2016 NHL Draft

[Parallex]

Originally Posted by Itse

...I just realized that it's almost inevitable that Oilers will pick either Laine or Puljujarvi, because they need wingers.

I think they will pick a winger... but not for the reason you think.

They need defensemen more then they need forwards. Honestly, I think that if the Oilers win any of the draft lotto picks they ought to trade down to 4 and pick Chychrun. But they're the Oilers and the Oilers just can't resist chasing that shiny red ball.

[Oil Stain]

Originally Posted by Parallex

I think they will pick a winger... but not for the reason you think.

They need defensemen more then they need forwards. Honestly, I think that if the Oilers win any of the draft lotto picks they ought to trade down to 4 and pick Chychrun. But they're the Oilers and the Oilers just can't resist chasing that shiny red ball.

If they win a lotto pick they'd be better off trading it for an established defense man.

Or taking one of the forwards, and trading Draisaitl or RNH for an established D.

The Oilers can't really afford to wait on a just drafted defenseman, and there doesn't appear to be a Doughty in this draft that can step in and be solid.

[CliffFletcher]

Originally Posted by dammage79

Flames need Laine all day long out of this draft. even at #1. Yeah call me crazy. I don't really care. A RH pure shooter like that with size? But then I look at Puljujarvi, and he scores those dirty goals. And that speed is something else. Ah man. What a top 3.

I think if the Flames win the lottery, they should seriously consider trading down to #2 or #3. I know, BPA and all that. But taking Matthews would be a clear signal to Monahan or Bennet that they don't have a long-term future with the team. Those guys aren't going to want to be shifted to the wing. And a small-market team in the U.S. like Buffalo or Columbus would be all over the superstar American centre.

[Poe969]

I don't think it would be the end of Bennett, he's playing wing right now and having a line with 2 amazing centers on it wouldn't be that bad. It's easier to convert a center to wing then anyone else to a center.

[sureLoss]

CSS midterm rankings are out:

http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=797902

[browntrout]

Originally Posted by CliffFletcher

I think if the Flames win the lottery, they should seriously consider trading down to #2 or #3. I know, BPA and all that. But taking Matthews would be a clear signal to Monahan or Bennet that they don't have a long-term future with the team. Those guys aren't going to want to be shifted to the wing. And a small-market team in the U.S. like Buffalo or Columbus would be all over the superstar American centre.

I don't think flames management cares if monahan or bennets feeling are hurt if they are lucky enough to draft matthews. Calgary has never drafted first overall and buffalo just drafted Eichel.....so remind me again why Buffalo or columbus deserves matthews over calgary.

[JiriHrdina]

Originally Posted by Caged Great

I'm hoping that when McDavid gets back that they magically take off and push for a playoff spot. Them getting one of the top 3 picks would tick me off. They might actually suck their way to a decent team.

As for the Flames, I'd be happy with any of the top 9 guys.

I think they will. McDavid makes them better - no question. I think they go on a bit of a run when he's back.

[1qqaaz]

Originally Posted by JiriHrdina

I think they will. McDavid makes them better - no question. I think they go on a bit of a run when he's back.

Maybe enough of a run to make them pick out of the top 9.

[Erick Estrada]

Originally Posted by JiriHrdina

I think they will. McDavid makes them better - no question. I think they go on a bit of a run when he's back.

Yeah I think they will pass the Flames in the standings but they would have to go on a serious run to legitimately get into the playoff race. The team still stinks but they aren't nearly the train wreck they were under the previous regime.

[GranteedEV]

Originally Posted by Caged Great

I'm hoping that when McDavid gets back that they magically take off and push for a playoff spot. Them getting one of the top 3 picks would tick me off. They might actually suck their way to a decent team.

As for the Flames, I'd be happy with any of the top 9 guys.

They're missing Klefbom more than they're missing McDavid, simply because the next step down from McDavid was Draisaitl/RNH while the next step down from Klefbom was a bunch of #3/#4/#5s

[Calgary4LIfe]

There are about 10 solid guys this draft that I would be happy if the Flames drafted - slightly more than in past years. Heck, even Gauthier looks like something the Flames desperately need.

This draft is full of prospects that the Flames can really use - Mathews included. Nothing wrong with drafting him and keeping Bennett on the wing. I am not too concerned with the Flames 'having' to finish in the bottom 3 or 5. It seems that they will finish somewhere in the bottom 10 this year, and I think that is enough to fill a big hole. However, we can never seem to count out the Flames, and they may yet surprise us again. Who would have thought that they would best their record at home for straight wins after the start they had?

