[News] Upd: Drouin decides to sit out until trade is completed. Lightning suspend him.

[Flames Draft Watcher]

Originally Posted by djsFlames

Disagree that Drouin is that far down our list of needs. We need more elite level talents up front, period. Given the fact that we have 3 D on our roster that could slot in as a #1 right now (which is more than most teams could say), and prospect depth of the likes of Kylington, Andersson and Hickey coming up, I think high-end forwards comes above more D right now.
We simply don't have enough legitimate top 6 forwards right now that we have to activate our D in games constantly to provide the needed offense.
Bennett needs a productive linemate for the next 5+ years to play with, left or right winger. Preferrably a gifted playmaker. Drouin will fit that exact mould.
Besides, if you look at the league right now, there isn't a hell of a lot of productive RWs out there. Legitimate top line RWs are hard to come by in the current NHL for whatever reason. We definitely need someone to play on Gaudreau and Monahan's right side but you're not gonna find a lot of gems. I'd say Hayes is a prime target given his size and abilities but with the added bonus of proven chemistry with Gaudreau.

But I'd definitely say without a doubt that adding Drouin addresses one of our two biggest needs right now - elite forward talent and goaltending. You're not going to find an available player with even close to as much potential that can slot down the right side right now. So taking a run at this kid is a no-brainer.

I agree with both of you. Elite offensive talent is needed in our top 6. That said it would preferably be in the form of a big player or even better a big, physical player. So Drouin doesn't check all the boxes there but obviously could fill a big need. He would come at a fairly high cost so its unclear if the price would be worth it.

But as Enoch Root has said, I think long term that goaltending and RW are bigger needs and size and physicality in key positions are more important than adding another soft skilled guy. I think on defense we're pretty good except that we really lack that mean, physical, bruising defenseman with size who can play top 4 minutes and we don't have that in the system barring a miracle.

I can really see both sides of the argument. If you can acquire Drouin at some reasonable price then I think it could easily be worth a shot. But he's certainly not the type of guy I'd overpay for.

[Erick Estrada]

Originally Posted by Vinny01

I think it is unlikely the flames pick top 5. A lot of protected picks have been dealt in recent memory.

It's actually getting more likely the deeper they get into the season as they are starting to fall off the pace of the teams ahead of them. Throw in a miserable divisional record and I don't trade this pick to anyone as it's likely going to land a very good player in the draft and the odds of winning the draft lottery are also a little better than in the past.

[Vinny01]

Originally Posted by Erick Estrada

It's actually getting more likely the deeper they get into the season as they are starting to fall off the pace of the teams ahead of them. Throw in a miserable divisional record and I don't trade this pick to anyone as it's likely going to land a very good player in the draft and the odds of winning the draft lottery are also a little better than in the past.

So at the half way point they are 2pts out and are falling off the pace? Tonight's loss sucked but they are closer to the playoffs than last

[Erick Estrada]

Originally Posted by Vinny01

So at the half way point they are 2pts out and are falling off the pace? Tonight's loss sucked but they are closer to the playoffs than last

Arizona now 6 points up and the Flames have to leapfrog three teams just to get the 3rd spot. It's not impossible but after the home winning streak the team has started to slump again losing 4 of the last 5. This just isn't a good hockey team and it's looking like one of those typical rebuilding season of highs, lows and a lot of mediocrity.

[Vinny01]

The difference is a win tonight they would be in a playoff spot.

I think this team has needed a shakeup all year. Guys like Colborne should not be getting a regular shift on the power play. Backlund as well. This team is missing multiple top 6 forwards. Drouin could literally slide into the second line here and help now and for years to come. Outside of Matthews I am not sure there is a prospect that can do that next year for the flames.

[Erick Estrada]

Originally Posted by Vinny01

The difference is a win tonight they would be in a playoff spot.

