If they have a chance should the Flames Draft Ekblad

[codynw]

Originally Posted by Huntingwhale

Is the ''propaganda'' really that big that Draisaitl is Edmonton's #1 choice? To me it seems like wishful thinking on the Flames fans' part. Of course they are going to pick Ekblad if he's available. Everyone in Edmonton from management to the janitor knows they need to start having impact defensemen more then they need forwards. Year after year all everyone does is criticize the oilers for their lack of quality NHL defenders. Ekblad falling to us and the oilers picking Draisaitl is a pipe dream that Flames fans have concocted to make ourselves feel better. No way in hell Edmonton passes on him.

At this point, I actually think Edmonton's biggest problem is at center.

[nik-]

Originally Posted by keratosis

Bpa.

And how does that order out for you? This is opinion on a certain player, not draft philosophy.

[SeanCharles]

Order I would rate them for the Flames:
1 - Ekblad
2/3 - Reinhart (Mostly cause he is RH)
2/3 - Bennett
4 -Draisaitl

[djsFlames]

Edmonton may say they're drafting Draisaitl, but if Ekblad's there, don't think for a second they won't hesitate to change their mind.

Personally, I think the best thing for this team would be Bennett/Reinhart. Let's shore up the center position while we have the chance and stock up on some real talent up front. I think we'll be in the 5-8 range next season for out first pick, so if we're missing out on McDavid then maybe that gives us a chance to take the top ranked d-man next year.

[ForeverFlameFan]

Originally Posted by djsFlames

Edmonton may say they're drafting Draisaitl, but if Ekblad's there, don't think for a second they won't hesitate to change their mind.

Personally, I think the best thing for this team would be Bennett/Reinhart. Let's shore up the center position while we have the chance and stock up on some real talent up front. I think we'll be in the 5-8 range next season for out first pick, so if we're missing out on McDavid then maybe that gives us a chance to take the top ranked d-man next year.

Would love to get Hanifan.

[EldrickOnIce]

Originally Posted by Trailer Fire

Shhh. Nurse, Kefblom and Musil are depth enough.

And Marincin.
Call me crazy, but I like the oilers prospect defensive depth may more than their forwards, including NHL forward.
Not sure there is any #1 there at all, but looking ahead their forwards are a bigger mess, particularly down the middle. At least in my opinion.
But yes, I'm sure they will take Ekblad

[CaptainCrunch]

Originally Posted by Sylvanfan

If Ekblad is there at 4, the only thing you make sure you do, is not knock over anyone or anything as you run to the podium to make the pick.

[Freeway]

Yes.

He's built. He fits an organizational need. He's mature. He can grow a full beard.

[ignite09]

Originally Posted by EldrickOnIce

And Marincin.
Call me crazy, but I like the oilers prospect defensive depth may more than their forwards, including NHL forward.
Not sure there is any #1 there at all, but looking ahead their forwards are a bigger mess, particularly down the middle. At least in my opinion.
But yes, I'm sure they will take Ekblad

I totally agree with this. Only problem is their defence is about four years away from consistently making an impact at the NHL level.

[FakenHaken]

Originally Posted by CaptainCrunch

Was that Jay Feaster at last years NHL Draft when we selected Monahan?

[Manhattanboy]

Yes please!

[Table 5]

Originally Posted by EldrickOnIce

And Marincin.
Call me crazy, but I like the oilers prospect defensive depth may more than their forwards, including NHL forward.

Yeah, the problem for the Oilers is not that they don't have decent defenseman, it's that they are too young to really make a difference at the NHL level right now..and probably for the next couple of years. Ekblad won't help that issue much...even if he makes the league next year, will he really be effective enough to make them a playoff team? How many more "development" years can the Oilers afford?

One of the reason's why if I was GM, I'd be trying to shop that #3 pick for an elite dman in the 22-25 age range. Also one of the reasons why I'm still baffled that they traded Smid.

[EldrickOnIce]

Originally Posted by ignite09

I totally agree with this. Only problem is their defence is about four years away from consistently making an impact at the NHL level.

Yes.
World's worst rebuild. Ever.
Be interesting to see if they try to give up young roster players / prospects to try to Plug holes now. I expect they will continue to try, but I can't see them getting any help for anyone they will be willing to part with at market price.
Hall will be a UFA before they get anything right - and likely not even then, cuz they are still no good.

[CaptainCrunch]

Originally Posted by EldrickOnIce

And Marincin.
Call me crazy, but I like the oilers prospect defensive depth may more than their forwards, including NHL forward.
Not sure there is any #1 there at all, but looking ahead their forwards are a bigger mess, particularly down the middle. At least in my opinion.
But yes, I'm sure they will take Ekblad

Marincin looks good, I think he'll slot into that middle pairing role, I'm not sure if I'm sold on Klefbom yet as anything but a bottom half of the lineup yet. I also think that Nurse is going to be a slow developer.

the Oilers like the Flames lack that high end blueline talent that they desperately need.

[djsFlames]

When these young, great d-men come up, the Oilers forwards won't be instructed to collapse or help them out. They'll be left out to dry. No matter how promising any of them appear, under an Oilers system they'll all be ruined. Just ask Ference how he likes it up there.

[btimbit]

Absolutely. I wouldn't like a d-man at #1 but if he's still there at #4 it's a no brainer.

Doubt it happens though.

[EldrickOnIce]

Originally Posted by Table 5

Also one of the reasons why I'm still baffled that they traded Smid.

Pretty sure that was MacT and his shiny MBA visiting extraskater, puzzling thru corsi, and going from there.
Problem with all of that is those so called analytics don't measure the on ice value of a player like Smid, including the work ethic and professionalism he brings every night.

[Coach]

Originally Posted by EldrickOnIce

Pretty sure that was MacT and his shiny MBA visiting extraskater, puzzling thru corsi, and going from there.
Problem with all of that is those so called analytics don't measure the on ice value of a player like Smid, including the work ethic and professionalism he brings every night.

Also rumours he kept lowering the 3 stooges TDPP (Toe Drags Per Practice), as he would usually stop them and make fun of them for being junior players.

Can't have that. TD's are MacT's most closely tracked stat. Not to mention the shattered confidence of his offesnive powerhouses.

[Flames Draft Watcher]

I'd take Ekblad at #1 most likely if it were up to me. If you can get him lower then great.

[Vulcan]

Yeah, I'd be willing to trade for the #1 pick just to get Edblad.