I don't mind Nylander - I liked his brother a whole lot at the draft as well. I think there are more pressing options to choose from, and I can see the Flames skipping Nylander for a larger prospect, but I would be happy with Nylander.

[Enoch Root]

Originally Posted by GranteedEV

They're missing Klefbom more than they're missing McDavid, simply because the next step down from McDavid was Draisaitl/RNH while the next step down from Klefbom was a bunch of #3/#4/#5s

Klefbom is a #3/#4/#5

[Flames Draft Watcher]

Originally Posted by sureLoss

CSS midterm rankings are out:

http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=797902

Look at the size of these kids!

Top 10 NA has Nylander at slightly over 6'0, the diminutive Keller and then most of them are 6'2+ already!

Top 10 EU has five guys 6'2+.

Frankly the top 15 is looking solid at this point. If we miss the playoffs we should be able to add size up front or size on the backend. This year is looking decidedly above average to me, I wonder what the buzz will be like closer to the draft?

[SuperMatt18]

Originally Posted by Enoch Root

Klefbom is a #3/#4/#5

He is actually pretty good, especially considering he plays with no other defenseman that are any good. No way is he a #4/#5 at this point.

On a decent team he is probably a #2, would be a #3 on a really good team.

[sureLoss]

So as it looks right now Flames will have a greater than 50% chance at the 5th or 6th pick (before lottery) if they go .500 for the rest of the season.

[Enoch Root]

Originally Posted by SuperMatt18

He is actually pretty good, especially considering he plays with no other defenseman that are any good. No way is he a #4/#5 at this point.

On a decent team he is probably a #2, would be a #3 on a really good team.

On no decent team is he a #2... someday maybe, but not right now

[Erick Estrada]

Originally Posted by sureLoss

So as it looks right now Flames will have a greater than 50% chance at the 5th or 6th pick (before lottery) if they go .500 for the rest of the season.

I think we have to consider that Russell, Hudler, and possibly more players will be moved at the deadline leading to AHL call ups and I hate to use the tank term but it's kind of what this team did in 2013.

[DazzlinDino]

Originally Posted by JiriHrdina

I think they will. McDavid makes them better - no question. I think they go on a bit of a run when he's back.

I don't think any of us will be surprised if they do the opposite, they seem to be sitting nicely on the fence as usual.

[Flames Draft Watcher]

Originally Posted by Caged Great

I wonder if the Flames or any other team that's picking #1 or #2 will try to pull a Burke and grab both Puljujarvi and Laine like he did with the Sedins.

Don't think it will be possible at all. Part of the reason Burke could pick up that top 4 pick was because it was a weak draft. I mean Stefan #1? Brendl #4? What a crappy draft. Look at the whole 1st round if you want, it was blah.

This draft on the other hand looks sensational at the top end. No team in their right mind who is lucky enough to win the lottery and draft top 3 will be trading that pick.

[Flames Draft Watcher]

My early rankings considering Flames style of drafting and needs.

#1 - Auston Matthews (C) - Franchise centre
#2 - Patrick Laine (RW) - Big, fast, strong sniper and playmaker. 40+ goal type shot
#3 - Jesse Puljujarvi (RW) - Gamebreaking speed and offensive ability
#4 - Matthew Tkachuk (LW) - Smart and skilled power forward who owns the space around the net
#5 - Jacob Chychrun (D)
#6 - Olli Juolevi (D)
#7 - Mikhail Sergachev (D)
#8 - Alex Nylander (W)
#9 - Julien Gauthier (RW)
#10 - Michael McCleod (C)

The top 4 guys are all 1st line talents IMO. Different styles of players. We obviously could use a RW (Laine or Puljujarvi). Matthews is too good to turn down and definitely has a higher upside than Monahan. Tkachuk is a 1st line power forward, a super rare commodity as well. We desperately could use the size, skill, strength combo of any of those wingers.

I think Treliving as a former defenseman knows the value of them and wants to build a monster blue line. I think any of Chychrun, Juolevi and Sergachev would compliment our defense and basically give us two pairings of potential top pairing defenders. That would be one of the best in the league. I haven't seen as much of these guys though.

Nylander would be higher up the list for some teams. But average sized, super skilled wingers are lower on my list than big skilled wingers, franchise centres, and potential top pairing d-men. For this reason I have him lower. Any team that emphasizes pure skill over all other attributes might have him higher (EDM comes to mind.)