[News] Burke says he is unlikely to trade up... hasn't watched Bennett

[J epworth]

Originally Posted by saXon

Uh-oh, what does that mean for all you Bennett followers out there?

Not a bad thing that he hasn't seen him because he's got what the Flames need?
or
Not a bad thing that he hasn't seen him because he's not what the Flames are looking for?

Means Bennett was suspended when Burke had Kingston in his schedule of games to watch personally, and before he had another chance to see him, Kingston was already eliminated from the playoffs.

[snipetype]

I think Brian is going to let the scouting staff do their own thing this year. Obviously if he doesn't like a player he will say why. But after the success at the flames draft table the past few years (except for maybe jankowski TBD) how can he meddle with what Todd button is doing. Having two potential number one centres is something he could only dream about in Toronto. He won't pass up Bennett if he falls. They have tape on the best prospects too.

[c.t.ner]

Originally Posted by codynw

It doesn't mean much because Burke isn't a scout.

My hope is that Burke just lets Button and the Scouts make the case for who they want with the fourth and gives his opinion in a group consensus. I really like how the Flames had a list of players they wanted and stuck to their guns with their picks last year.

Burke has already said that last year's picks were solid, so I hope he just trusts the current Scouting brain trust. I have a feeling that Button and his team have a strong read on Dal Colle, Bennet, The German Kid and even Ritchie.

[Yanda]

could be playing the media down on wanting bennett

[calgarybean]

Originally Posted by Yanda

could be playing the media down on wanting bennett

This is not the draft pick you are looking for.....

[Flash Walken]

I hope Calgary doesn't move up, but I hope they get another pick in the top 10.

[dying4acup]

Not planning on trading the pick, but not necessarily meaning he won't take another top pick for the right price. I think he expected to come away with more at the deadline.

Also think that most of what we hear until the draft will be posturing. Burke says a lot of things, but doesn't often tip his hand about trades. Kessel being the likely exception .

[dammage79]

Excited at the idea of the 4 most likliest of players being left to the Flames. Any one of Draisaitl, Reinhart, Bennett (#1 for me atm) or Dal Colle is a big win for the franchise.


I just cannot see Ritchie breaking into the 4th pick over any of those guys.

[Wolfman]

What do you do if both Sam's are gone at 4. Draistaitl, Dal Colle or Ritchie. Judging by posts vote goes to Dal Colle right?

[bigpete]

#4 going to be a beauty player no matter who it ends up being.

On a related note, what the heck is up with Brian Burke's hair? I feel like someone needs to tell him that it's weird.

[Vulcan]

As far as Burke not seeing Bennett, I have a lot of faith in our OHL scout, Tom Webster. He's been very good in the past.

I'd probably pick Draisaitl in the 4th spot if the Sam's and Ekblad are gone.

[dammage79]

Originally Posted by Wolfman

What do you do if both Sam's are gone at 4. Draistaitl, Dal Colle or Ritchie. Judging by posts vote goes to Dal Colle right?

Draisaitl first for me. A big puck possession guy would be great to have. Having Draisaitl and Colborne on the same line would be darned impressive. Slap Granlund on the wing for the finishing touch and Blammo. Two and a half strong young lines. But Bennett makes the Flames a cup contender for years to come. Love the way that kid plays .

[AC]

Originally Posted by Wolfman

What do you do if both Sam's are gone at 4. Draistaitl, Dal Colle or Ritchie. Judging by posts vote goes to Dal Colle right?

I would probably go with Draisaitl, simply because I agree with others here that when you have a tie between players, you take the centre.

My ideal situation is to walk away from the draft with a Reinhart/Monahan, or Bennett/Monahan one-two punch down the middle. If both are gone by #4, a Draisaitl/Monahan combo is nothing to scoff at.

However I wouldn't be disappointed with Dal Colle either due to how many scouts and professionals seem to rave about his scoring ability and how good he could potentially become in the NHL. He has previously played centre as well, but I don't know enough about him to know if that's a possibility for him in the NHL.

Honestly, even Ritchie sounds like a unique and nearly impossible type of player to find nowadays. Getzlaf, Lucic, and Jamie Benn are kind of the last high scoring powerforwards in the NHL right now, and they can certainly take over and dominate a game when they're going.

[AC]

Originally Posted by Vulcan

As far as Burke not seeing Bennett, I have a lot of faith in our OHL scout, Tom Webster. He's been very good in the past.

Who has Webster helped draft? Looking at our last several drafts, we only have a few from the OHL. Does he cover the QMJHL as well or something?

Our last 10 OHL draftees; Monahan, Nemisz, Brodie, Mickey Renaud, John Armstrong, DiDomete, Pelech, Ryder, Lalande, and Prust.

[Vulcan]

Originally Posted by AC

Who has Webster helped draft? Looking at our last several drafts, we only have a few from the OHL. Does he cover the QMJHL as well or something?

Our last 10 OHL draftees; Monahan, Nemisz, Brodie, Mickey Renaud, John Armstrong, DiDomete, Pelech, Ryder, Lalande, and Prust.

I'd say Renaud and Ryder were good picks at the time. Armstrong looked solid but never progressed. Nemisz and Pelech looked like they had Darryl's hands on them.

Brodie and Prust were home runs and I believe he had a hand in Giordano getting a tryout as well.

[Rick M.]

If you like Dal Colle but feel we don't need another left winger you could ask the Generals to move him to center next year, the same way Tampa Bay asked the Mooseheads to move Drouin to center from the left wing. From what I read, he has the hockey IQ. Just a thought.

[Tbull8]

Originally Posted by Rick M.

If you like Dal Colle but feel we don't need another left winger you could ask the Generals to move him to center next year, the same way Tampa Bay asked the Mooseheads to move Drouin to center from the left wing. From what I read, he has the hockey IQ. Just a thought.

What about asking him to play right wing?

[Roughneck]

Originally Posted by AC

Who has Webster helped draft? Looking at our last several drafts, we only have a few from the OHL. Does he cover the QMJHL as well or something?

Our last 10 OHL draftees; Monahan, Nemisz, Brodie, Mickey Renaud, John Armstrong, DiDomete, Pelech, Ryder, Lalande, and Prust.

IIRC Webster was the driving force behind signing Giordano and Ryan Wilson

[Rick M.]

Originally Posted by Tbull8

What about asking him to play right wing?

Well, that is something to explore too. The big problem with Dal Colle is we are overstocked on left wing. If he can play centre or on his off wing that might make him more valuable to us. That or we look to trade surplus left wing material from our prospects. This assumes you want to draft the guy.

[the_only_turek_fan]

Originally Posted by Wolfman

What do you do if both Sam's are gone at 4. Draistaitl, Dal Colle or Ritchie. Judging by posts vote goes to Dal Colle right?

Better be Leon or Dal Colle.

I am going to have a heart attack if Burke takes Ritchie at #4.