2016 NHL Draft

[Rick M.]

Originally Posted by nik-

Nylander's got that wicked swede hairline that's helped me so much in life

I was all for taking Nylander until I read this. We don't want any Chrome Domes on the Flames.

[Jay Random]

Originally Posted by Rick M.

I was all for taking Nylander until I read this. We don't want any Chrome Domes on the Flames.

Uh-oh. Somebody better tell Gio he's off the team.

[PepsiFree]

Originally Posted by Jay Random

Uh-oh. Somebody better tell Gio he's off the team.

And Stajan
And soon to be Bennett

[Drak]

Originally Posted by nik-

oh EE

It was a joke based on personal experience. Try to not take the world so literally.

I'll never go bald, I got thick hair. But I do have a high hairline with a widow's peak.

[polak]

Originally Posted by 868904

Actually Ferland is at his best when he is running around like a chicken with its head cut off hitting everything. He was the MVP of the Flames Canucks series.

In the regular season when he was being "methodical" is when he didn't do much.

I don't disagree but a talented methodical player is a lot more useful than Ferland was in that series.

[FCAV]

Great response from the CP crowd on our 2016 NHL Draft Guide. Always fun to have our stuff used in discussions and on draft day. For those who have never bought and are curious of what our draft guide may look like, here's a look at our Patrik Laine profile:

Spoiler!

Don't forget there's a CP discount available, too!

Keep digging in!

[SuperMatt18]

Originally Posted by Ashasx

I really don't understand the Lucic comparisons for Dubois in that video.

My guess is just the physical component to their games, and they are a similar height.

Outside of that Dubois is more skilled, and better with the puck IMO.

[Bingo]

didn't see this posted yet ...

OHL scout on the draft

Nation: OHL

While he's not a banger, Nylander shows no hesitation taking pucks into the tough areas and displays a strong ability to attack off the wall. There's times when he could hold onto the puck longer and allow plays to develop further but I think we will see him develop more confidence in his second OHL season. I truly think he could be a sleeper (for a lack of better term) of the group at the top because he does have room to grow some of his areas. Given his smarts and skill with the puck, rounding out any of his other areas will only see a positive progression moving forward and he certainly has top line potential as a right winger.

[Demetric]

With all the talent that will be available at 6, I do not think they can really go wrong with their pick

[Erick Estrada]

Originally Posted by Demetric

With all the talent that will be available at 6, I do not think they can really go wrong with their pick

I think they can very easily. If they pass on Nylander for one of these defensemen to which there's really no consensus (some teams don't have them in their top 10) they better ensure that they got the right one or it could be looked back on as a dark day for the franchise.

I feel Nylander is safe and while I don't discount a guy like Jost, Keller, Brown for example could go on to a better careers they also have higher bust potential. A solid scoring RW will do a lot of good for this franchise going forward and I feel there's no reason to overthink this pick and take a big swing in hopes of outsmarting everyone else.

[Bingo]

Originally Posted by Erick Estrada

I think they can very easily. If they pass on Nylander for one of these defensemen to which there's really no consensus (some teams don't have them in their top 10) they better ensure that they got the right one or it could be looked back on as a dark day for the franchise.

I'd say given how close the three are there isn't all that much risk that one is a) substantially better or b) substantially worse than the other two no?

Three styles to pick from, all have 2/3 upside and would be great picks.

Keep thinking they'll just take Nylander though.

[Five-hole]

Originally Posted by FCAV

Great response from the CP crowd on our 2016 NHL Draft Guide. Always fun to have our stuff used in discussions and on draft day. For those who have never bought and are curious of what our draft guide may look like, here's a look at our Patrik Laine profile:

Spoiler!

Don't forget there's a CP discount available, too!

Keep digging in!

Not the first time I've had this thought, but, well, F U Winnipeg.

[SportsJunky]

Nylander had this to say at the combine:

When asked what type of player he can be, he says that Steven Stamkos and Jevgeni Malkin's two models, he would like to emulate.

http://www.expressen.se/sport/hockey...m-ar-starkast/

[Flames Draft Watcher]

Originally Posted by Bingo

didn't see this posted yet ...

OHL scout on the draft

Nation: OHL

I found the defensemen quotes pretty interesting as well.

On Juolevi:

"Olli Juolevi offers up the most efficient game and is the easiest defender to project. He owns extremely high-end hockey intelligence and his knack for kick starting the breakout under pressure is as good as anyone in the past few years. His feel for the game is the best among any defender in this draft class and while his pure offensive upside remains a mystery, any team would be satisfied with his number two defenseman projection, who should be able to kick in 45-50 points in his prime.

Of course, there's a chance that he could surge past those numbers and that's what teams are banking on if you choose him first. Juolevi is the safest pick and if I'm a betting man, he's likely the first one selected."

