Craig's List 2014 Prospects

[ForeverFlameFan]

Also, I wanted to ask: Do we go for Ekblad with a trade to Buffalo if Florida doesn't go defenseman and drafting Ekblad. What would Buffalo want?

[FlameZilla]

Originally Posted by ForeverFlameFan

Also, I wanted to ask: Do we go for Ekblad with a trade to Buffalo if Florida doesn't go defenseman and drafting Ekblad. What would Buffalo want?

I've always though Sven would look good in a Sabres jersey.

TBH I'd rather just stay put at 4th. Maximise assets through proper player development.

Ekblad could easily drop to 4th, by-the-by. Would be equally as good an option as any of the other 3.

[Vinny01]

Originally Posted by Bourque's Twin

In my opinion the Oilers take Bennett > Draisaitl > Reinhart.
Bennett has the grit that the Oilers need and Reinhart is another skilled centre to add to RNH, Gagner, whereas Draisaitl brings them size down the middle. I hope Bennett is gone at 1st overall because I think that gives the Flames the best pick possible.

I agree but I see buffalo taking a center so if Bennett goes 1 Reinhart likely goes 2 leaving Ekblad for the Oil.

Hopefully buffalo goes with Bennett. I can see that happening with Reinhart falling to the Flames as Edmonton will draft size

[CliffFletcher]

This is how I'm thinking it will shake out:

Florida takes Ekblad. With Barkov up front, they still need a big presence on the blue line. The Panthers are getting impatient, and Ekblad is the most NHL ready of the top prospects. And I'm sure it hasn't escaped the notice of the Panthers what Hedman has done for the Lightning.

Buffalo takes Bennet. They're rebuilding for the long haul, so won't have a problem taking a guy who is maybe a couple years away. The management is desperately trying to revive a skeptical U.S. fanbase, so they'll be looking for an exciting, Roenick-type star. Bennet fits the bill.

Edmonton takes Draisatl. Their top two were taken, so they're left with the choice of Draisatl and Reinhart. Draisatl gives a rock-solid presence down the middle and down low, while Reinhart just gives them another RNH. They choke back their disappointment at missing Ekblad and Bennet and take the big German.

Calgary takes Reinhart. Probably wasn't their top choice, lacking the size or grit they're trying to acquire, but can't argue with the skill level.

[FakenHaken]

Originally Posted by CliffFletcher

This is how I'm thinking it will shake out:

Florida takes Ekblad. With Barkov up front, they still need a big presence on the blue line. The Panthers are getting impatient, and Ekblad is the most NHL ready of the top prospects. And I'm sure it hasn't escaped the notice of the Panthers what Hedman has done for the Lightning.

Buffalo takes Bennet. They're rebuilding for the long haul, so won't have a problem taking a guy who is maybe a couple years away. The management is desperately trying to revive a skeptical U.S. fanbase, so they'll be looking for an exciting, Roenick-type star. Bennet fits the bill.

Edmonton takes Draisatl. Their top two were taken, so they're left with the choice of Draisatl and Reinhart. Draisatl gives a rock-solid presence down the middle and down low, while Reinhart just gives them another RNH. They choke back their disappointment at missing Ekblad and Bennet and take the big German.

Calgary takes Reinhart. Probably wasn't their top choice, lacking the size or grit they're trying to acquire, but can't argue with the skill level.

I also think that Murray as the Assistant GM for the Senators watched personally a whole bunch more of Bennet than Reinhart. It is his first pick as GM of the Sabres...... I just have that "gut feeling" it will be Bennet called. Although he did talk glowingly of Reinhart, but..... who am I kidding he is right either way Reinhart/Bennet/Draisatl/Ekblad each bottom 4 team is getting a hell of a hockey player. My gut says Sabres call out Bennet though.

[ForeverFlameFan]

Originally Posted by CliffFletcher

This is how I'm thinking it will shake out:

Florida takes Ekblad. With Barkov up front, they still need a big presence on the blue line. The Panthers are getting impatient, and Ekblad is the most NHL ready of the top prospects. And I'm sure it hasn't escaped the notice of the Panthers what Hedman has done for the Lightning.

Buffalo takes Bennet. They're rebuilding for the long haul, so won't have a problem taking a guy who is maybe a couple years away. The management is desperately trying to revive a skeptical U.S. fanbase, so they'll be looking for an exciting, Roenick-type star. Bennet fits the bill.

Edmonton takes Draisatl. Their top two were taken, so they're left with the choice of Draisatl and Reinhart. Draisatl gives a rock-solid presence down the middle and down low, while Reinhart just gives them another RNH. They choke back their disappointment at missing Ekblad and Bennet and take the big German.

Calgary takes Reinhart. Probably wasn't their top choice, lacking the size or grit they're trying to acquire, but can't argue with the skill level.

This. I think you are dead on with what can most likely happen when draft day comes. As long as we stay in the top 4, we will for sure get top 6 talent (top 4 if we somehow get Ekblad).

I would like to add to some of your points:

I think Florida will pick Ekblad because they passed on Jones last year for a center, so why would they go for another center this year when there is a clear #1 defenseman in this draft? I think Tallon is just shopping the #1 pick to see if teams are going to overpay for it, but I don't think the #1 will be traded just because of the history and the advantage of picking first; you are the team that gets first dibs. Ekblad is going to help Florida out immensely.

Buffalo has stocked on so many draft picks that they aren't planning to be a contending team for a while, and drafting Bennett and letting him play another year in the juniors would benefit them. They are most likely going to be a bottom 5 team in the NHL again, so grabbing McDavid/Eichel/Barkov and then Bennett as your second centerman is going to make them a scary team in the future, especially with the defensive core that will be established.

