2015 NHL Draft

[Sandman]

Originally Posted by dammage79

Could argue from #20 down to the bottom half of round two the talent pool is not terrible just not concrete gap to differentiate. Maybe I'm not geeking out hard enough to see the gap this year if there is one.

I agree. Even into the third round, there doesn't seem to be a huge drop in talent- especially D-men. That's why i would agree with sureLoss' point about possibly trading down.

[sureLoss]

Craig Button - TSN Director of Scouting
March 28th - TSN 1260

QMJHL focus. bonus talk on Mike Reilly

https://soundcloud.com/pipeline-show/craig-button-mar28


Mike Reilly

• he is dynamic, brilliant mind, excellent vision
• really makes things happen from the blueline
• for Button, Reilly among Dubnyk would be the most coveted free agent this summer

D Jakub Zboril

• had a knee injury and missed an early part of this calendar year
• big time competitor
• not going to put up massive number of points
• can effectively move the puck out of his own zone
• he is going to separate opponents from the puck in defensive zone with his quickness and determination to get involved in body on body battles
• can get up in attack and has a good shot, but not talking about a prolific point producer
• style comparable: Marc Staal - can play big and strong in his own zone and when required can make good plays in the offensive zone, but can certainly get the puck out of his own zone

D Thomas Chabot

• after the trio of Hanifin, Werenski, and Provorov; Chabot is clearly the next guy in Button's mind
• depending on team he might even be higher than some of the guys in the aforementioned trio
• he is smooth and has a great mind
• makes plays of all kinds under pressure
• he understands where options are and never panics
• efficient "crisp" defenceman
• wherever there is trouble, it is quickly over when he gets control of the play
• exceptional skater
• game has progressed since he was 16, kept getting better and better and better - no reason to think that won't continue

RW Daniel Sprong

• very interesting player
• could arguably be one of the most skilled players in this draft
• has a real determination to make a difference in the game
• some moments in the game where he tries to force the issue - not because he isn't a smart player
• he needs to understand how at times to get his skills into the game and when those times aren't there how he continues to work the game so that he doesn't butt up against it
• for a lot of players that is a developmental issue
• one concern is that he is too individualistic
• if you don't distribute the puck you become very easy to check and defend against
• despite abundance of skill, you gotta know how to play with others and open up plays for them - if you don't you aren't going to come anywhere near maximizing your skills

C Filip Chlapik

• Filip is an all around centerman
• not going to wow you with end to end rush or jaw dropping skill
• smart and competitive
• in the guts of the action
• willing to play defence as much as offence
• these type of centers find their ways onto successful teams
• a player like Pavel Zacha came in with a lot of hype and right now don't see a lot of difference between Zacha and Chlapik
• a team with 2 first rounders might decide to pass on Zacha and get a similar player in the late 1st round with Chlapik
• comparison: Antoine Vermette but not as good a skater as Vermette. An all around center - not a #1 center but a center that rounds out your group

RW Timo Meier

• compared to other Swiss players drafted in the NHL: different than Baertschi, a little similar to Nino Niederreiter in the sense that he is a big winger and strong
• can't really think of any real dynamic top-end Swiss offensive player that he would compare to
• has a real power to his game
• has an ability to not only beat you with skill but also power
• not talking about running you over like Lucic
• he gets under guys and an edge on you physically
• has great leverage in his skating
• great strength in his upper body
• really drives the puck to the net and scoring areas
• as good at finishing plays as he is making plays
• these type of players are not commonplace
• fully expecting Meier to be a top 10-12 picks
• he is also a late birthday

[FlamesAddiction]

Here is an article (somewhat dated) about some potential older 2015 draft eligible players that could be steals in 2015 (mostly passed over from 2014):

http://thehockeywriters.com/10-overa...he-2015-draft/

Personally, I would take a chance on Conor Garland. He is small (19 years old, 5'8", 168 lbs), but really skilled and plays a fairly courageous game. He tore the Q a new one this season scoring 129 points in 67 games. In 2014, some sources predicted that he would be drafted as early as the mid 2nd round that year. Seeing Gaudreau succeed has opened my mind up somewhat. Reading descriptions of Garland's play, it sounds like he plays a similar type of game.

