Draft Eve Poll: Who do the Flames take tomorrow?

[Flames Draft Watcher]

Originally Posted by fatso

Assuming the draft order remains the same, I see the Flames picking either Reinhart or Draisatl. Florida takes Ekblad. The Oilers will take Bennett if Buffalo passes on him.

While the Oilers have a million needs, more than size or skill they need intensity and leadership. From what I understand Bennett offers that more than the others of the top-4. If Buffalo takes Bennett, the Oilers will take Draisatl and we will take Reinhart. If Buffalo takes Reinhart, the Oilers will take Bennett and we will take Draisatl. And if Bufflalo takes Draisatl (which is very possible), Oilers take Bennett and we take Reinhart.

Hm... seems our choice is contingent on what Buffalo does. Maybe we should move to that #2 spot.

Well Bennett may not be ready for a couple years. The pressure is on for EDM to turn the corner at some point here. They lack a big #1/2 centre and Draisaitl could fit that need as early as next season. They may not prioritze intensity and leadership in an averaged sized player as much as you think they should.

[Igster]

Originally Posted by Flames Draft Watcher

Well Bennett may not be ready for a couple years. The pressure is on for EDM to turn the corner at some point here. They lack a big #1/2 centre and Draisaitl could fit that need as early as next season. They may not prioritze intensity and leadership in an averaged sized player as much as you think they should.

Yup. The Oilers brass don't have any more time. Greaser fans are getting restless. Oilers can't afford to draft or trade for prospects anymore. They need players to play now.

[mrdonkey]

I'm really feeling it'll be Bennett.

[Yamer]

I think it will end up being one of the Sams. I am leaning towards Buffalo taking Reinhart, which will leave Calgary with Bennett (and voted as such).

Really, I'm probably going to be pretty happy with any of the 4. Only way I might groan is if they go off the board and take someone projected in that 5-10 chunk.

[cowtown75]

Originally Posted by Igster

Yup. The Oilers brass don't have any more time. Greaser fans are getting restless. Oilers can't afford to draft or trade for prospects anymore. They need players to play now.

Agreed, I see the Oil taking the German as a big bodied Center with skill is what they really need. Which is why I picked Bennett to fall to us- scary part is, the Oil don't make a ton of sense in their transactions so they might take Bennett and we end up with the German. Anyways, I voted Killer Jr.

[StrykerSteve]

Bennett.

Can't see Draisaitl making it out of the top 3.

[djsFlames]

Any real indication in the past few days as to which Sam Buffalo is leaning towards?

While I like Bennett, I'm hoping they go with Bennett, as I think Reinhart is going to be exceptional.

[TheDebaser]

Does anyone know where the rumor that Edmonton really likes Draisaitl comes from? Did their management at any time say they really liked the kid?

Post links if you can find them.

EDIT: Looked around a bit and it seems pretty legit.

> Are there signs of MacT getting stubborn now? Sure. Keeping all of the coaches would be an example, and I do think there are leaks again—something that did not happen in the Tambellini era. When you’ve got Jim Matheson telling the world that the Oilers like Leon Draisaitl, that’s information that, if true, puts the club in a position of weakness. That’s a thing. A really bad thing.What should MacT do? Find the leak and shoot it between the eyes.


"oilers nation.com/2014/5/15/leon-draisaitl-and-nail-yakupov"

[GGG]

Originally Posted by Enoch Root

I voted Bennett (mostly because that is what I'm hoping for)

But I would not be at all surprised with Ekblad, Draisaitl, Reinhart or Ritchie either - complete toss up.

I have to say that I have a growing concern about Reinhart sliding and becoming the flop of the group

That concern though is likely generated through talking heads. The top guy going in always gets picked apart and all of his defects over analysed. I am much more concerned of the oppisite affect that in trying to find holes in the number 1 players game to bring him down and create doubt in who to pick you also gloss over defects and overstate strengths of the alternatives to the number 1 player.

So I am much more concerned with use going outside of the big 4 then anyone of the big 4 falling to us.

Nothing has changed in the players ability on the ice since hockey ended and yet peoples draft stock has risen and fallen. The interviews which we aren't privy to are a factor but nothing we have access to.

I think we end up with Bennet. With the draft going Eckblad, Reinhart, Drasiatl.

[StrykerSteve]

Originally Posted by TheDebaser

Does anyone know where the rumor that Edmonton really likes Draisaitl comes from? Did their management at any time say they really liked the kid?

Post links if you can find them.

Where to start.

Edmonton media has a major crush on him. The Oilers site listed him on their roster at one point. He's gone on the record as stating he'd love to be an Oiler.

Someone with more time on their hands can find you the links.

[bubbsy]

i think at 4, regardless of what order the top 3 go, draisatl is the one who will be left on the board, and who the flames will grab.

what is awesome is i really don't care that much who we get if it is one of the top 4. I am happy to say that i'll be excited tomorrow without even knowing who they get.

Of course, i will be extremely sad (without any factual evidence or rationale, as i know little about the prospects themselves) should the flames get someone outside the top 4 instead (dal colle/ritchie).

[kyuss275]

I have no idea. I just know it will be a forward unless they trade up to #1, which I don't see happening. 3 forwards seem pretty close. None of them scream franchise center.

[Hockey_Ninja]

I was sure it was going to be Draisaitl but now i have a feeling we'll get Reinhart. Bennett would be nice as well.

[Fire]

Nervous Nellies:
Ashasx, FlamesAddiction, New Era, nobles_point, Wolfman

[Erick Estrada]

I have heard that the Tim Murray of the Sabres covets Bennett which makes Reinhart the favorite to land in the Flames lap.

[Buff]

In my dream world the Flames trade the negotiating rights to Cammalleri to Edmonton for their 3rd overall pick. Flames then draft Ekblad and Draisaitl. Cammalleri signs a 2 year deal with the Flames on July 1.

[Wolfman]

Originally Posted by Buff

In my dream world the Flames trade the negotiating rights to Cammalleri to Edmonton for their 3rd overall pick. Flames then draft Ekblad and Draisaitl. Cammalleri signs a 2 year deal with the Flames on July 1.

You better go have another 6 pack.

[ForeverFlameFan]

Originally Posted by Wolfman

You better go have another 6 pack.

Why? Of all teams, Edmonton would be the team do make a stupid trade like this ...

[Hockey_Ninja]

Originally Posted by Erick Estrada

I have heard that the Tim Murray of the Sabres covets Bennett which makes Reinhart the favorite to land in the Flames lap.

Not sure what is making him a faller at this point. Is it his attitude? or does he lack skills that Bennett and Draisaitl have?

[Erick Estrada]

Originally Posted by Hockey_Ninja

Not sure what is making him a faller at this point. Is it his attitude? or does he lack skills that Bennett and Draisaitl have?

One of the 4 has to fall to the Flames and IMO that doesn't mean that player has any issues. Buffalo likes the grittiness of Bennett and they are in need of this type of player. Edmonton obviously seems to be all over Draisaitl because he's big and NHL ready. Reinhart could still be the best of the three forwards at the end of the day but team needs means he drops to the Flames.