I too would favor selecting 6 picks rather than trading up unless there is a surefire NHLer that Flames have the book on and the cost is modest (late 1st for 2 2nds). Our draft prowess has been superb of late.
There is top 6 talent left at 15 so unlikely we trade up in 1st round.
I go back to the article brought up in an earlier Brandon Hickey post:
http://www.torontosun.com/2012/06/23...r-hockey-sense
Skill-Character-Hockey Sense are the 3 key attributes Flames scouting will focus on when drafting.
I would add work ethic given Hartley's "Always Earned Never Given" philosophy.
Consider our 1st round draft position: Merkley and Konechny seem to stand out as possible selections potentially available and of interest to Flames at 15. Both are also R shooting and could play RW on our 2nd line in time. BPA and a need.
Both compared to Kane much like Johnny Hockey. I would love a Johnny Hockey lite on our 2nd line and 2nd PP.
Both are loaded with skill, hockey IQ, work ethic and character (leadership skills).
Merkley quotes:
"A playmaking center that has an excellent eye for the game; sees the ice like a hawk from above. Creates scoring chances and on-ice energy through taking advantage of puck-possession and making the most of turnovers.
Incredible work ethic; will battle against larger players and isn't afraid to do the dirty work in front of the net. Does not possess the largest frame or a dynamic level of skating; however, he does boast a
remarkably high level of Hockey-IQ and a deep understanding of the game. There is something left to be desired having observed his individual skills, such as puckhandling, footspeed, and decision-making, for a prolonged period of time; there is definitely room for improvement in the small areas of his game. All-in-all, Merkley brings a medley of skill, smarts, and work ethic to the table, making him an invaluable asset as a Center." (Curtis Joe, EP 2014)
"I think he's just worked hard," Chartier, a San Jose Sharks prospect, said. "Every day he's
one of the hardest workers on our team. He's really determined. He's a
really skilled, high-end player. He's always looking to pass first. I always try to get open for him and that's why we play so well together. He's got an ability to hold onto the puck and find players and I just try to get open for him."
"He is your western version Max Domi – a compact guy (sounds better than squat guy) who can deliver bone jarring hits as well having the skill to skate past a defender, the vision to pass to where a player is going to be and the
determination to keep on pushing to succeed no matter what the situation." Christopher Ralph THW
Konechny quotes:
“A talented scoring forward that can play either as a center or on the wing; plays with the bite and intensity of a guy who is willing to do anything to win a game. Possesses dynamic skating ability that allows him to accelerate rapidly with each step,
incredible hockey sense,
electrifying puckhandling skills, and a lightning release on his shot; when you put this skillset together with
hard-nosed determination, proactiveness in all three zones, and a physical willingness to grind and persevere, you get a game-changer who can be extremely difficult to play against.”
–Curtis Joe, Elite Prospects
"It's his engine, it's incredible —
the kid never stops," 67's coach Jeff Brown said. "He has no mirrors in his house. He has no idea how small he is because he competes so hard against everybody, doesn't matter the size. His shot,
his character, obviously his
leadership in the locker room, he's going to be a pro, it's that simple. He does the little things like a pro and trains like a pro."