I think this team has needed a shakeup all year. Guys like Colborne should not be getting a regular shift on the power play. Backlund as well. This team is missing multiple top 6 forwards. Drouin could literally slide into the second line here and help now and for years to come. Outside of Matthews I am not sure there is a prospect that can do that next year for the flames.

I'm not for Treliving moving the Flames 1st for Druin but if it happened I could live with it as I feel Druin has solid top 6 potential. I just like the upside of the two big Finnish wingers a little more.

[JurassicTunga12]

I'd move the 1st if it was top 5 protected, but Yzerman probably wouldn't go for it. Who knows, though.

[Samonadreau]

^#6-10 are gonna be pretty good picks this year.

[Flames Draft Watcher]

Originally Posted by JurassicTunga12

I'd move the 1st if it was top 5 protected, but Yzerman probably wouldn't go for it. Who knows, though.

Maybe if it was top 10 protected. I'm loving the looks of this draft, 6-10 should be solid too. IMO too risky to move this year's pick unless you could top 10 protect so that probably can't be a component of a Drouin trade.

I wouldn't move any of Gio, Brodie, Hamilton, Gaudreau, Monahan, Bennett, Ferland, or the 1st in a Drouin trade. Not sure if we can make it happen.

[schooner]

thought about it for a few days, not sure if it gets it done, prob doesnt, but my final offer would be:

Protected first (Flames option of 2016 or 2017) and Poirier.

If that doesnt work, and I dont think it does, then no deal.

[Da_Chief]

Originally Posted by schooner

thought about it for a few days, not sure if it gets it done, prob doesnt, but my final offer would be:

Protected first (Flames option of 2016 or 2017) and Poirier.

If that doesnt work, and I dont think it does, then no deal.

Don't think Yzerman will be on CP anytime to read your final offer so him know.

[schooner]

Originally Posted by Da_Chief

Don't think Yzerman will be on CP anytime to read your final offer so him know.

Well damn, I thought we were negotiating.

[FBI]

Dang, as soon as word gets out that a trade might be close, this thread fades!

[Harry Lime]

The most terrifying dark horse team, for me, would be the Stars working out something around Brett Ritchie. A line of Eakin and Nichushkin adding Drouin, would be a pretty scary third line.

[polak]

Definitely don't send our 1st. I think that will get more and more clear as we get further away from the 11 game stretch.

[868904]

Originally Posted by Harry Lime

The most terrifying dark horse team, for me, would be the Stars working out something around Brett Ritchie. A line of Eakin and Nichushkin adding Drouin, would be a pretty scary third line.

Brett Ritchie is no better than Joe Colborne. If the Stars want Drouin, Yzerman will ask for Nichushkin.

[hockey.modern]

Brennan Klak ‏@nhlupdate:
Per Pierre LeBrun, Ottawa had interest in Jonathan Drouin but aren't too keen on dealing away D-man Cody Ceci, a guy Yzerman likes.

[Enoch Root]

Originally Posted by hockey.modern

Brennan Klak ‏@nhlupdate:
Per Pierre LeBrun, Ottawa had interest in Jonathan Drouin but aren't too keen on dealing away D-man Cody Ceci, a guy Yzerman likes.

Pretty good indication of the type of player Yzerman can expect to get back. Hardly what I would call being in the driver's seat.

Lots of interested teams doesn't necessarily mean he's in control. One reason there are so many teams interested is due to the expectation that an exciting young player can possibly be had for a discount.

EVERY GM is going to be calling. Doesn't mean the offers are going to be what Yzerman wants.

[blender]

Originally Posted by 868904

Brett Ritchie is no better than Joe Colborne. If the Stars want Drouin, Yzerman will ask for Nichushkin.

He might ask, but I highly doubt he would receive. It would be just like us swapping Bennett for Drouin. Can't see it happening.

[Erick Estrada]

Similar to the Kyle Turris situation in Phoenix. Top 5 pick wanting out and the reality is that the David Runblad and a 2nd round pick was the best offer.