Scott Wheeler's Prospect Pool Rankings 2025

[Ped]

Wheeler writes that he could have put Brustewicz, Poirier, Morin, and Mews in any order, basically.


Missing the cut for him:

Also considered but not ranked were Vancouver Giants forward Jaden Lipinski, Niagara University standout freshman and reigning OJHL MVP Trevor Hoskin (who was the final cut but will be on this list next year if he keeps at it) and Wranglers defenseman Artyom Grushnikov (who lacks offense but has the length and skating to potentially become a No. 8-9 D who plays some games).

[Erick Estrada]

I guess this just goes to show that the Flames have solid depth in their prospect pool and the main critique is that they only have one player that looks to have elite potential. We just have to hope one or two of these prospects can pop.

[Paulie Walnuts]

Originally Posted by Erick Estrada

I guess this just goes to show that the Flames have solid depth in their prospect pool and the main critique is that they only have one player that looks to have elite potential. We just have to hope one or two of these prospects can pop.

Also shows up lots of good work by Conory and guys but lots of work ahead. We need more kicks at getting guys in our prospect pool.

That’s why any talk of trades and moving picks for any now players makes zero sense for a team in a rebuild. We don’t have the elite prospects to graduate to bring someone in yet.

[Bonded]

Originally Posted by AustinL_NHL

Ew we hate Scott Wheeler

It it is a pretty good ranking considering they graduated Wolf, Zary, and Coronato imo. They really need some high end centers

[looooob]

Originally Posted by Erick Estrada

I guess this just goes to show that the Flames have solid depth in their prospect pool and the main critique is that they only have one player that looks to have elite potential. We just have to hope one or two of these prospects can pop.

yeah I suppose that is fair- but that's a pretty deep prospect pool (I think??) for 13th


the fact there is that much separation between Gridin and Basha/Battaglia suggests a pretty tight grouping


Stomgren and Kerins as essentially PPG AHLers well down the list etc

[Funkhouser]

The thing that stands out for the Flames vs other teams is (1) our lack of elite players aside from Zayne, (2) our lack of centres, and (3) our depth when it comes to the tiers.

Our 3rd tier is 12 players deep and he believes all of them are presently trending to play (at minimum) some games in the show. Many of us suspect that much of this depth is trending towards having a larger impact. Time will tell.

This shows that Craig & co. have done a great job of stocking the cupboards in 1 season and getting value from lower picks. Now address the first two issues.

[Bingo]

Seeing a deep prospect list has me thinking Calgary has found a new way to achieve the Vegas expansion model of 3 2nd lines and 3 2nd pairings!

[Bingo]

How do you not get excited about the Parekh drill down ...

When the puck arrives on his stick, it just seems to stop and glue to him through his movements — a very rare quality that almost makes him look lackadaisical with the puck because it’s settled so easily into his pocket and upright stance. He likes to roam, but he’s also learning to pick his spots better and his head is constantly on a swivel to identify where he is in relation to his teammates. When he plays freely, which is almost always, you’re drawn to him whenever he touches the puck because he’s always a threat to make something happen and he sees and identifies plays early.

[DJones]

Graduated 4 of our top 6 from his rankings last year and we still moved up.

That's impressive. Does a good job of showing how good our depth is but he likely prioritizes top end talent on other teams more.

[TheScorpion]

I'm curious what specifically separates Gridin and Suniev for Scott, as I've always found them pretty similar. Just asked him about this ... waiting for a reply. Will post it here if and when I get one.

[TOfan]

I think this sounds quite promising. Considering we are in year 1 of this building cycle. Another 2-3 years, I would be a bit surprised if the Flames are not in the top 5.

[FBI]

Also those saying we only have one elite prospect, well we just had another elite one recently graduate.. and two of the most important positions..

[Bingo]

Also interesting to see Gridin at #2.

He's had quite a year, and has made the Flames look pretty shrewd for taking him with their 2nd 1st and still getting Basha in the the second round.

[Enoch Root]

Originally Posted by FBI

Also those saying we only have one elite prospect, well we just had another elite one recently graduate.. and two of the most important positions..

One elite: Wolf
Two very good: Zary and Coronato
One good: Pelletier

That's a hell of a graduating class. And to actually move UP, after graduating those 4, is pretty impressive.

[Paulie Walnuts]

Wonder if Misa is being underrated here as well.

[YyjFlames]

Originally Posted by TheScorpion

I'm curious what specifically separates Gridin and Suniev for Scott, as I've always found them pretty similar. Just asked him about this ... waiting for a reply. Will post it here if and when I get one.

Might just be a tiering thing--that he really doesn't see much separation between Calgary's 2-15 prospects. He ranked Mews at 26, Basha at 29 and Gridin at 38 (Misa at 50 and Battaglia at 83) in his pre-draft ranking, but has Gridin #2 on the list.

His 2024 draft rankings was one of the reasons I thought Calgary would be a couple spots higher on his list, as the Flames basically drafted three of his projected 2024 first rounders, plus Gridin, Misa and Battaglia, who he projected as 2nd and 3rd rounders.

[CroFlames]

Originally Posted by Bingo

How do you not get excited about the Parekh drill down ...

Canada must have absolutely crushed it at the WJC if they had the luxury of leaving a player like this off the roster.

[Enoch Root]

Originally Posted by Bingo

Also interesting to see Gridin at #2.

He's had quite a year, and has made the Flames look pretty shrewd for taking him with their 2nd 1st and still getting Basha in the the second round.

After a slow start, he is now 8th in scoring in the Q.

In December 14th, he is running at 1.5 PPG: 18G, 18A 36P in 24 games.

[Bingo]

Also notable to see Honzek above so many Calgary prospects having lights out seasons.

[blankall]

https://thehockeynews.com/ohl/latest...s-from-the-ohl

Article today on how awesome the Flames last draft was.