On Sergachev:

"Mikhail Sergachev, my third ranked defender (currently), intrigues me a lot. He stepped into North American hockey and didn't miss a beat elevating his game each time he took the ice and eventually walked away with OHL Defenceman of the Year honours. I love his offensive instincts, especially from inside the offensive blueline. He makes calculated pinches along the boards to keep pucks active and his ability to walk laterally along the offensive blueline is the best of the bunch. Sergachev has proven time and time again that his point shot has a great knack for finding seams and its created a lot of scoring opportunities for his teammates.

There's some room to grow defensively but I suspect that will come as he continues to familiarize himself with the North American game."

On Chychrun:

"Jakob Chychrun is a player I've been lucky enough to speak to on several occasions and watch over 30+ times since his minor midget days with the Toronto Jr. Canadiens. He remains my top ranked defender for several reasons and it starts with his presence on and off the ice. Few players in the entire draft show the maturity that Jakob does and he personifies everything that you want to see in an aspiring professional hockey player.

Chychrun has had his share of critics - and rightfully so, because he'll admit that he didn't have his ideal draft season - but the young man has handled the pressure extremely well. A lot of people forget that Chychrun is coming off a serious off-season shoulder surgery and played his draft season under new coaching as well. I've witnessed him mature into a responsible defensive defenseman changing his game almost entirely from his minor midget days.

Let's remember that Jakob previously played as a forward and is now considered one of the best defensive defencemen in major junior hockey. That's a big progression. I think it was a let down for a lot of us scouts to see his numbers stay idle (only increasing his points-per-game totals slightly from his rookie season). But, remember he remained finished top four in OHL defensive scoring after major surgery and still established himself as a better defensive presence than his draft eligible counterparts - in my opinion. Top that accomplishment with the fact that he had just an "average" year and owns better physical gifts, and I am comfortable leaving him as the top defenceman of this draft class. I think we'll see Chychrun take a big step forward offensively after learning to improve his defensive game last season."

The scouts who love Chychrun don't see this "hockey sense" issue that the fans have latched on to. We have no idea whether the Flames love him or not but he's an intriguing prospect. I think the concerns on him are a little overblown, I think he fell due more to other guys having amazing seasons rather than Chychrun being a massive disappointment. And for some scouts and perhaps teams he hasn't really dropped much if at all.

I still think there's a very good chance that 1-3 of those defenders are ahead of Nylander on the Flames list. None of the GM's in the 4-6 range have talked about Nylander one bit. The names that typically come up in all the interviews I've watched/heard are Tkachuk, Dubois, Brown and 2-4 defenders.

[jayswin]

Originally Posted by Bingo

didn't see this posted yet ...

OHL scout on the draft

Nation: OHL

While he's not a banger, Nylander shows no hesitation taking pucks into the tough areas and displays a strong ability to attack off the wall. There's times when he could hold onto the puck longer and allow plays to develop further but I think we will see him develop more confidence in his second OHL season. I truly think he could be a sleeper (for a lack of better term) of the group at the top because he does have room to grow some of his areas. Given his smarts and skill with the puck, rounding out any of his other areas will only see a positive progression moving forward and he certainly has top line potential as a right winger.

Nylander please!

[Rick M.]

Originally Posted by Flames Draft Watcher

I found the defensemen quotes pretty interesting as well.

On Juolevi:

"Olli Juolevi offers up the most efficient game and is the easiest defender to project. He owns extremely high-end hockey intelligence and his knack for kick starting the breakout under pressure is as good as anyone in the past few years. His feel for the game is the best among any defender in this draft class and while his pure offensive upside remains a mystery, any team would be satisfied with his number two defenseman projection, who should be able to kick in 45-50 points in his prime.

Of course, there's a chance that he could surge past those numbers and that's what teams are banking on if you choose him first. Juolevi is the safest pick and if I'm a betting man, he's likely the first one selected."

On Sergachev:

"Mikhail Sergachev, my third ranked defender (currently), intrigues me a lot. He stepped into North American hockey and didn't miss a beat elevating his game each time he took the ice and eventually walked away with OHL Defenceman of the Year honours. I love his offensive instincts, especially from inside the offensive blueline. He makes calculated pinches along the boards to keep pucks active and his ability to walk laterally along the offensive blueline is the best of the bunch. Sergachev has proven time and time again that his point shot has a great knack for finding seams and its created a lot of scoring opportunities for his teammates.

There's some room to grow defensively but I suspect that will come as he continues to familiarize himself with the North American game."

On Chychrun:

"Jakob Chychrun is a player I've been lucky enough to speak to on several occasions and watch over 30+ times since his minor midget days with the Toronto Jr. Canadiens. He remains my top ranked defender for several reasons and it starts with his presence on and off the ice. Few players in the entire draft show the maturity that Jakob does and he personifies everything that you want to see in an aspiring professional hockey player.

