Craig's List 2014 Prospects

[PeteMoss]

Bennett has only had 2 fights in the OHL (in two years). He did pretty well against a tougher player, but he's not going to fight often.

[Rick M.]

Originally Posted by PeteMoss

Bennett has only had 2 fights in the OHL (in two years). He did pretty well against a tougher player, but he's not going to fight often.

That's my view, too. If it's a fighter you want, Nick Ritchie is your man. Bennett won't be pushed around but will be too valuable to be in fights, especially with some of the league's behemoths.

[FlamesAddiction]

So assuming that "The Board" consists of the 5 top picks identified in this poll, what player would you least mind that we go "off the board" to pick? And what players are most likely to be "off the board"?

Are any of the top 5 teams desperate enough for a defenseman that Fleury could sneak in if Ekblad is taken?

Would it be seen as a disaster if we took Nylander or Ritchie at #4?

[Phanuthier]

Originally Posted by FlamesAddiction

So assuming that "The Board" consists of the 5 top picks identified in this poll, what player would you least mind that we go "off the board" to pick? And what players are most likely to be "off the board"?

Are any of the top 5 teams desperate enough for a defenseman that Fleury could sneak in if Ekblad is taken?

Would it be seen as a disaster if we took Nylander or Ritchie at #4?

I wouldn't mind...... the only time an off the board pick bothers me is if it would be "upside: 3rd line character forward that brings heart"

I watched youtube's of the top 8-ish prospects, all look good to me. I have no frickin idea.

Looks like we'll probably be ending up with Sam Bennett, for no good reason at all, I still like the idea of drafting Dal Colle.

[ForeverFlameFan]

Originally Posted by FlamesAddiction

So assuming that "The Board" consists of the 5 top picks identified in this poll, what player would you least mind that we go "off the board" to pick? And what players are most likely to be "off the board"?

Are any of the top 5 teams desperate enough for a defenseman that Fleury could sneak in if Ekblad is taken?

Would it be seen as a disaster if we took Nylander or Ritchie at #4?

Florida definitely needs a defenseman, I don't see them not drafting Ekblad. Edmonton could use a defenseman as well, but they aren't dumb enough to draft Fleury over Bennett/Draisaitl

For the Flames, I don't want us drafting outside the top 5. Wouldn't be the end of the world if we drafted Nylander/Ritchie/Ehlers, but I think most of us can agree that Reinhart/Bennett/Draisaitl/Dal Colle have more upside.

[codynw]

Originally Posted by ForeverFlameFan

Florida definitely needs a defenseman, I don't see them not drafting Ekblad. Edmonton could use a defenseman as well, but they aren't dumb enough to draft Fleury over Bennett/Draisaitl.

You are seriously underrating how dumb Oilers management can be.

[Rick M.]

I think Ehlers would be a good off the board pick now that he has reached the magic 6' mark (he was a Hobbit at 5' 11" but now he is Bennett huge at 6'). Incredibly dynamic skater/playmaker/finisher with elite vision.

[cowtown75]

Originally Posted by FlamesAddiction

So assuming that "The Board" consists of the 5 top picks identified in this poll, what player would you least mind that we go "off the board" to pick? And what players are most likely to be "off the board"?

Are any of the top 5 teams desperate enough for a defenseman that Fleury could sneak in if Ekblad is taken?

Would it be seen as a disaster if we took Nylander or Ritchie at #4?

If we went completely off the board, I hope it would be for Jake Virtanen.

[Enoch Root]

Originally Posted by ignite09

Yep. Some Flames fans don't seem to realise that Draisaitl might actually be the best pick for the Oilers. Big, talented player that completly changes the way that second line would play. Best center available considering there current circumstances. Better chance of surviving the sub-par developement system in Edmonton as well IMO.

I think people do understand that. We are simply concerned with who the Flames get. And Bennett is a better player for the Flames IMO.

It's an interesting situation for Edmonton:

If they pick Bennett, they will have 2 smaller Cs in RNH and Bennett, and the Flames would have Monahan and Draisaitl. I think that would be a very bad situation for Edmonton (not to mention that they also have to deal with Kopitar, Getzlaf, Thorton etc)

On the other hand, if they pick Draisaitl (which they should, IMO) they are leaving Calgary the arguably better player. Bennett and Monahan is a pretty awesome combination to think about.

No matter which way Edmonton goes, they are leaving Calgary in great shape. I would argue that either way, the Flames end up with the better C pairing because we are starting with the large-bodied, well rounded Monahan while they are starting with the small, one-dimensional RNH.

No matter which way they go, the Flames win, IMO. It's a great scenario.

[ForeverFlameFan]

Originally Posted by Enoch Root

I think people do understand that. We are simply concerned with who the Flames get. And Bennett is a better player for the Flames IMO.

