2016 NHL Draft

[Vulcan]

Originally Posted by Flames Draft Watcher

Anybody watching the TSN feed? In the intermission they asked the panel who the Leags should draft at 4 if the worst case scenario happens and they drop three spots. Choices were Chychrun, Tkachuk, Dubois, Juolevi or Nylander

Craig Button chooses Dubois, says they need LWs
Jamie McLennan votes Tkachuk, gritty, smart and skilled
Bob Mackenzie says Olli Juolevi

Just like the panel has a wide variety of opinion I bet the teams have widely different lists from 4th to 12th.

Yeah, Ray Ferraro is a Flames hater and Leafs lover. Worse bias than the Avalanche crew but stuck with it on Centre Ice.

[druetetective]

Man I really don't see the upside in Juolevi. Sure he can be a really good player but nothing about his game says "star". I watched 6-7 Knight games this year plus WJC and when you watch him you think "that Juolevi is pretty good". Not once however did I think that he could be a game changing talent that you build a defence corps around.

IDK IMO he is a very safe pick, I'd almost guarantee he becomes a top 4 defenseman. With a top 4 pick though I'd want some more upside. I think Sergachev, Chychrun and half a dozen fwds provide more.

Like I said before though that's just my amateur opinion. The people that get paid to make these decisions must see a tremendous opportunity for development and growth in him.

[Buzzard]

Originally Posted by Flames Draft Watcher

The only teams that have a realistic chance of dropping three spots are the bottom 3-4 teams. Where we currently sit it's less than a 1% chance of moving back three spots. That ain't happening.

The lower our lottery seed the less likely we get bumped back. Even moving back two spots where we are now is far less likely (11.7%) then our chance of drafting top 3 would be (20.6%).

Let's not go overboard with the doom and gloom. Having a 1 in 5 shot of drafting top 3 isn't insignificant. The chance of moving back 2-3 spots from where we are is fairly insignificant.

Yup, and there's also still a lot of points left out there between now and April 10.

If my counting is correct, there's 22 games (includes Flames games) left between the bottom 8 teams. Someones got to take those points.

Edmonton plays 4 more times against teams that are currently sitting in the bottom 8.

Vancouver - 4

Buffalo - 3

Calgary - 3

Toronto, Winnipeg, Columbus, and Arizona all have 2 games remaining.

There's still gonna be lots of jumping around in that bottom 8 in the next 3 weeks.

[Flames Draft Watcher]

Yeah Juolevi is the smooth, efficient type that isn't flashy. From what I've seen and read of him I wouldn't be wanting the Flames to take him top 7. But sure sounds like some team will take him in that range.

What are your rankings for the OHL guys you've seen druetectective?

[druetetective]

Originally Posted by Flames Draft Watcher

Yeah Juolevi is the smooth, efficient type that isn't flashy. From what I've seen and read of him I wouldn't be wanting the Flames to take him top 7. But sure sounds like some team will take him in that range.

What are your rankings for the OHL guys you've seen druetectective?

Good question, I don't believe in BPA to the absolute so I guess I'd have 2 lists.

BPA
Chychrun- Has really turned it on. Development is going in the right direction but I'm not sure he'll be that 50 point guy most people associate with a true #1. Defensively he is absolutely elite though. Best skating defenseman since Fowler in OHL in my eyes. (Sean Days good as well.)

Tkachuk- I think he will be a similar calibre player to Wayne Simmonds/JVR. Only more of a playmaking guy than sniper imo.

Mcleod- To me he is very underrated. 6'2.5 center who will be one of the best skaters in the entire NHL once he makes it. Nathan Mackinnon-esque. He is top 3 in the league already in faceoffs and a stud on D. Selke-type guy. Patrice Bergeron is my comparable.

Sergachev- Last 6-7 games he has been awful. Well not awful but looks flat out passive and disinterested in his own zone. Idk if he's nursing an injury or not used to such a long schedule or what but just hasn't been the same. In dec-mid feb however he was playing at a level iv'e yet to see from the other prospects. Playoffs will be huge for him. Lots of risk-reward with him IMO. The D version of Nichushkin in his draft year perhaps.