Vladdy hockey is mentioned as well.

Are there any other potential overlooked players that might be steals in 2015?

[GranteedEV]

Originally Posted by FlamesAddiction

Here is an article (somewhat dated) about some potential older 2015 draft eligible players that could be steals in 2015 (mostly passed over from 2014):

http://thehockeywriters.com/10-overa...he-2015-draft/

...

Are there any other potential overlooked players that might be steals in 2015?

From that list, I would strongly consider Brien Diffley. Seems to be everything we want to have in our system.

[GioforPM]

For the very later rounds I like guys who put up points but have supposed flaws that scouts dislike - like Johnny or Theo's size, or Russians, maybe things like fitness (like Hull) or skating that can be worked on.

I'd avoid guys that drop because of attitude (Ho Sang).

[cral12]

New profile up from THW's War Room series:
Of course, another lad likely to be gone by the time we pick and maybe not Flames biggest need anyhow - intriguing prospect though:

Matt Barzal: Mr. Skill with Grit
The Cerebral Catalyst

[sureLoss]

ISS top 30 for April:

http://www.isshockey.com/iss-top-30/

[Bunk]

Man Kylington has really dropped in various rankings.

[dying4acup]

Originally Posted by Bunk

Man Kylington has really dropped in various rankings.

Definately not falling to the flames at 30 though

[cral12]

Another profile from THW:
- getting closer to lads who might be in our wheelhouse

Mikko Rantanen: 2015 NHL Draft’s Top European Prospect

[cral12]

2 more:

NHL Draft War Room: Pavel Zacha – Czech Mate

He might have some evolving to do, but might have highest upside:
Is Zach Werenski the Top Defenceman in the 2015 NHL Draft?

[dammage79]

Trade up for Rantanen!!! You guys pumped his tires huge. Now I want the Flames to spend draft picks to get him. Natural RW would be amazing but a big fast mean LS RW would be just fine. he and Poirier can share the top two RW spots in a couple of years time.

[jiginla12]

If they're drafting around 17-22, I think Sprong is the BPA and fills the requirement for RW prospects. Kid is basically Ho-Sang 2.0, but there is still hope.

[ForeverFlameFan]

Originally Posted by jiginla12

If they're drafting around 17-22, I think Sprong is the BPA and fills the requirement for RW prospects. Kid is basically Ho-Sang 2.0, but there is still hope.

I am starting to question his character though. Hopefully Meier drops, but I doubt he will.

Jeremy Roy seems like the guy that I think would be a perfect fit for the Flames.

[Calgary4LIfe]

If there are any substance to the Sproung rumors at all, you can be sure that the Flames have him crossed off their list.

[cral12]

Is Timo Meier the Top QMJHL 2015 NHL Draft Prospect?
You bet. Here's why.

(But yes, one of the Q dmen might be a better fit (and realistically attainable) for Flames - Jeremy Roy or possibly Chabot)

[Freeway]

In terms of intangibles, I think Jansen Harkins could be a good fit for the Flames if he falls that far.

[Rick M.]

Originally Posted by Calgary4LIfe

If there are any substance to the Sproung rumors at all, you can be sure that the Flames have him crossed off their list.

In view of the fact that the Flames' scout for the Q is a part owner of the Charlottetown Islanders, I think the Flames will have a very good read on Sprong and Chlapik.

[FCAV]

New ranking from FC hit this morning:

The biggest downward movement in April’s ranking includes Lawson Crouse from six to nine, Oliver Kylington‘s continued fall from 12 to 19, Jansen Harkins from 21 to 25. Those trending upward include Mikko Rantanen from 11 to seven, Kyle Connor from 17 to 12, Timo Meier from 20 to 16, Jakub Zboril from 26 to 22 and Paul Bittner from 28 to 24.


Jacob Larsson (29th) and Jake DeBrusk (27th) are among those that have climbed into Future Considerations’ first round ranking.

http://futureconsiderations.ca/fc-re...or-2015-draft/

[nik-]

Why is Kylington falling?