Flames 2013 Draft Discussion

[AC]

Originally Posted by Hockey_Ninja

Is their a way to put my body into a deep sleep until Sunday? And have it feel like i was asleep for a minuet?

Yes.

[Sandman]

Originally Posted by Eric

Monahan, Hartman, Morrissey👍

Now we're talking!!!

[Sandman]

Originally Posted by Pierre "Monster" McGuire

All I rememer about Hartman is watching him bulldoze people over at the WJC. He was a monster in that tournament.

Thats when i became a fan as well.

[Enoch Root]

Originally Posted by Walter Reed

The Oilers website had a top 12 video mock draft some here might find some interest in.
http://oilers.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=675091

I agree that the Oilers are more likely (or at least desiring) to draft a C than a D (or trade the pick).

But 3 of the 5 had the Flames not taking a C (2 VNuts and a Nurse), which I think was just wishful thinking on heir part to leave the Cs for the Oilers.

[Trailer Fire]

Anyone else sick and tired of the crap Nichuskin takes? Is it that his name is slightly hard to spell? I see him getting called the Russian all the time. I don't see anyone calling Lindholm the Swede. Even when other players names come up: Monahan, Lindholm, the Russian, Nurse. Its ridiculous.

[dammage79]

Originally Posted by Trailer Fire

Anyone else sick and tired of the crap Nichuskin takes? Is it that his name is slightly hard to spell? I see him getting called the Russian all the time. I don't see anyone calling Lindholm the Swede. Even when other players names come up: Monahan, Lindholm, the Russian, Nurse. Its ridiculous.

I agree. But the Russian stigma is like a disease.

[kyuss275]

Originally Posted by Trailer Fire

Anyone else sick and tired of the crap Nichuskin takes? Is it that his name is slightly hard to spell? I see him getting called the Russian all the time. I don't see anyone calling Lindholm the Swede. Even when other players names come up: Monahan, Lindholm, the Russian, Nurse. Its ridiculous.

Get a flipping grip.

[The Fonz]

Originally Posted by Trailer Fire

Anyone else sick and tired of the crap Nichuskin takes? Is it that his name is slightly hard to spell? I see him getting called the Russian all the time. I don't see anyone calling Lindholm the Swede. Even when other players names come up: Monahan, Lindholm, the Russian, Nurse. Its ridiculous.

Unfortunately (and whether you're sick of it or not), being Russian defines Nichushkin nearly as much as his skill set.

History shows that drafting high end Russians since the introduction of the KHL is extremely risky. If they turn out to be a project, they'll go to the KHL rather than earn an NHL roster spot by playing their way up from the minors. If they turn out to be a superstar, they'll be offered boatloads of cash each time their NHL contract comes up for expiry. And I don't blame them for leaving for either option.

Any time you're discussing Nichushkin, it's worth mentioning that he's Russian. Birthplace isn't nearly important though when discussing Swedes, Americans, Germans, Swiss, etc.

[The Fonz]

I imagine drafting a Russian to feel like getting into a relationship with a girl who's not over her last boyfriend. And that boyfriend wants her back. The second you get into a fight, or head out of town for the weekend, she's running back into his arms.

Why would anyone willingly get involved in that

[oldschoolcalgary]

Originally Posted by The Fonz

Unfortunately (and whether you're sick of it or not), being Russian defines Nichushkin nearly as much as his skill set.

History shows that drafting high end Russians since the introduction of the KHL is extremely risky. If they turn out to be a project, they'll go to the KHL rather than earn an NHL roster spot by playing their way up from the minors. If they turn out to be a superstar, they'll be offered boatloads of cash each time their NHL contract comes up for expiry. And I don't blame them for leaving for either option.

Any time you're discussing Nichushkin, it's worth mentioning that he's Russian. Birthplace isn't nearly important though when discussing Swedes, Americans, Germans, Swiss, etc.

Bingo.

If Calgary was Edmonton or Colorado, maybe we could roll the dice... But we aren't...we need at least two of these picks to pan out into a top 6 forward or top 4 d

[spuzzum]

Originally Posted by The Fonz

I imagine drafting a Russian to feel like getting into a relationship with a girl who's not over her last boyfriend. And that boyfriend wants her back. The second you get into a fight, or head out of town for the weekend, she's running back into his arms.

Why would anyone willingly get involved in that

Like all men, action in the bedroom.

[The Fonz]

Originally Posted by spuzzum

Like all men, action in the bedroom.

Well I think Lindholm/Barkov/Monahan/Nurse will all put out just as often as Nichushkin, but without all the nagging.

And we won't have to cuddle them afterwards either.

[kehatch]

Originally Posted by The Fonz

Unfortunately (and whether you're sick of it or not), being Russian defines Nichushkin nearly as much as his skill set.

History shows that drafting high end Russians since the introduction of the KHL is extremely risky. If they turn out to be a project, they'll go to the KHL rather than earn an NHL roster spot by playing their way up from the minors. If they turn out to be a superstar, they'll be offered boatloads of cash each time their NHL contract comes up for expiry. And I don't blame them for leaving for either option.

Any time you're discussing Nichushkin, it's worth mentioning that he's Russian. Birthplace isn't nearly important though when discussing Swedes, Americans, Germans, Swiss, etc.

Back that up.

That is definitely the stereotype. There are definitely some examples. But it isn't true for the vast majority of Russians.

In 2012 three Russians were drafted in the first round: Yakupov (1), Grigorenko (12), Vasilevskiy (19). The first two are playing well on their respective teams. The latter had a great development year in the KHL and is likely coming to North America this season.

