2025 NHL Draft Thread

[Sandman]

I'm going:

1) Hagens
2) McQueen
3) Frondell
4) Misa
5) Ryabkin

A few points of controversy to ponder:

-I don't like Hagens as an option for the Flames, as I want a prototypical big C that will dominate against other teams' top centers. I'm prejudiced towards Ryabkin for the same reason, although I must confess that I have to see him play. I'm a fan of McQueen and Misa, both of whom I'm quite familiar with and like very much. Misa is a tantalizing blend of size (6'1") and speed. I've raved about McQueen enough, lol. I'm also a fan of Caleb Desnoyers.
-I REALLY hate to say it, but if the Flames went to the podium and picked Martone or Shaefer, I would still jump for joy. Martone is like a meaner Rantanen.
-I might have Frondell higher, but his injury scares me.

[My2Cents]

Originally Posted by Enoch Root

As a general rule, I like this line of thinking - build the defense first, then build outward.

However, the draft is the draft, and you should take what you're given - BPA. And along with BPA, you have to be aware of where your organization is. The Flames just drafted a defenseman that looks like he is going to be a stud. Great, but that alone isn't enough. However, they also just acquired another kid that is looking like a stud (better than anyone imagined at this point), as well as another young defenseman who is looking really good, and would be making the team as a 21 year old, if they didn't have so many NHL bodies. All in all, the Flames have a very deep prospect pool on defense, including some high-end talent.

Conversely, they do not have a single center in the organization, under the age of 30, that projects to be top 9. None. They need at least 3, and probably more than that. Generally, you shouldn't let position dictate your draft focus. But the Flames are very deep everywhere but C, literally have NO Cs, and this draft is full of high quality Cs.

Don't overthink it - accept that the draft is going to give us exactly what we need here.

Absolutely agree. If we are in the top of this draft you take the best player available. Just saying if you have two players you rank about even and ones a D, I am inclined to take the D over the C this year.

But of course you need to hit on your top draft picks, so you take the best prospect always.

[Ba'alzamon]

Originally Posted by Paulie Walnuts

Isn’t Misa a winger.

He only played wing so they could put him on a line with Owen Beck. Beck is turning pro this year, and Misa has exclusively played center so far this season (including preseason).

[Sandman]

Misa has 7 goals and 8 points in 3 games so far.

[Monahammer]

I know it was only preseason, and I'm probably hittin the kool aid too hard, but I am starting to grow more concerned (? not sure if right word) that we will not be within reach of McQueen or Misa with our draft pick this year.

[Sandman]

Originally Posted by Monahammer

I know it was only preseason, and I'm probably hittin the kool aid too hard, but I am starting to grow more concerned (? not sure if right word) that we will not be within reach of McQueen or Misa with our draft pick this year.

I think the rule is good preseason = bad regular season, and vice versa. No worries, methinks.

[Monahammer]

Honestly, whatever will be will be. If we're better than expected it probably means two of Honzek, Coronato, and Wolf have become what we all hoped they would be when drafted.

[Monahammer]

But, maybe we should also be looking hard at prospects who might be in that 10-15 range... just historically safe range for us lol

[Jiri Hrdina]

Originally Posted by Monahammer

I know it was only preseason, and I'm probably hittin the kool aid too hard, but I am starting to grow more concerned (? not sure if right word) that we will not be within reach of McQueen or Misa with our draft pick this year.

Really hard to predict. i think they are going to be in the 4-6 range.
But hockey is probably the most random of sports. So who knows. I just think the blueline and goaltending will ensure they are near the bottom.

[Sandman]

Right now, the few lists/mocks that are out seem to have McQueen and Misa in the 5-8 range, at least for now. Still hope, I guess.

[1qqaaz]

Oftentimes, big centers will go even higher than projected, see Johansen, Dubois, Dach, Leo Carlsson, Lindstrom, etc.

If McQueen keeps up his solid production, I think he is fairly safe to go in the top 5.

[DJones]

I want centers for 3/4 of our top 4 picks.

If we get another first, yep, another center

[Sandman]

Originally Posted by 1qqaaz

Oftentimes, big centers will go even higher than projected, see Johansen, Dubois, Dach, Leo Carlsson, Lindstrom, etc.

If McQueen keeps up his solid production, I think he is fairly safe to go in the top 5.

Agreed on all points.

[Paulie Walnuts]

Hmmm if Misa is a C he is intriguing.

Having the Misa brothers together, could be our Sedins minus being weird.

[Canada 02]

Originally Posted by 1qqaaz

Oftentimes, big centers will go even higher than projected, see Johansen, Dubois, Dach, Leo Carlsson, Lindstrom, etc.

If McQueen keeps up his solid production, I think he is fairly safe to go in the top 5.

speaking of Lindstrom, he has not played or practiced with the Blue Jackets all camp. He had surgery in January with anticipated 4-6 week recovery at that time; now nearly 10 months later and he is not on the ice

[D as in David]

Originally Posted by Canada 02

speaking of Lindstrom, he has not played or practiced with the Blue Jackets all camp. He had surgery in January with anticipated 4-6 week recovery at that time; now nearly 10 months later and he is not on the ice

That would be concerning. Hopefully, he has a full recovery.

[Aarongavey]

Originally Posted by 1qqaaz

Oftentimes, big centers will go even higher than projected, see Johansen, Dubois, Dach, Leo Carlsson, Lindstrom, etc.

If McQueen keeps up his solid production, I think he is fairly safe to go in the top 5.

The first three names on the list are a decent indicator of how big centers pan out IMO. Would be happy with Hagens, Misa or the Russian myself.

[stemit14]

Originally Posted by Monahammer

But, maybe we should also be looking hard at prospects who might be in that 10-15 range... just historically safe range for us lol

If the flames pick ends up outside of the top 10, the higher pick between Calgary’s and Florida’s will go to Montreal.

[Funkhouser]

Originally Posted by stemit14

If the flames pick ends up outside of the top 10, the higher pick between Calgary’s and Florida’s will go to Montreal.

Tank commander Craig needs to be ready to pull the trigger on unloading talent based on how we perform.

[bdubbs]

Originally Posted by Canada 02

speaking of Lindstrom, he has not played or practiced with the Blue Jackets all camp. He had surgery in January with anticipated 4-6 week recovery at that time; now nearly 10 months later and he is not on the ice

The Blue Jackets seem cursed the last several years, for obvious reasons. Why wouldn't their most recent first round pick also have complications from their surgery?

Flames East, along with Philly IMO.