Craig's List 2014 Prospects

[the_only_turek_fan]

If Monahan were in this draft would he go #1?

[herashak]

Originally Posted by the_only_turek_fan

If Monahan were in this draft would he go #1?

Most likely not

[Racki]

The closer we get to the draft the more I hope we end up with Dal Colle. Just something about this kid.

[The Fonz]

Originally Posted by the_only_turek_fan

If Monahan were in this draft would he go #1?

I'm no expert, but I would guess 5th. Behind the big 4, but in front of Dal Colle, Ehlers, Nylander, etc.

[nik-]

Originally Posted by The Fonz

I'm no expert, but I would guess 5th. Behind the big 4, but in front of Dal Colle, Ehlers, Nylander, etc.

He'd go before Draisaitl imo.

[Calgary4LIfe]

Originally Posted by The Fonz

I get the same impression. Guy never seems to get a chance with the Flames.

Originally Posted by Ashasx

Hartley screaming at him during the lockout shortened season, sent down the next day and didn't return for the season.

He got some games this season due to our many injuries, but I would be surprised to see him back for next season.

Jones gets a chance every season on the Flames, and does little with it. A few spurts here and there.

While true that Hartley got into it with him on the ice and then shipped him down (rumors were surrounding the lack of compete from Jones), that was all put behind them. Remember when Jones was called up? Got PP time right away. If Hartley had a 'hate on' and refused to give Jones a chance, he definitely wouldn't give him PP time.

Jones just doesn't translate very well in the NHL. He needs to be a mucker out there since he seems unable to score with any regularity in the NHL, but is very good in the AHL. Just sounds like a tweener to me by that definition, but has the size to make himself a decent option in the bottom six but just doesn't use it nearly enough. I doubt he gets re-signed, but part of me hopes he does as he is very good in the AHL.

[the_only_turek_fan]

So Reinhart > Monahan?

[nik-]

Originally Posted by the_only_turek_fan

So Reinhart > Monahan?

I think so.

[Calgary4LIfe]

Originally Posted by dammage79

Bottom line for me is. Draisaitl scored 105 points on an eighth place team who was a couple OT losses away from completely missing the playoffs. Not bad for a slow skater. Reinhardt scored the same amount of points in the regular season on a better team but yet is heralded as a better player. I feel there's a little legacy and Canadianism going on here.

I don't mind Draisaitl at all.

Though they may have similar skating speeds, there is a big difference in how they use it.

Draisaitl prefers to slow down the game. When he is making plays, he is often stationary or in a way 'gliding' a lot, and protects the puck quite well until a play opens up (and he can thread the pass at an elite level, which makes him dangerous).

Conversely, Reinhart is constantly moving his feet and making plays at higher speeds. He is much better at playing in tight with speed on the rush, and distributing the puck in those types of situations. He also has apparently a real knack for using his feet to control the puck and make plays with it - something apparently the old superstars used to do, but that you rarely see these days (an article I read called it a 'lost art'). Tough to explain, but Reinhart plays at a faster 'pace' than Draisaitl, even though their speeds may not be so different.

I am not necessarily saying that Reinhart's playstyle is superior or is better able to translate to the NHL (though I personally much prefer it, and make no secret of it), but that is the large difference between the respective prospects' playing styles. They both have elite vision and playmaking ability out there, but they use it very differently.

Edit: With regards to how they both finished points-wise and the respective talent of their teams, you also have to figure into your equation the fact that Reinhart plays a very high-level defensive game. This probably has brought down his total points by playing a two-way game rather than a more offensive one. I find it difficult to compare points between players on separate teams - you can make a very sound argument both ways according to your preference I think.

[Bourque's Twin]

Originally Posted by the_only_turek_fan

So Reinhart > Monahan?

Monahan = Bergeron
Reinhart = Krejci

[Da_Chief]

I can't stop clicking on this thread but I've had enough of these debates. Why can't it be the draft already?

[PeteMoss]

Originally Posted by nik-

He'd go before Draisaitl imo.

It would be hard to justify.

Draisaitl put up 105 points in his draft year, Monahan put up 78 points both on bad teams. They are about the same size and have/had the same supposed weaknesses - not being the greatest skaters. Both are late birthdays.

Obviously stats are the whole story.

I think Drasaitl gets a bit of a bad rep from these international tournaments but he's playing on terrible teams that are completely overmatched.

[nik-]

I disagree, I'm fully on board with drafting Draisaitl if he's there for us, but if we combined this year and last year's draft, both Lindholm and Monahan would slot ahead of Draisaitl

[dammage79]

Whoever the Flames take on draft day, it will make for a good haul in two consecutive drafts. Any combination of Monahan with Reinhart/Bennett/Draisaitl/Ekblad is a decidedly good day.

But please hockey gods, please let Sam Bennett fall to the Flames, plllleeeeeeeaaaassse!

[saXon]

Originally Posted by dammage79

Whoever the Flames take on draft day, it will make for a good haul in two consecutive drafts. Any combination of Monahan with Reinhart/Bennett/Draisaitl/Ekblad is a decidedly good day.

But please hockey gods, please let Sam Bennett fall to the Flames, plllleeeeeeeaaaassse!

