THW 2014 NHL Draft HQ Thread

[cral12]

Definitely could see that, Vulcan - good size, good upside.
***
Another netminder up next: How high can he go in the draft - stock definitely on the rise:

Mason McDonald - G

[cral12]

Some updated draft/prospect articles by colleagues for your viewing pleasure:

Washington Capitals Top Ten Prospects: Pre 2014 Draft by Matt Speck (just to compare how our prospect pool stacks up)

NHL Entry Draft: A Decade of Diamonds in the Rough by Andrew Forbes

NCAA Players Infiltrating the NHL Draft by Eric Burton

[Vulcan]

Originally Posted by cral12

Definitely could see that, Vulcan - good size, good upside.
***
Another netminder up next: How high can he go in the draft - stock definitely on the rise:

Mason McDonald - G

He impressed me in the Under 18. I wouldn't be upset if we used one of our 2nd round picks on him plus he's big at 6' 4".

[cral12]

Originally Posted by Vulcan

He impressed me in the Under 18. I wouldn't be upset if we used one of our 2nd round picks on him plus he's big at 6' 4".

I'd prefer skaters, but see your point Vulcan - McDonald does nothing but continually building his case and raising his stock.

[Caged Great]

I see a bit of Cam Ward in McDonald. I probably wouldn't use a top 3 round pick on him though, we have bigger needs that can be addressed.

The one goalie that I really like though is Brandon Halverson. He's a backup, but is 6-4 with good footwork and speed in his movements.

[cral12]

Another potential 2nd rnd target for the Flames:

Here;s Jacobs:

Josh Jacobs War Room Profile

E-Mac dubs him #MrFluid.

[cral12]

Justin Kirkland #MrProject profile now up as well.

Alexis Vanier should be up tomorrow AM as well as Johnny Q.

[Rick M.]

Originally Posted by Vulcan

He impressed me in the Under 18. I wouldn't be upset if we used one of our 2nd round picks on him plus he's big at 6' 4".

I've seen him play several times in Charlottetown and he's definitely worth drafting. I'm not sure I'd want to use a 2nd round pick; maybe a third?

[cral12]

Originally Posted by Rick M.

I've seen him play several times in Charlottetown and he's definitely worth drafting. I'm not sure I'd want to use a 2nd round pick; maybe a third?

He may not last until then, but I'd be kinda sorta ok with draftin' him in the 3rd (this from a guy who hates drafting goalies period...lol)

[Parallex]

Originally Posted by cral12

He may not last until then, but I'd be kinda sorta ok with draftin' him in the 3rd (this from a guy who hates drafting goalies period...lol)

Yeah, Goalies are voodoo, don't want to burn a high pick on one but with nothing between the 3rd round and 6th round I'd put a small bet down on one of the thirds being used to pick up a tender.

[cral12]

Alexis Vanier makes his way through the THW NHL Draft War Room
#LeMonstre D

Another real interesting guy in terms of where he lands in Philly.

[Vulcan]

Originally Posted by cral12

Alexis Vanier makes his way through the THW NHL Draft War Room
#LeMonstre D

Another real interesting guy in terms of where he lands in Philly.

I like.

[Pierre "Monster" McGuire]

Originally Posted by Vulcan

I like.

The meaner our defense the better. This kid sounds awesome.

[cral12]

Yet another direction the Flames could go in, in the 2nd rnd:

Next up in the THW NHL Draft War Room: #MrUp

Marcus Pettersson - D

- find out why E-Mac dubs his #MrUp

[Muffins]

Originally Posted by cral12

Yet another direction the Flames could go in, in the 2nd rnd:

Next up in the THW NHL Draft War Room: #MrUp

Marcus Pettersson - D

- find out why E-Mac dubs his #MrUp

6'4" and only 167 lbs?

Holy beanpole batman!

[FlameZilla]

Originally Posted by cral12

Alexis Vanier makes his way through the THW NHL Draft War Room
#LeMonstre D

Another real interesting guy in terms of where he lands in Philly.

“Every time that Vanier was on the ice I found it hard not to notice him. For a six-foot-five, 215-pound defenceman, he skates awfully well once he is moving and I’m sure that caught more than a few scouts’ eye. While he needs to improve the quickness in his first step, I felt his skating is still pretty good. Aside from his athletic talents, Vanier also has a great shot, good passing skills and thinks the game very well. Overall, this is one player to watch the rest of the way as he will surely charge up the draft rankings based on these tools alone.”

What exactly are the flaws in Vanier's skating? This is the most positive review of his skating that I have seen.

[cral12]

Originally Posted by FlameZilla

What exactly are the flaws in Vanier's skating? This is the most positive review of his skating that I have seen.

Simply (cause it's all so simple...haha) needs to increase first few steps acceleration - quickness, if you will.

[cral12]

Johnny Q delivered...

John Quenneville profiled. E-Mac dubs him #MrIndustrial - find out why.

[cral12]

Conner Bleackley profile now live.
- really like this prospect

[kirant]

Originally Posted by cral12

Conner Bleackley profile now live.
- really like this prospect

If the Flames need centre depth I'd love to see an early 2nd on Bleackley. I really liked Stepan when he was drafted and Bleackley looks like much of the same.