, and, uh... okay, maybe just one).

[The Original FFIV]

Originally Posted by CliffFletcher

As really? said, teams are usually very reluctant to give up a prospect who is developing nicely after 1-2 years of development. The ones they give up on are typically on their way to being disappointments. So you're trading for a reclamation project. If the prospect really is developing to his full potential, you have to give up top value to get it. That means either another top prospect, or a very good player in his prime. Frankly, the Flames have only a couple very good players in their prime who would get you a top prospect in exchange (Giordano, and, uh... okay, maybe just one).

Point taken. I was thinking of a scenario where we move a vet piece to a team that is either 1) desperate to make the playoffs or 2) looking to go deep in the playoffs. Something along the lines of the Joe Morrow for Brendan Morrow last year. If we can replicate a scenario like this with Cammy that would be ideal. Something like Cammy for Laughton (Philly), JT Miller (NYR) or Puempel (Ott) with a cap dump coming back.

[$ven27]

I'd love to get Ceci from Ottawa for Cammy, doubtful that they'd do that though.

[Flames Draft Watcher]

Originally Posted by GettinIggyWithIt

They actually have a pretty solid and I would say underrated young group of forwards though if you look at the younger players (23 and under) currently on the team and coming up:

Cody Hodgson
Tyler Ennis
Zemgus Girgensons
Mikhail Grigorenko
Marcus Foligno
Joel Armia
JT Compher
Nick Baptiste
Johan Larsson
Connor Hurley
Justin Bailey

Not as deep or talented as their D group but they also have quite a few picks stacked up in the next couple of drafts which should set them up nicely.

They do have a deep pool. Not necessarily many 1st line talents there though.

I do think I'd take Monahan over anyone in Buffalo's system.

Where I do get really jealous is actually their defense. I like the size/skill/skating combo they've got with Myers, Ristolainen and Zadorov. We could really use one of those types.

[stemit14]

I think New York will be interested in a player like cammalleri. They don't score a lot of goals and could use a powerplay specialist for the right side on the man advantage. Maybe JT miller could be had for him. I could see Phoenix being interested in him as well.

[sureLoss]

McKenzie says Ekblad has now edged out Reinhart for 1st overall according to the scouts he has talked to.

[saillias]

Yeah yeah, all the same things were said about Jones. At the end of the day, the defenseman rarely ends up going first.

[djsFlames]

Originally Posted by saillias

Yeah yeah, all the same things were said about Jones. At the end of the day, the defenseman rarely ends up going first.

Which, in this case, is exactly what we hope for.

[Poe969]

I think Burke will find a way to get Ekblad. I think he'll be our first ever "#1 first overall pick" in franchise history.

[Yoho]

That would be some defence Buffalo would have if they took Ekblad

[bucksmasher]

Originally Posted by Poe969

I think Burke will find a way to get Ekblad. I think he'll be our first ever "#1 first overall pick" in franchise history.

Why would you pay to trade up to 1st from 2nd? You get one of Reinhart or Ekblad in the 2 hole.

[strombad]

Originally Posted by bucksmasher

Why would you pay to trade up to 1st from 2nd? You get one of Reinhart or Ekblad in the 2 hole.

Because Eklbad is not only a great prospect, but fills a position of serious need.

Either helps, and I think having Reinhart is great (maybe Burke works some magic and pries his brother out of NY?) but Eklbad is certainly the clear choice for the Flames if they're picking at the top.

[ignite09]

Originally Posted by strombad

Because Eklbad is not only a great prospect, but fills a position of serious need.

Either helps, and I think having Reinhart is great (maybe Burke works some magic and pries his brother out of NY?) but Eklbad is certainly the clear choice for the Flames if they're picking at the top.

Disagree. A center of Reinharts abilities is just as important this early into the rebuild.

[CliffFletcher]

Not sure why centers are more important early in a rebuild. Defencemen take longer to develop. You don't want to wait until the latter stages to draft them.

[timbit]

As much as some want to deny it....the more picks the better.