Nylander- he's the one I'm least sure of. I think there is potential for a 1st line player but also more potential than others to bust. He hasn't scored a goal in over a month, and only has 2 G in last 16 GP. I can't give a worthwhile prediction on what kind of player he will become because honestly IDK.

Juolevi- I'll start by saying iv'e been reading some OHL bloggers opinions whom I respect, they list his best asset as hockey IQ. That's probably why I wasn't as impressed with him. It isn't really a skill that pops out at you instantly like skating or stickhandling but one that becomes evident after watching a player for long stretches-which I have not. Still think he has less potential than others though. I'd be upset if Flames took him over Chychrun.

The top 6 are incredibly close to me, Tkachuk/Chychrun seem like they're a tier above though.

Next 2 for me are

Max Jones/Logan Brown

Logan Brown- Big 6'6 (and still growing)center who has been on a tear. 2 ppg last couple months. people always say Nick Bjugstad, But I think he is much more of a setup guy then goal scorer. Leadership and work ethic are apparently high. Very intriguing prospect, Not many prospects with his size/skill.

Max Jones- Not sure how much Offense he will develop, Maybe a 50 point guy at the next level. He brings other aspects that a team like the Flames are craving though. Lays devastating bodychecks/crashes the net hard/ sticks up for teammates/fights. Shane Doan or a rich mans Ferland are my comparables.

Huge talent drop off after that IMO.

[ScorchyScorch]

I know we need forwards with potential but hell, I'd be alright with Chychrun. It's not like defensively we're taking anyone's breath away right now.. Would be a massive building block. Best part is we would not have to make any deals or signings for our blue line for years if we get him. Jokipakka, Nakladal, Andersson, Kylington will naturally fill out the bottom pair. Extra assets that happen to develop can be dealt to help positions of weakness.

[Flames Draft Watcher]

http://www.tsn.ca/radio/edmonton-126...-gold-1.456240

Button on Canada's U18 team. He goes on a bit about Sean Day and why Button didn't think he should have been granted exceptional status for anyone who was curious about him

[PeteMoss]

Originally Posted by Flames Draft Watcher

http://www.tsn.ca/radio/edmonton-126...-gold-1.456240

Button on Canada's U18 team. He goes on a bit about Sean Day and why Button didn't think he should have been granted exceptional status for anyone who was curious about him

Was the reason because Hockey Canada was worried about him joining the US program?

[druetetective]

Originally Posted by PeteMoss

Was the reason because Hockey Canada was worried about him joining the US program?

Yah I heard it was.

Even Joeseph Veleno shouldn't have gotten it.

43 points in 62 games this year. pretty good but nothing like Tavares/Mcdavid or Ekblad.

[Matty81]

Originally Posted by ScorchyScorch

I know we need forwards with potential but hell, I'd be alright with Chychrun. It's not like defensively we're taking anyone's breath away right now.. Would be a massive building block. Best part is we would not have to make any deals or signings for our blue line for years if we get him. Jokipakka, Nakladal, Andersson, Kylington will naturally fill out the bottom pair. Extra assets that happen to develop can be dealt to help positions of weakness.

Yeah the great thing about getting a 4th dman to play with Hamilton via the draft is that they would not need to be protected in the expansion draft.

Jokipakka looks great but if they play him with Hamilton all year next and he thrives, he's probably a goner.

That said they have 3 huge holes in the top 6 forwards as well. As long as they pick in the top 7 I'm confident they'll get a great player.

[sureLoss]

Ryan Kennedy ‏@THNRyanKennedy
Vibe I'm picking up recently from scouts/execs: Mikhail Sergachev is putting himself in the Juolevi/Chychrun 2016 D-man debate

[druetetective]

Originally Posted by sureLoss

Ryan Kennedy ‏@THNRyanKennedy
Vibe I'm picking up recently from scouts/execs: Mikhail Sergachev is putting himself in the Juolevi/Chychrun 2016 D-man debate

Vibe? Is that his gut feeling or what?

