2023 NHL Draft Thread

[cral12]

Originally Posted by 1qqaaz

Thanks, great stuff. I spent way too long looking at this.

Thanks gang - to easily find (mostly) Sandman's collection of profiles on Upside Hockey website, I've also added the link to that on the original post in this thread.

I'll keep trying to add to them as they come in!

[Paulie Walnuts]

1.1% chance of getting the .................... 6th overall pick.

Why must we suffer so much.

[calumniate]

Dalibor! solid name.. will smith.. think i've heard about that guy somewhere

[Royle9]

Like every year, Craig list intrigues me as he seemingly has some inside scoop from Todd as to where the Flames may go.

This year he's targeted:

Brayden Yager - C
Nate Danielson - C
Samuel Honzek - LW

I'm more intrigued with the first 2 choices, Honzek doesnt scream a lot of SKILL to me, more of a bottom 6 forward long term. I think Danielson has the higher upside for offensive threat/scoring and Yager the better 200ft player almost like a Lindholm *lite* if you will.

Sure wish the Flames could recoup some more 1st this year, I think after the top 3/4 its going to be wide open and just about every list ranks a guy a little bit different and every scouting report says the same guy is NHL ready while the next guy says 1-2 years.... its exciting for sure.

[the-rasta-masta]

Originally Posted by Paulie Walnuts

1.1% chance of getting the .................... 6th overall pick.

Why must we suffer so much.

0.5% chance.

[The Yen Man]

It'll be on par with Flames draft luck to finally win one for the first time in franchise history only to draft 6th and not get Bedard.

[the-rasta-masta]

I hope the Flames never finish dead last in the league. It seems like the worst predicament to have to suffer through watching a team with the worst record, and then only have an 18.5% of the first overall pick. I'd rather finish in anywhere but last and hope to win the draft lottery, than to finish dead last and have a bit of an expectation that you deserve it but than really 4/5 times you don't get the 1st pick. If the Flames had the best odds at Bedard today, and then lost, that would be crushing.

[Fan69]

Originally Posted by The Yen Man

It'll be on par with Flames draft luck to finally win one for the first time in franchise history only to draft 6th and not get Bedard.

I honestly think smith will have a bigger long term impact.

[getbak]

Since everything seems to be going the worst for Flames fans this spring, you know Vancouver will finally pull off a lottery win and get Bedard.

[getbak]

Originally Posted by the-rasta-masta

0.5% chance.

There's 2 draws and the Flames can move up to 6th in both of them, so it combines to 1.1%.

[bzoo02]

I ran the draft simulator and it took 17 tries for the flames to get selected.

Last flames player to wear 17 - Milan Lucic

Lucic was born in Vancouver.

Connor Bedard was also born in Vancouver.

It's a sign, Flames are winning the draft lottery.

[Macho0978]

If the 16 slot wins the draft lottery, if the Flames finished lower in the standings they would not have lost the lottery?

I get why people would be disappointed if we win, but if we win its a game changer for this franchise still. Our prospect pool would look very good and we likely have a center that makes the team as an 18 year old.

[topfiverecords]

Ducks will keep #1. Flames will slump for a couple seasons and then the next time we have a decent team the Ducks will sweep us in the first round.

[Monahammer]

It does seem pretty "Flames" to win our only ever lottery in a year where we have no possible chance of picking the generational players.

Physical odds are 0.5% but you have to think our anti-luck bumps them pretty significantly here.

[SuperMatt18]

Originally Posted by Monahammer

It does seem pretty "Flames" to win our only ever lottery in a year where we have no possible chance of picking the generational players.

Physical odds are 0.5% but you have to think our anti-luck bumps them pretty significantly here.

This.

It would be the most Flames thing ever to "win" the lottery and end up picking 6th.

Which is where the team has picked 5 times prior.

Stillman, Tkaczuk, Fata, Monahan, Tkachuk

[Toonage]

It would be maddening to win the lottery but not get the shot at Bedard but at the same time after what this season was, picking 6 would make me feel a lot better.

[Sandman]

Another post-U18 profile:

-When profiling C/LW Riley Heidt, I think one would have to talk about his WHL season, moreso than his U-18 Tournament experience. Heidt joined the tourney after his Prince George Cougars were eliminated from the WHL Playoffs, playing 5 games with only 2 assists, and a minus-2, mostly playing with fellow CHLers Tanner Howe and Nick Lardis. Heidt never really gained much traction, and wasn't able to showcase his talents too much, as the trio had varying ice-times game-to-game, and they only played 10 minutes in the bronze-clinching game against the Slovaks. Tournament aside, Heidt is one my favorites for this upcoming draft, as he's an absolutely lights-out offensive weapon, and a killer with the puck on his stick. He tied Bedard for the most assists in the WHL this year, with an incredible 72. I have no idea why he is not getting top-10 consideration for this draft. First of all, Heidt is one of the best skaters in this year's crop, with excellent balance and agility, as well as an elite separation gear to burn opponents. He uses that skill, along with silky smooth stickhandling and exceptional energy and pace, to drive play in a way that few can. He can easily carry the transition through the neutral zone, to deep into the offensive zone with confidence- and it's that confidence, and desire to have the puck that is one of Heidt's defining qualities. He simply strives to make a difference every time he steps on the ice. He's fiery and feisty, and battles on every inch of the ice, never backing down- despite standing only 5'11", and contributes in every situation, in all 3 zones. He plays well off the puck as well, being in the right position at all times, including in the defensive zone, where he can snuff plays with his anticipation and supreme competitveness, and uses a good stick to block lanes. High IQ and awareness, and elevates his teammates- just ask Chase Wheatcroft what playing with Heidt can do for you. If there's a weakness in Heidt's game, it may be the fact that he doesn't use his lethal shot more, instead deferring to his elite passing to get the job done. He will need to bulk up and get stronger for the next level, but this is one player who will play in any team's top-6. Most have him top-20, but like I said above, he's a top-10 talent. I would easily take Heidt over Benson or Yager.

[Royle9]

Originally Posted by Sandman

I would easily take Heidt over Benson or Yager.

This is interesting as you're the only one I've seen rank him so high especially over Benson. No criticism or angst against it, just unique to see as like you've pointed out most have him somewhere in the mid to late 20's.

[Sandman]

Originally Posted by Royle9

This is interesting as you're the only one I've seen rank him so high especially over Benson. No criticism or angst against it, just unique to see as like you've pointed out most have him somewhere in the mid to late 20's.

I still think Benson gets picked first, and there's not a lot separating the two- both are deadly offensive weapons, and good 200-ft players, and Benson was heading towards an 110 point season had he played a full slate of games. I just think Benson had a little more to work with on a stacked Winnipeg team, where perhaps Heidt propped up his teammates a bit more. Heidt is bigger, more feisty, and a bit faster IMO.

[Jiri Hrdina]

MyNHLdraft new mock has the Flames take Eduard Sale at 16.
Lots of skill but seems to have consistency issue. I've seen him in the top 8 in some mocks but seems to be falling in rankings now.