[GDT] 2016 WJC: Final Round Robin Day. Canada vs Sweden 11 AM

[Chingas]

Disaster?

[Erick Estrada]

Originally Posted by SHOGUN

Let's be honest, it's highly unlikely Demko or Macdonald will be #1 starters in the NHL...

They still should have picked Demko who was the better ranked prospect at the time and has proven that he's still the better prospect.

[Trailer Fire]

Originally Posted by Aarongavey

Or the Islanders. The 2nd round was a disaster for the Flames in 2014, thankfully they redeemed themselves in the 3rd round.

Demko and MacDonald were, iirc, interchangeable in terms of goalie ranking. The Flames must have liked Mason better, so they took him.

As far as Smith goes, the depth at RW was weak to begin with. The Flames took a chance on a hulking 6'7" RWer. Smith has shown the ability to play with some skill. He can also thrown down to a certain extent. I mean, he isn't a straight up fighter, but can hold his own. He shows no fear going into the dirty areas and can hit really, really hard.

The 2nd round for Calgary isn't nearly as bad as you make it out to be. The depth dropped off significantly towards the end of the 1st round.

[Enoch Root]

Originally Posted by Erick Estrada

They still should have picked Demko who was the better ranked prospect at the time and has proven that he's still the better prospect.

Pretty sure CSS had McDonald as #1

[nik-]

MacDonald or Demko ... I just don't like taking goalies with a 2nd round pick. Especially an early second

[Samonadreau]

Cant wait to see Puljujarvi and Laine tomorrow. I wonder if Puljujarvi has a chance to move up to 2nd in some draft rankings after the Tourney.

[dammage79]

Originally Posted by Samonadreau

Cant wait to see Puljujarvi and Laine tomorrow. I wonder if Puljujarvi has a chance to move up to 2nd in some draft rankings after the Tourney.

Puljujarvi, Laine and Alex Nylanders stocks will all skyrocket after this tournament.

Any one of those guys would be utterly amazing snags in the draft for the Flames.

[Caged Great]

It might not be a terrible thing for the Flames to have a down year. Pool Party would look great opposite Gaudreau.

[vilzeh]

Originally Posted by Caged Great

It might not be a terrible thing for the Flames to have a down year. Pool Party would look great opposite Gaudreau.

Unfortunately Pulju is pretty much a lock for top 3, and I don't think Flames will nosedive that much this year.

[dieHARDflameZ]

Originally Posted by Erick Estrada

They still should have picked Demko who was the better ranked prospect at the time and has proven that he's still the better prospect.

McDonald was ranked higher by central scouting. Out of curiosity, how has Demko proven he's still the better prospect?

Goalies are a crapshoot. Nobody, including yourself has a clue how the McDonald vs. Demko debate ends. It will take years before we find out.

[Samonadreau]

Originally Posted by vilzeh

Unfortunately Pulju is pretty much a lock for top 3, and I don't think Flames will nosedive that much this year.

Thats true but miss the playoffs and you have 3 chances at a top 3 Lottery pick.

[GettinIggyWithIt]

Originally Posted by vilzeh

Unfortunately Pulju is pretty much a lock for top 3, and I don't think Flames will nosedive that much this year.

It wouldn't be that much of a nosedive actually. Flames are sitting tied for 5th from the bottom and only 2 points up (w/a game in hand) on Buffalo - who would pick 3rd overall if the season ended today. The race to the bottom is a lot tighter this year.

That said - you're probably right, my feeling is that the Flames will pull it together and clinch a playoff spot or finish in the 6-10 spot if they do miss the playoffs.