In my eyes he was always in the race. If anything his recent play is taking him out of it.

[Flames Draft Watcher]

Because of the secondary tier from 4 through 12 we could see some trades up and down as teams jockey to get the guy or position they want. Treliving with three 2nds has a lt f amm t me up 1 to 3 spots.

[Matty81]

Originally Posted by Flames Draft Watcher

Because of the secondary tier from 4 through 12 we could see some trades up and down as teams jockey to get the guy or position they want. Treliving with three 2nds has a lt f amm t me up 1 to 3 spots.

Definitely could see some jockeying there too...

Although it seems like Dubois has the potential to emerge as a consensus 4 if he hasn't already so maybe more in the 5th+ grouping. He has been finding new gears as the season has gone on.

[Flames Draft Watcher]

Originally Posted by druetetective

Vibe? Is that his gut feeling or what?

I think its more that you have to read between the lines when analyzing remarks made by scouts, GM's, head scouts, etc. They won't flat out say Sergachev is 7th or 9th but by the things they say you can deduce he might be in the same range as the there two.

[GranteedEV]

Originally Posted by sureLoss

Ryan Kennedy ‏@THNRyanKennedy
Vibe I'm picking up recently from scouts/execs: Mikhail Sergachev is putting himself in the Juolevi/Chychrun 2016 D-man debate

He wasn't already in that debate?

"Honestly, I think [Sergachev] has the highest ceiling of any defender in the draft. Controls the point on the powerplay exceptionally well and creates a ton of chances with his booming shot. Skates really well, which allows him to create off the rush and evade the forecheck. Has all the physical gifts you want from someone who can excel in his own end too. Even with the terrific WJC's and Top Prospect's game from Olli Juolevi, I'd still take Sergachev first."

http://ohlprospects.blogspot.ca/2016...-for-2016.html

Originally Posted by druetetective

I disagree with Mcleod not having elite skills. I think his skating, defensive ability and faceoffs are all elite. I could see him being a Selke candidate for sure.

Not saying the Flames should draft him but just worth mentioning.

Do you feel McLeod can play RW effectively? Or is he a center through-and-through?

[Vinny01]

Originally Posted by The Yen Man

My dream scenario:

Dallas makes it to conference finals, Calgary gets a second 1st round pick.

Flames win lottery, draft Matthews. Flip either the late 1st or early 2nd for Freddy Andersson.

Come on Hockey Gods! Flames deserve this!

Agree with this 100%. If the Flames drafted Matthews and acquired Andersen that would be 2 huge pieces that are missing.

Andersen is a very good goalie entering his prime. Getting him on a 3-4 year deal would be perfect and give Gillies time to play in the AHL and backup before hopefully taking over.

This team has 2/3 of a great top line with Monahan and Gaudreau. They have 2/3 of an incredible (albeit expensive) 3rd line with Backlund and Frolik. The second line has Bennett right now and is missing 2 wingers. Adding Matthews or a Fin to that line would really help next year. That line could even be heavily sheltered thanks to the Monahan and Backlind lines taking the tough matchups. Still need to get a winger for the top line however. Could try Ferland with Bennett or someone like Shinkaruk, Porier or Agostino. Bouma or Ferland would slide nicely into the LW spot with Backlund and Frolik.

[Split98]

His Twitter handle is @TKACHUKycheese_

I know who I want if we're not drafting top 3...

[GranteedEV]

http://www.tsn.ca/craig-s-list-canad...class-1.457738

[Flames Draft Watcher]

Extremely intriguing. Gauthier down at 26 now! McLeod down at 15! This is the brother of our head scout. FC and Button really high on Keller, don't think we'd take him with our size issues.

Interesting he has all of Dubois, Tkachuk and Nylander ahead of the dmen. There will still be some teams that prioritize defence and take them high (Canucks have indicated this.)