I'd still prefer Draisaitl, only due to the fact that I've been following his progression for the last 2 seasons.

Regardless, any is going to be a steal for the Flames at 4th. What excites me a little more is the prospect of having 2 2nds and 2 thirds. That's where you find the diamonds in the rough. Hopefully Button can work his magic and land us another steal like good ol' Gaudreau.

[circle]

Hello all,

I've been lurking these forums for a few years now, and am finally deciding to post my thoughts and opinions.

Regarding Ekblad, Reinhart, Bennett, and Draisaitl: I believe that all 4 players will turn into something special, each in their own right.

Watching Ekblad and Reinhart in the WJC was awesome as you could totally tell that these 2 were elite level players. When Brent put Reinhart in on the 3v5 and he defended well, you could just tell that he is an easy player to coach that just oozes hockey IQ. Reinhart's poise with the puck is something that really catches my attention. With Ekblad, I see a great leader who uses his size effectively to make great plays in the defensive zone, while also having a wicked shot that is deadly from the point.

Having only seen Bennett and Draisaitl (minus WJC game against Canada) from YouTube highlights (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9z...0OLCCn8KJExnIw), it is hard to say definitively who is better. When I watched highlights of Bennett, I was amazed by his speed and his stickhandling, not to mention his ability to hit. His ability to come down the right wing and either deke or power through the defender was something I really liked seeing. Draisaitl on the other hand plays the game well by using his huge body to protect the puck. He is an unbelievable passer as well, able to thread the needle to make for some pretty easy goals for his teammates. Both will be pretty darn good players in the future IMO.

I think all 4 players would fit the Flames' needs well and would be happy to have anyone of them on our team. I think barring trades, Ekblad would not realistically drop to #4, leaving the 3 centremen. A one-two punch of Monahan and xxx in the future is something I'm really looking forward to, assuming we choose one of the three, regardless of who we choose. My preferences for the 3 are:

1) Reinhart
2) Bennett
3) Draisaitl

Also, since the draft is still so far away, I figured that we could use a little more to talk about in this thread. So I compiled some data from this season's "Top 4 ranked forwards" which could be interesting to take a look at from purely a statistics point of view.



From this data, I was intrigued by Bennett's PPP% which was much lower than the rest and MDC's PPP% which was the highest of the bunch. (I was compelled to look up all these stats because of a highlight video I watched of MDC, where most of the highlights came from the Gen's PP. So I figured I just find the stats myself since I couldn't find them anywhere on the web)

So my questions to everybody:
- How significant is PPP% when looking at a prospect?
- Is it a concern to see Bennett's PPP% low or is it something that makes him look better as he can score better in even strength?
- Are these numbers normal compared to other top draft picks from previous years?
- Is there an upper boundary to PPP% that is a cause for concern (a la Schremp)?

Anyways, thanks for reading my post and I hope it is the first of many to come!

[Caged Great]

Welcome aboard

[ForeverFlameFan]

Pretty good post for a first timer.

[Hugh Jahrmes]

Interesting comparisons. I've been on the Bennett train for quite some time, but I'm pretty sure we have to trade for floridas pick for that to materialize. The fact he's money's pal doesn't hurt either, I could see him contributing to a tight knit, fun having "get it done" group. Can't wait for the draft and the season to follow. Definitely have to make a few trips to see Johnny Hockey live

[FlameZilla]

Originally Posted by circle

I think all 4 players would fit the Flames' needs well and would be happy to have anyone of them on our team. I think barring trades, Ekblad would not realistically drop to #4, leaving the 3 centremen. A one-two punch of Monahan and xxx in the future is something I'm really looking forward to, assuming we choose one of the three, regardless of who we choose. My preferences for the 3 are:

1) Reinhart
2) Bennett
3) Draisaitl

Also, since the draft is still so far away, I figured that we could use a little more to talk about in this thread. So I compiled some data from this season's "Top 4 ranked forwards" which could be interesting to take a look at from purely a statistics point of view.



From this data, I was intrigued by Bennett's PPP% which was much lower than the rest and MDC's PPP% which was the highest of the bunch. (I was compelled to look up all these stats because of a highlight video I watched of MDC, where most of the highlights came from the Gen's PP. So I figured I just find the stats myself since I couldn't find them anywhere on the web)

So my questions to everybody:
- How significant is PPP% when looking at a prospect?
- Is it a concern to see Bennett's PPP% low or is it something that makes him look better as he can score better in even strength?
- Are these numbers normal compared to other top draft picks from previous years?
- Is there an upper boundary to PPP% that is a cause for concern (a la Schremp)?

Anyways, thanks for reading my post and I hope it is the first of many to come!

Great post! I have to generally agree with your assessment. I think any one of the 4 prospects mentioned (plus Dal Colle) are decent options for the Flames.

It does concern me that much of Dal Colle's production is on the power play. You would think that, as he adds some muscle to his frame, he would become more effective at even-strength. If he added an element of physicality to his game he would be pretty dangerous.

Regardless, I would prefer us to pick from Reinhart/Ekblad/Bennett/Draisaitl. The 3 forwards look like well-rounded players who you could rely on in all zones. The defenceman has top-pairing potential and could step right in.

Bring on the fricken draft.