News from the Draft combine

[ignite09]

If he's not ready he can go to the KHL and develop. If the NA factor is a big enough issue play him in the NHL. Didn't Feaster promise Tom Erixon a roster spot if he signed with us during those last few days of his contract dispute? If this team can promise that tool a sure spot, they can sure as hell do it for Nichushkin.

[ComixZone]

Originally Posted by sureLoss

It would really depend on why Nichuskin can't stick to the NHL roster. If you feel that the best thing for his development is to play in the AHL to adapt to the NA game, then sending him back to the KHL seems unproductive.

Just as it's unproductive for an 18 year old to go back to the WHL/CHL when he's already dominated those leagues.

It's just how it is when it comes to 18 year old kids.

I really doubt Nichushkin makes it out of the top 5, if he's available at 5 - there's no way the Canes will pass on him.

[ComixZone]

Originally Posted by ignite09

If he's not ready he can go to the KHL and develop. If the NA factor is a big enough issue play him in the NHL. Didn't Feaster promise Tom Erixon a roster spot if he signed with us during those last few days of his contract dispute? If this team can promise that tool a sure spot, they can sure as hell do it for Nichushkin.

Didn't promise him a spot, but they were willing to give him an out-clause where if he didn't make the NHL team, he could go back and play in the Swedish Elite League.

[Pierre "Monster" McGuire]

Not much to take from Weisbrod's quotes. Just sounds like a deep draft and if I'm reading the 'draft-for-position' comments, the Flames will likely pick a centre with their #6 pick. I would hope that would be the case anyways.

Kind of interesting to hear that the draft will be deep until the 3rd round. Makes me wonder if Feaster will trade the Pens pick for a couple of 2nd rounders. I wouldn't mind that - if the draft is as deep as Weisbrod indicates.

[Erick Estrada]

Originally Posted by Pierre "Monster" McGuire

Not much to take from Weisbrod's quotes. Just sounds like a deep draft and if I'm reading the 'draft-for-position' comments, the Flames will likely pick a centre with their #6 pick. I would hope that would be the case anyways.

Kind of interesting to hear that the draft will be deep until the 3rd round. Makes me wonder if Feaster will trade the Pens pick for a couple of 2nd rounders. I wouldn't mind that - if the draft is as deep as Weisbrod indicates.

Did it not sound a little like he may be more intrigued by the forwards? I kind of got that vibe. Maybe he's playing a little poker in that they want to hide their interest in some of the top ranked defensemen. Hard to take much out of what teams say going into the draft.

[devo22]

Originally Posted by Pierre "Monster" McGuire

Makes me wonder if Feaster will trade the Pens pick for a couple of 2nd rounders. I wouldn't mind that - if the draft is as deep as Weisbrod indicates.

just for reference, here are a few "picks only trades" from the past involving picks between 28 and 30:

2008: ANA trades 28 to PHX for 35 and 39
2009: DET trades 29 to TBL for 32 and 75
2010: CHI trades 30 to NYI for 35 and 58

If we did a deal like that, Montreal would be an interesting dance partner, they have three 2nd rounders this year, I believe ... they have 34 from Nashville, 36 from Calgary and their own, which should be at 55 (correct me if I'm wrong). So I could imagine something like

29/30 and 67 for 34 and 36
or
29/30 for 36 and 55

[Murph]

Originally Posted by Pierre "Monster" McGuire

Not much to take from Weisbrod's quotes. Just sounds like a deep draft and if I'm reading the 'draft-for-position' comments, the Flames will likely pick a centre with their #6 pick. I would hope that would be the case anyways.

Kind of interesting to hear that the draft will be deep until the 3rd round. Makes me wonder if Feaster will trade the Pens pick for a couple of 2nd rounders. I wouldn't mind that - if the draft is as deep as Weisbrod indicates.

Thinking there wouldn't be many teams with multiple second round picks, I went to check. Seems I was wrong. There are 6 teams that could swing such a deal. The Habs (34, 36, 57), Stars (40, 54, 56), Jets (43, 59, 61), Sharks (49, 50, 60), Sabres (38, 47) and Ducks (45, 58) all have multiple second round picks.

The Habs at 34 and 57 or the Stars at 40 and 56 sound pretty good to me.

[Vulcan]

Originally Posted by getbak

I'm sure some people will freak out about that and call him a whiny entitled Russian, but it's really no different than if you draft MacKinnon or Jones or any other CHL player.

