Splitting Atoms Poll - Cgy pick Draisaitl/Bennett

[Flames Draft Watcher]

Originally Posted by Five-hole

So if 99% of people pick Bennett, how do we justify our results that Edmonton picks Draisaitl in the mock draft poll?

Oh right. Wishful thinking.

Disagree. I think the Oilers needs are for size up front or a top line defenceman. Plus I think the Oilers need someone sooner rather than later. Draisaitl could be their big 2nd line centre within a year. I can see the Oilers prioritizing him over the Sams easily.

The Flames on the other hand do need size too but we can be more patient with whoever we pick. I think Bennett's speed, skill, competitiveness combo would put him near the top of our list and potentially higher on our list than the Oilers.

However I'm starting to think both Draisaitl and Bennett will be gone by our pick.

[_Q_]

Easy decision for me. To me Bennett is the best prospect in this draft.

I've also never watched any of these guys play, so I'm just going off of YouTube clips and what scouts have been saying.

[Erick Estrada]

Originally Posted by codynw

Organizational need? Oilers need a big center. Plus Draisaitl is more likely to play in the NHL next year and they need someone that can play now.

You could also make a case that Draisaitl adds the size element they are missing but Bennett would add a lot of elements they are missing in a leadership capacity and a well rounded game.

[ForeverFlameFan]

Originally Posted by Flames Draft Watcher

Disagree. I think the Oilers needs are for size up front or a top line defenceman. Plus I think the Oilers need someone sooner rather than later. Draisaitl could be their big 2nd line centre within a year. I can see the Oilers prioritizing him over the Sams easily.

The Flames on the other hand do need size too but we can be more patient with whoever we pick. I think Bennett's speed, skill, competitiveness combo would put him near the top of our list and potentially higher on our list than the Oilers.

However I'm starting to think both Draisaitl and Bennett will be gone by our pick.

That makes either Reinhart at #4 then? I don't even call that a consolation prize, I call that a win!

[Gaskal]

Originally Posted by Erick Estrada

You could also make a case that Draisaitl adds the size element they are missing but Bennett would add a lot of elements they are missing in a leadership capacity and a well rounded game.

Oilers are not in a position to wait until Bennett is physically ready for the NHL.

[ForeverFlameFan]

Originally Posted by Erick Estrada

You could also make a case that Draisaitl adds the size element they are missing but Bennett would add a lot of elements they are missing in a leadership capacity and a well rounded game.

The Oilers have a thing for putting their players in the NHL right away. Both Sam's could use another year in the juniors before hitting NHL ice. The two I think are ready for the NHL for sure is Ekblad and Draisaitl. Edmonton needs a #2 center still, and I am assuming that spot will be slotted for Draisaitl.

[automaton 3]

Originally Posted by Five-hole

So if 99% of people pick Bennett, how do we justify our results that Edmonton picks Draisaitl in the mock draft poll?

Oh right. Wishful thinking.

Fair comment.

I think the Oilers go with Draisaitl because he's a better fit for them:

1. Size
2. Elite passing to compliment their forwards
3. Can step into the lineup sooner than later
4. Maybe he was just trying to say the right things, but he has indicated that he'd like to be an Oiler

Of course, maybe we're giving the Oiler's brass too much credit by assuming that they'll do something that makes sense.

[thethumwood]

soooooo conclusion from all the posters... We are getting one of the sams

[The Professor]

She's a close one!

Yeah, I think if Bennett and Draisaitl are what Edm has to choose from it's not so cut and dry. Of the "top 3" I think Reinhart has the best chance to get to us past Edm.

PS - I see how folks screw up spellings so often. Once you are writing your post, you aren't looking at other ones with the correct spelling. Sure, you could take three seconds and look, but...

[Robbob]

The thought of a Line of Poirier, Bennett and Gaudreau down the road would be some else. Speed, skill and Grit.

[Yrebmi]

Originally Posted by Five-hole

So if 99% of people pick Bennett, how do we justify our results that Edmonton picks Draisaitl in the mock draft poll?

Oh right. Wishful thinking.

For what it's worth, Edmonton forum has a thread asking Bennett or Draisaitl where ~est 75% in favor of Draisaitl.

Hell they have a poll between Draisaitl and Ekblad. (albeit Ek wins with near 90%)

Fans are not GMs, but my feel is if Ekblad is gone, Oil will pick Draisaitl.

[Erick Estrada]

Originally Posted by Gaskal

Oilers are not in a position to wait until Bennett is physically ready for the NHL.

Why? They are going to miss the playoffs next season anyway. We aren't talking about a team on the cusp of making the playoffs. They should still be looking long term with their draft picks and free agency for their quick fixes.

Originally Posted by ForeverFlameFan

The Oilers have a thing for putting their players in the NHL right away. Both Sam's could use another year in the juniors before hitting NHL ice. The two I think are ready for the NHL for sure is Ekblad and Draisaitl. Edmonton needs a #2 center still, and I am assuming that spot will be slotted for Draisaitl.

As much as we like to hate on the Oilers they did the right thing with Nurse so I don't think they are incapable of being rational.

[Igster]

Originally Posted by Erick Estrada

Why? They are going to miss the playoffs next season anyway. We aren't talking about a team on the cusp of making the playoffs. They should still be looking long term with their draft picks and free agency for their quick fixes.

But they have a lot of pressure to get past this rebuild stage now. Fans are getting annoyed. I think it's a safe bet to think they are NOT thinking long term and will do what they need now to try and make the playoffs. It's not the right path, but I think it's the one they will take.

[thethumwood]

Originally Posted by Yrebmi

For what it's worth, Edmonton forum has a thread asking Bennett or Draisaitl where ~est 75% in favor of Draisaitl.

Hell they have a poll between Draisaitl and Ekblad. (albeit Ek wins with near 90%)

Fans are not GMs, but my feel is if Ekblad is gone, Oil will pick Draisaitl.

Do you have a link to this poll?

[thethumwood]

So if EDM chooses to stick with Draisaitl, it really comes down to which Sam Buffalo takes. Out of the two, I prefer Bennett for the Flames. But I don't see Buffalo passing on him.

And then there is the chance FLA doesn't take Ekblad...

[dissentowner]

Bennett is a no brainer if he is there. My top 5 right now is

1. Ekblad
2. Reinhart
3. Bennett
4. Draisaiti
5. Ritchie

[northcrunk]

Anyone see a situation where Colorado trades up to the 1st overall pick to get Ekblad?

[flamesfan55]

I still think the the top three are going to be

1. Ekblad
2. Reinhart
3. Bennett

If anything I think Ekblad falls to the Oilers.

[trublmaker]

I think Burke and co. Go with Sam

[ForeverFlameFan]

Originally Posted by northcrunk

Anyone see a situation where Colorado trades up to the 1st overall pick to get Ekblad?

Why would Colorado do it? They have Johnson and Barrie at the RHD.

A team that could probably trade up because they have the prospects to do so and could use a player like Ekblad is the Flyers or the Red Wings. However, Tallon wants to stay in the top 10, so maybe Anaheim could package both firsts for Ekblad.

I just don't see any point for Colorado to.