Chychrun has had his share of critics - and rightfully so, because he'll admit that he didn't have his ideal draft season - but the young man has handled the pressure extremely well. A lot of people forget that Chychrun is coming off a serious off-season shoulder surgery and played his draft season under new coaching as well. I've witnessed him mature into a responsible defensive defenseman changing his game almost entirely from his minor midget days.

Let's remember that Jakob previously played as a forward and is now considered one of the best defensive defencemen in major junior hockey. That's a big progression. I think it was a let down for a lot of us scouts to see his numbers stay idle (only increasing his points-per-game totals slightly from his rookie season). But, remember he remained finished top four in OHL defensive scoring after major surgery and still established himself as a better defensive presence than his draft eligible counterparts - in my opinion. Top that accomplishment with the fact that he had just an "average" year and owns better physical gifts, and I am comfortable leaving him as the top defenceman of this draft class. I think we'll see Chychrun take a big step forward offensively after learning to improve his defensive game last season."

The scouts who love Chychrun don't see this "hockey sense" issue that the fans have latched on to. We have no idea whether the Flames love him or not but he's an intriguing prospect. I think the concerns on him are a little overblown, I think he fell due more to other guys having amazing seasons rather than Chychrun being a massive disappointment. And for some scouts and perhaps teams he hasn't really dropped much if at all.

I still think there's a very good chance that 1-3 of those defenders are ahead of Nylander on the Flames list. None of the GM's in the 4-6 range have talked about Nylander one bit. The names that typically come up in all the interviews I've watched/heard are Tkachuk, Dubois, Brown and 2-4 defenders.

It's hard to say what GM comments (or lack of comments) mean this time of year given the possibility of deliberate misdirection.

[Poe969]

There are just so many players I would be extremely happy about the Flames drafting with their first pick. Puljujarvi, Dubois, Chychrun, Nylander, Gauthier.... The other guys that fall in the range the Flames are picking all seem pretty good too but those are the top 5 guys I want the Flames to "realistically" pick in order.

I'm still in the mindset that Chychrun will be the best D of the draft.

[Flames Draft Watcher]

Originally Posted by Rick M.

It's hard to say what GM comments (or lack of comments) mean this time of year given the possibility of deliberate misdirection.

Agreed. They will never say which guy they favour. But if all of them happily let you know about 6-7 players they would consider and Nylander isn't in that grouping for any of those GMs then IMO that does indicate something. Sometimes this helps us find the real consensus. We've heard CBJ is bringing in Brown for a full day (as per Jeff Marek Sportsnet.) Chiarelli has talked about Tkachuk, Dubois, Brown (he brought Brown up unprompted), and 3-4 defensemen as being in their range. Benning has talked about Tkachuk, Dubois, Brown and 2 defensemen. Benning has said there's a defenseman in their top 6 and Dubois is heavily rumoured to be one of their favourites. Meanwhile Burke has said our 4-6 is Tkachuk, Dubois, Juolevi and that Brown/Nylander aren't in our range.

In fact if you want to read between the lines both Benning and Chiarelli have been a bit coy on the defensemen and have been very happy to blab about Dubois, Tkachuk and Brown. Might indicate they have something they want to hide on the defensemen.

I think Nylander ranks high amongst scouts who don't have to worry about building a team because they aren't GMs. When GMs start to get involved in the process a guy like him can drop because most GMs believe that Dmen and Centres are much harder to find than wingers. I think Nylander is close enough to Brown and the d-men that teams will break the tie by drafting the more important position. Whereas Tkachuk/Dubois I think are more BPA in the 4-6. Nylander isn't a clearcut BPA anywhere near that range.

I just think its very interesting to note that nobody who is drafting top 6 has really even referenced Nylander except Burke who said he's not in our range. I think it does say something. If you want to believe that everything these GMs are saying is misdirection thats a fair stance to take. But I think they do let some things slip, its hard not to.

[Flames Draft Watcher]

Anybody hear Jeff Marek on Fan960 at noon? Said he's heard CBJ is bringing Logan Brown in for a full day. Suggested they aren't married to Jesse Puljujarvi.

This Logan Brown could be the real wildcard. From all the smoke and buzz its clear that some teams have him top 5. This allows for interesting trade up/down possibilities with the teams that have fallen in love with him. Both EDM and VAN GM's have brought his name unprompted.

Also interesting was the Marek thought ARI really likes Chychrun but Marek said he's not sure he'll be there at #7 for ARI. Marek said the majority of the teams he's talked to have Juolevi as the top defensemen but there are teams who like Sergachev best and there are teams who like Chychrun best.

The intrigue is swirling!

[SuperMatt18]

Yeah the toss up from pretty much 4 - 8 in this draft will make things interesting.

If Brown is CBJ's guy then the Flames should be doing all they can to try to move up to 3 - letting CBJ drop to 6 where Brown is likely still available.

I will lose my mind of CBJ take Brown at 3 and Puljujarvi falls to the Oilers.