It's an interesting situation for Edmonton:

If they pick Bennett, they will have 2 smaller Cs in RNH and Bennett, and the Flames would have Monahan and Draisaitl. I think that would be a very bad situation for Edmonton (not to mention that they also have to deal with Kopitar, Getzlaf, Thorton etc)

On the other hand, if they pick Draisaitl (which they should, IMO) they are leaving Calgary the arguably better player. Bennett and Monahan is a pretty awesome combination to think about.

No matter which way Edmonton goes, they are leaving Calgary in great shape. I would argue that either way, the Flames end up with the better C pairing because we are starting with the large-bodied, well rounded Monahan while they are starting with the small, one-dimensional RNH.

No matter which way they go, the Flames win, IMO. It's a great scenario.

It's a win-win for us. Except I feel one player is the better path for Edmonton. Drafting Draisaitl would be best for them because it at least addresses the size issue at center.

I too am fine with either center, they both benefit Calgary, so take your pick Edmonton.

[FakenHaken]

Originally Posted by Enoch Root

I think people do understand that. We are simply concerned with who the Flames get. And Bennett is a better player for the Flames IMO.

It's an interesting situation for Edmonton:

If they pick Bennett, they will have 2 smaller Cs in RNH and Bennett, and the Flames would have Monahan and Draisaitl. I think that would be a very bad situation for Edmonton (not to mention that they also have to deal with Kopitar, Getzlaf, Thorton etc)

On the other hand, if they pick Draisaitl (which they should, IMO) they are leaving Calgary the arguably better player. Bennett and Monahan is a pretty awesome combination to think about.

No matter which way Edmonton goes, they are leaving Calgary in great shape. I would argue that either way, the Flames end up with the better C pairing because we are starting with the large-bodied, well rounded Monahan while they are starting with the small, one-dimensional RNH.

No matter which way they go, the Flames win, IMO. It's a great scenario.

I also don't think Edmonton can afford the patience to properly develop Bennett. If they put Bennett in right away he might be falling apart in two years the same way RNH's injuries. Then you have two centers with poor shoulder issues. In two years the fans might not even show up even if they are moving into a new rink. For this reason it has to be Ekblad or Draisaitl. They need huge bodies to start in October 2014.

[Caged Great]

Isn't Draisaitl only 6-1? That's not exactly size plus.

[Enoch Root]

Originally Posted by ForeverFlameFan

It's a win-win for us. Except I feel one player is the better path for Edmonton. Drafting Draisaitl would be best for them because it at least addresses the size issue at center.

I too am fine with either center, they both benefit Calgary, so take your pick Edmonton.

I agree - and their best choice is also best for us.

Originally Posted by FakenHaken

I also don't think Edmonton can afford the patience to properly develop Bennett. If they put Bennett in right away he might be falling apart in two years the same way RNH's injuries. Then you have two centers with poor shoulder issues. In two years the fans might not even show up even if they are moving into a new rink. For this reason it has to be Ekblad or Draisaitl. They need huge bodies to start in October 2014.

Agree with this as well.

[Day Tripper]

Originally Posted by Caged Great

Isn't Draisaitl only 6-1? That's not exactly size plus.

He looks a bit more than 6'1 to me.

[ForeverFlameFan]

Originally Posted by Caged Great

Isn't Draisaitl only 6-1? That's not exactly size plus.

When you're 2, 3 inches taller and 30 pounds heavier than Bennett, that's size plus.

[Flames Draft Watcher]

Originally Posted by Caged Great

Isn't Draisaitl only 6-1? That's not exactly size plus.

He's a thick, strong 6'1+. He shields the puck well. They need someone of that style.

[codynw]

Originally Posted by Caged Great

Isn't Draisaitl only 6-1? That's not exactly size plus.

I think so, but he's got a big frame. Already over 200 pounds.

[Rick M.]

Originally Posted by Day Tripper

He looks a bit more than 6'1 to me.

I've seen Draisaitl listed at 6' 2" tall recently. Perhaps he's still growing?

[VladtheImpaler]

Just so thrilled about our situation - either Ekblad or a really good center. And the decision will be made for us. The brass and the scouts don't even need to show up for round 1 - just have a maintenance engineer pick whoever of the 4 is left over.
Though, I suppose someone needs to be near the phone, in case Edmonton picks Nylander or something like that...

[Caged Great]

Originally Posted by ForeverFlameFan

When you're 2, 3 inches taller and 30 pounds heavier than Bennett, that's size plus.

Bennett is one inch shorter than Draisaitl. It's not like Bennett is tiny. He does weight 30 pounds less, but Benny should be up to 200 when he makes the NHL (assuming he returns to junior).

I agree that the Oilers should take Draisaitl. He's not nearly as good of a player except he can play next year, where Bennett would be best served spending another year in juniors. He does fulfill one of the areas of need for the Oilers and that is that he isn't easy to push off the puck.