Heading to the Draft

[Flames Draft Watcher]

Originally Posted by Calgary4LIfe

I would really like to hear Button's opinion on how much say scouts get at the draft table, vs what the GM says. I think it is a great opportunity in that Button has been here for 3 GM's (or is that 4 now? - not sure if he was around when Coates was GM).

I would love to hear how the Flames have changed philosophies with time and management (for instance, Darryl's seeming preference for WHL and Swedish prospects).

Well the GM sets the draft philosophy and might say that they prioritize skating, or heart, or being from Western Canada. But I don't think most GM's meddle with the picks themselves, especially not anything outside of the first round. A lot of GM's just let their head scouts completely run the draft.

I kind of doubt that Sutter really influenced many of our first rounders although I could see him having a big influence on the 2003 draft.

The biggest impact the GM has is deciding whether to trade up/down on the recommendation of the scouts. It certainly bit us a couple years in 2003 trading our 2nd for a 3rd/4th/5th (none of those guys turned out) and the year we traded down and took Chucko instead of Zajac/Meszaros/etc.

[FlamesAddiction]

Originally Posted by Flames Draft Watcher

The biggest impact the GM has is deciding whether to trade up/down on the recommendation of the scouts. It certainly bit us a couple years in 2003 trading our 2nd for a 3rd/4th/5th (none of those guys turned out) and the year we traded down and took Chucko instead of Zajac/Meszaros/etc.

I recall the speculation was when we traded down that we were targeting Zajac but then had to settle for Chucko.

I think the Flames consistantly trade down in the 1st round more than most teams. Time to try something different.

[flamesaresmokin]

Originally Posted by Flames Draft Watcher

He's answered that question in the past I think. They go for best player available with their high picks. You can then use the mid and late round picks to fill out holes in the system (forwards, defense, goalie, etc.)

Its clearly worked wonders.....

[Alpine]

It would be also interesting on what the scouts take on the different prospects and why they decides to go with this particular guy vs the other guy. ie what went into the decision making process?pro's vs con's. Thanks

[Alpine]

I would like the Flames to keep the picks to go with quality and not quantity.
Would I like us to make trades sure but only if it beneficial to us ie targeting a particular player who will help reasonably short time (no long range projects ).
I do not see too many sure fire prospects ie crosby, stamkos, etc) in this draft that would be available to where the Flames are drafting. Thanks

[Metro Gnome]

Alright folks...I have Steinberg trying to round up scouts to talk to based on your requests. We'll see what we can do.