If they don't make your NHL roster, you have to send them back to junior, and once you send them back, you can't recall them (except in a rare emergency situation like the Flames did with Sven in 2012).

The difference is that the NHL and the CHL have a mutually beneficial understanding and agreement. On the other hand you have Nichushkin and or Dynamo setting the terms of his employment with his NHL team. That's not a good start in my opinion and isn't mutually beneficial. Sure you can argue the KHL is better than the AHL but playing in the AHL would teach him how to adapt to the Canadian game and team philosophy. We would also get to control his ice time and teach him what we think he needs.

In the KHL we would have no control and it could even result in Nichushkin sitting most of the time (Backlund) which is common for young players in men's European leagues.

[nickerjones]

Originally Posted by kermitology

Very interesting turn of developments.

It certainly has the tone of being the selfish Russian, but maybe is it not kind of fair to him to either play him in the NHL or play him back home? Who would want to come here to play in Peoria or Oklahoma City or something like that?

Does this sour you or make you push him higher up your list?

Have you ever been to either of these places? If not , how can you say that no one would want to go to these places? I for one can attest that one of these places is an awesome place. Sure OKC is no Calgary or Dallas but it's not a bad place to be especially if you're making close to 6 figures or more...

[Drake]

Not sure where to put this but I'll put it here since it has to do with the draft:

It's a very real possibility Avs might trade No. 1 pick, or try to trade to get top two picks. Gonna be interesting

https://twitter.com/adater/status/339495509045673984

[calgARI]

Originally Posted by devo22

just for reference, here are a few "picks only trades" from the past involving picks between 28 and 30:

2008: ANA trades 28 to PHX for 35 and 39
2009: DET trades 29 to TBL for 32 and 75
2010: CHI trades 30 to NYI for 35 and 58

If we did a deal like that, Montreal would be an interesting dance partner, they have three 2nd rounders this year, I believe ... they have 34 from Nashville, 36 from Calgary and their own, which should be at 55 (correct me if I'm wrong). So I could imagine something like

29/30 and 67 for 34 and 36
or
29/30 for 36 and 55

Very very realistic that Feaster a trade like this.

[gargamel]

Originally Posted by calgARI

Very very realistic that Feaster a trade like this.

Agreed, especially if he's able to use the St. Louis pick as part of a package to move up from the #6 spot.

[FlamesAddiction]

Originally Posted by Ozy_Flame

Doesn't sound like a personal threat, sounds more like a contractual obligation for a confident rookie. I see no difference in this and a Canadian CHL rookie getting sent down to his junior team.

I am fairly certain other Europeans have done that before, including Swedes and Czechs (ie. preferring to be sent home if they don't make the NHL). Kudos to Dynamo for making it possible for this kid to follow his dream and also giving him a back-up plan.

Also, I really think too much of a deal is made about having to acclimatize to the North American game.

[dammage79]

Nichushkins speed doesn't need adjustment in the NHL. Same as MacKinnon. Their speed is already NHL calibre.

[Bourque's Twin]

I've thought of this idea all along. The Flames should try very hard (and use both late 1st rounders) to try to grab Buffalo's 8th overall.
The Flames would then most likely walk away with Monahan and Nichushkin.

[jeffman]

I don't think Feaster wants another player to decide how the Flames should run their own team. I think he'll pass on Nichukshin

[Ashasx]

They have placed high emphasis on good attitude and character, something Nichushkin appears to lack.

[dammage79]

The top ranked Russian won't be sliding past the five spot in the draft order. TB, NSH or CAR will take him.

[HitterD]

Originally Posted by Ashasx

They have placed high emphasis on good attitude and character, something Nichushkin appears to lack.

Why does he appear to lack character exactly? Because he wants to play in the NHL like every kid getting drafted this year? If it were me, and I had a choice to play in the KHL or AHL, I'd pick the kHL, on not even for the money. The KHL is a better league, better competition, and I'd be playing close to home...no brainer. If the flames draft him, I'd prefer he stays home of he doesn't crack our NHL lineup anyway, he'll develop better there playing against better competition in what is actaully a pretty defensive league. Mark Giordano came back from the KHL twice the player he was when he left, IMO

Really don't see what nichushkin is doing here to show a lack of character

[Vinny01]

Originally Posted by Bourque's Twin

I've thought of this idea all along. The Flames should try very hard (and use both late 1st rounders) to try to grab Buffalo's 8th overall.
The Flames would then most likely walk away with Monahan and Nichushkin.

You are definitely adding to get that pick. Would you trade the 6th pick for the 18th and 26th picks?