In 2011 Namestnikov was picked at 27 and is developing in the AHL.

In 2010 there were again three in the first round. Burmistrov (8) is playing in the NHL. Tarasenko (16) is a top prospect and made his way over last season. Kuznetsov (26) is one of Washington's top prospects.

2009 Kulikov is playing in the NHL. Etc

Yes, there is occasionally a Filatov or Radulov. There are also an occasional Erixon, Schultz, or Knight. That doesn't mean you never draft Swedes or College players.

The Flames have the opportunity to interview Nichushkin. If they think he is a flight risk, has poor work ethic, or an entitlement issue then they shouldn't draft him. But the whole 'Russian Factor' is stupidly overblown.

[FlamesAddiction]

Every once in a while, a Russian will pull a "Giordano" and bolt to the KHL when things don't go their way I suppose.

That vast majority are busts anyway though. The successful ones tend to stick around.

[The Fonz]

Originally Posted by kehatch

Back that up.

That is definitely the stereotype. There are definitely some examples. But it isn't true for the vast majority of Russians.

In 2012 three Russians were drafted in the first round: Yakupov (1), Grigorenko (12), Vasilevskiy (19). The first two are playing well on their respective teams. The latter had a great development year in the KHL and is likely coming to North America this season.

In 2011 Namestnikov was picked at 27 and is developing in the AHL.

In 2010 there were again three in the first round. Burmistrov (8) is playing in the NHL. Tarasenko (16) is a top prospect and made his way over last season. Kuznetsov (26) is one of Washington's top prospects.

2009 Kulikov is playing in the NHL. Etc

Yes, there is occasionally a Filatov or Radulov. There are also an occasional Erixon, Schultz, or Knight. That doesn't mean you never draft Swedes or College players.

The Flames have the opportunity to interview Nichushkin. If they think he is a flight risk, has poor work ethic, or an entitlement issue then they shouldn't draft him. But the whole 'Russian Factor' is stupidly overblown.

Played Canadian Jr prior to draft:
- Yakupov - 1st - 48 NHLGP
- Grigorenko - 12th - 25 NHLGP
- Namestnikov - 27th - 44 AHLGP
- Burmistrov - 8th - 194 NHLGP
- Kulikov - 14th - 232 NHLGP

Played KHL prior to draft:
- Vasilevski - 19th - 0 NHL/AHLGP
- Tarasenko - 16th - 38 NHLGP
- Kuznetsov - 26th - 0 NHL/AHLGP

Nichushkin is playing in the KHL at the time of the draft.

For a team whose prospects cupboard is as bare as Calgary's, you can't take a risk on a Russian. The players you named didn't make me feel any more comfortable about it either.

[The Fonz]

Honest question, has there ever been a Russian drafted Top10 who is playing in the KHL at the time of the draft?

[Trailer Fire]

+1 to the two above posts for saying what I want to say, but lack the general intelligence.

He says he wants to play in the NHL or he won't cone over right away. Is that a problem? He'd rather make more money in a league that compares to the AHL (if its not better). Who wouldn't? He says he wants to play for Philly or New York. Maybe they were his favorite teams? Pretty sure every single player in the NHL has a list of teams they like, and teams they don't like. That doesn't mean they won't play of them. Do you think Kippers favorite team growing up was the Flames?

Guarenteed that if he was Canadian he would be absolutely #1. Stick a simple blue, white and red flag next to his name and suddenly he is a flight risk and a primadonna. What if Mackinnon said if he didn't make the NHL off the get go he would spend 4 years in college. He's just thinking about his future outside of hockey, right? Yet making more money in the KHL until a team decides he is ready to come over to the NHL is selfish and greedy?

[RyZ]

Originally Posted by The Fonz

Honest question, has there ever been a Russian drafted Top10 who is playing in the KHL at the time of the draft?

Ovechkin and Malkin come to mind right away.

[kehatch]

Originally Posted by The Fonz

Played Canadian Jr prior to draft:
- Yakupov - 1st - 48 NHLGP
- Grigorenko - 12th - 25 NHLGP
- Namestnikov - 27th - 44 AHLGP
- Burmistrov - 8th - 194 NHLGP
- Kulikov - 14th - 232 NHLGP

Played KHL prior to draft:
- Vasilevski - 19th - 0 NHL/AHLGP
- Tarasenko - 16th - 38 NHLGP
- Kuznetsov - 26th - 0 NHL/AHLGP

Nichushkin is playing in the KHL at the time of the draft.

For a team whose prospects cupboard is as bare as Calgary's, you can't take a risk on a Russian. The players you named didn't make me feel any more comfortable about it either.

Would you like me to make a list of all of the Canadian and American 1-round picks playing in the AHL? Or the Swedish picks playing in the SEL? The KHL is just another development league and all of those players listed have either come over to the NHL or have expressed they are going to come over to the NHL.

Just like Nichuskin has said he is definitely coming over to the NHL.

Its classic fear-mongering. Some guy 4 years ago bailed for the KHL and now all Russians are risks and "you can't take a risk on a Russian".

An elite level talent commits to playing in the NHL and we "can't take a risk" on him because you are afraid he might change his mind? Despite the evidence that it is incredibly rare that Russians ever return to the KHL?

What is the bigger risk? Taking a lesser player that might not pan out or taking the elite level player who hypothetically could return to Russia?

It is silliness. You can't provide a long list of Russians successful in the NHL that return to the KHL because it doesn't exist. Silly stereotype.

[#-3]

Originally Posted by RyZ

Ovechkin and Malkin come to mind right away.

Just to be a smart a$$ that was the Russian Superleague