I think Edmonton is the loser in this draft () because all of the three picks that they are considering are all in the top 3; Ekblad, Bennett and Draisaitl. They are going to have to go with Draisaitl beacause they really lack size and decent centerman. Draisaitl can definitely be that 2nd line center Edmonton is looking for later on.

For Calgary, I think we don't mind any of these picks at all. We are going with the BPA, and whether we land Ekblad, Reinhart, Bennett, or Draisaitl, our team is going to benefit from the service of the "Fantasic Four". There's no doubt that we're going to enjoy our first top 5 pick in Flames' history.

[codynw]

Ekblad is probably super bummed that he is either going to end up in Florida or Edmonton. The two worst places he could end up.

[nik-]

Originally Posted by codynw

Ekblad is probably super bummed that he is either going to end up in Florida or Edmonton. The two worst places he could end up.

Yeah. Being a multi-millionaire in your young 20's in the Miami area would suck ass.

[iggyformayor]

Originally Posted by FlameZilla

I've always though Sven would look good in a Sabres jersey.

TBH I'd rather just stay put at 4th. Maximise assets through proper player development.

Ekblad could easily drop to 4th, by-the-by. Would be equally as good an option as any of the other 3.

There is no way in hell that Ekblad drops to 4th.

[codynw]

Originally Posted by nik-

Yeah. Being a multi-millionaire in your young 20's in the Miami area would suck ass.

Yea it would. Florida is a dumpster. California is better in every way.

But actually, I was saying from a strictly hockey standpoint, Florida and Edmonton are the worst places he could go. They constantly get top picks and do nothing with them. His talent will be wasted away.

[FlamesAddiction]

Originally Posted by iggyformayor

There is no way in hell that Ekblad drops to 4th.

You're probably right, but I don't think anyone saw Jones falling to where he did last season either.

I think there is a small chance Ekblad falls to 4th. Sometimes forwards are just a little more enticing for some teams.

[FCAV]

Originally Posted by FlamesAddiction

You're probably right, but I don't think anyone saw Jones falling to where he did last season either.

I did, but that's why they pay me the big bucks!

Spoiler!

[Fighting Banana Slug]

The other part of the equation of Jones falling was Barkov rising to #2. I think there was a big 3 last year as well, with Barkov coming on late. Anyone think Draisaitl might surprise at #2? Ehlers? MDC?
Certainly possible. Still hoping to get one of the Sams. Worst case would be Sam/Sam/Ekblad, but even then, the Flames will land a good player.

[Vinny01]

Originally Posted by codynw

Yea it would. Florida is a dumpster. California is better in every way.

But actually, I was saying from a strictly hockey standpoint, Florida and Edmonton are the worst places he could go. They constantly get top picks and do nothing with them. His talent will be wasted away.

While I prefer California you are wrong that it is better in every way. There is no state tax in Florida and California is among the highest so Ekblad will see more $$ in Florida. While most of that state is a dump the Miami area is gorgeous but hockey is no where near as popular there as it is in Cali

I agree Florida is a terrible situation for hockey but I think with Tallon getting the opportunity to spend so e cash this summer he will bring in a couple vert and and they have kids ready to step up so could be trending up

[dammage79]

Originally Posted by Fighting Banana Slug

The other part of the equation of Jones falling was Barkov rising to #2. I think there was a big 3 last year as well, with Barkov coming on late. Anyone think Draisaitl might surprise at #2? Ehlers? MDC?
Certainly possible. Still hoping to get one of the Sams. Worst case would be Sam/Sam/Ekblad, but even then, the Flames will land a good player.

BArkov never came on late, he was always in the top 2 mix, People just had their MacKinnon and Jones blinders on.

[Fighting Banana Slug]

If everyone had their MacKinnon and Jones blinders on, that would put him out of the top 2.
My recollection that the talk was mostly around MacKinnon and Jones, with Drouin mentioned as a possibility based on his excellent season. Not a knock on Barkov at all, but I think it is fair to say that many were surprised he went #2.

[The Fonz]

I always remembered it being:

The big 3
- Jones/MaKinnon/Drouin

#4
- Barkov

The next tier
- Monahan/Lindholm


It then muddied the waters a bit when Feaster (I think) said they were 4 franchise players at the top end of the draft.

[The Fonz]

We were all so choked over Nashville + Carolina tanking last season, because we believed Barkov would be there @ #4.

[dammage79]

Originally Posted by Fighting Banana Slug

If everyone had their MacKinnon and Jones blinders on, that would put him out of the top 2.
My recollection that the talk was mostly around MacKinnon and Jones, with Drouin mentioned as a possibility based on his excellent season. Not a knock on Barkov at all, but I think it is fair to say that many were surprised he went #2.

I'll correct myself, majority of folk on CP had the Jones/MacKinnon blinders on.
Barkov was ranked #2 on a few lists but the same thing was being talked about that is being talked about with Draisaitl. Skating needed work etc...

Either way, the top four to six was far better than this years top four or five.

Wouldn't surprise me at all if Draisaitl gets taken 2-3. The size added with the skill set and hockey IQ will be tough to pass up.

[Henry Fool]

Originally Posted by dammage79

BArkov never came on late, he was always in the top 2 mix, People just had their MacKinnon and Jones blinders on.

If you listen to Button in November-December, he says that Barkov could be first overall material. It was Drouin who rose and passed him in rankings.

The general talk was very much top-4 and then the rest, but at the same time Barkov was never ranked above the other three in 2013, as far as I recall.

However, that's just media speculation. Teams probably didn't buy MacKinnon losing first overall spot and Drouin rising the same way that the media did.