__________________ I am in love with Montana. For other states I have admiration, respect, recognition, even some affection, but with Montana it is love." - John Steinbeck
With our plethora of wing prospect talent, I really do see our rebuild ending 2027-2028.
I’m not trying to be pessimistic by any means, but I really don’t see this plethora of wing talent as high end or elite and see it more as having depth. Players like Gridin and Wyttenbach are very good and exciting prospects, but it is very early in their journey to being top end game breaker players in the NHL.
As much as Calgary is missing a top line center, they are also missing true elite goal scoring abilities on the wing. Coronato is a very good player, but a true Stanley Cup favorite probably has him on the 2nd line. Zary (more established), Honzek, Stromgren, etc are also more middle 6 type players.
I think we all caught up in this need for a top line center, which is definitely a valid and required, but there is definitely a hole on the top line for the future on the wing. I don’t think Calgary is in a space to be drafting for a specific position yet (although I would assume they see the forward group as priority over defense) but more the best skilled players available.
1) 26 or 27 1st (have to draft 1, maybe we get 2), maybe Reschny
2) Reschny / Potter / 26 1st VGS / someone else we draft in 26 or 27
3) Potter / Frost / Stockselius / someone else we draft in 26 or 27
4) Frost / King / anyone
Even though there is no one on the roster yet, we are one key draft pick from having really good C depth, IMO. Obviously they are 3+ years away from becoming useful and effective, of course.
I’m not trying to be pessimistic by any means, but I really don’t see this plethora of wing talent as high end or elite and see it more as having depth. Players like Gridin and Wyttenbach are very good and exciting prospects, but it is very early in their journey to being top end game breaker players in the NHL.
As much as Calgary is missing a top line center, they are also missing true elite goal scoring abilities on the wing. Coronato is a very good player, but a true Stanley Cup favorite probably has him on the 2nd line. Zary (more established), Honzek, Stromgren, etc are also more middle 6 type players.
I think we all caught up in this need for a top line center, which is definitely a valid and required, but there is definitely a hole on the top line for the future on the wing. I don’t think Calgary is in a space to be drafting for a specific position yet (although I would assume they see the forward group as priority over defense) but more the best skilled players available.
Just my opinion of course
Agreed - we need an elite C, and an elite winger, before we really have a core that could be competitive. But the winger depth is still pretty good, as is:
You need 6 good wingers for the top 9 - if they draft one elite player, they can easily develop 5 from that list. And we have extra picks in each of the next 3 drafts.
1) 26 or 27 1st (have to draft 1, maybe we get 2), maybe Reschny
2) Reschny / Potter / 26 1st VGS / someone else we draft in 26 or 27
3) Potter / Frost / Stockselius / someone else we draft in 26 or 27
4) Frost / King / anyone
Even though there is no one on the roster yet, we are one key draft pick from having really good C depth, IMO. Obviously they are 3+ years away from becoming useful and effective, of course.
I agree, the Flames best player has yet to be drafted. I said it previously, but this rebuild is looking more like the Chicago rebuild. That is if they get those key players in the next 2 drafts. They have a lot of higher picks percolating right now and probably get ready to make that next step as these 1st rounders from 26 and 27 are ready to make the team.
Wonder if they'll look at signing him this off-season. What more will he have to learn in NCAA unless they think he needs to muscle up or something. He'd be AHL eligible as well.
Wonder if they'll look at signing him this off-season. What more will he have to learn in NCAA unless they think he needs to muscle up or something. He'd be AHL eligible as well.
He’s WJC eligible next year too right? Would love to see him and Potter there
Man, the Flames are going to be walking a fine line when it comes to development over the next few years. Been drafting so many players, and especially a high number in the first three rounds. Most of them are going to need ELC's and playing time with the Wranglers to properly develop. Then you add guys like this to the pile, picked in the 5th round and just excelling.
Great problem to have, but hopefully they are on point with development.
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And he's also doing it in what might be the most competitive NCAA season ever due to the influx of junior talent to the NCAA this season.
Good point. It will be interesting to see where he shakes out in a few years. Getting a 1st round talent in the 5th round is sure one way to speed up a rebuild.
