2023 NHL Draft Thread

[Erick Estrada]

Originally Posted by Jiri Hrdina

The lack of progression in Yager's YoY numbers do concern me.

I can't recall too many players that hit the wall in their development prior to their draft year turning into gold. I guess Kylington was kind of that type of player but the Flames were patient and he only just had that one season a year ago.

[prizefighterinferno]

Flames need to inject high end skill and avoid the pitfall of drafting for positional need imo. Listening to Steinberg (god bless him) and Gilbertson yesterday talking about locking in on positional need and going D man at 16 (while both acknowledging that they haven't really "dug in" on the draft yet) made me cringe a bit given the forward talent that projects to still be around at that slot. ASP seems to have the upside but will likely be gone....but Willander?

One of Perreault, Leonard, Moore, Wood, Cristall, Danielson, Barlow, Sale, or Heidt will be there. Seems like a no brainer.

[dustygoon]

Originally Posted by Sandman

Draft Thoughts:

I really thought I had Brayden Yager pegged, and I may have misled some people on what kind of player he is. I apologize profusely. Scouting reports on him have changed fairly drastically since the first third of the WHL season, when he was talked about glowingly- even compared somewhere to Patrice Bergeron in his approach to defense (can't find the article now). Brayden Yager is still an offensive weapon (78 points in 67 games for Moose Jaw), and they say his main weapon is his shot, which can be lethal- but why then, only 28 goals? Surely nothing to sniff at, but not the kind of numbers one would expect. It seems there are caveats to most aspects of Yager's game, from his shooting, to his playmaking, to his skating, and his defense. His inconsistent off-puck game is being criticized as well, and may be the root of his problems. At even strength, he doesn't seek out the high-danger areas to exploit his shot well enough, or recieve passes, and he spends too much time on the perimeter, with few touches, and not much on-puck time. Yager's vision and passing are good enough, but he often passes to low-danger. Many writers say his playmaking isn't his best trait, and he could be more accurate with his shot. In transition, his exits are good when he's passing, and not carrying, but his entries are inefficient. Defensively, he's inconsistent as well, and doesn't always succeed in keeping opponents out of danger areas, or separating them from the puck. He can be overly aggressive sometimes, passive other times. Another part of the problem is that he has a hitch in his skating- he has sound technique, but poor acceleration and edges. Fast in a straight line, but loses speed in crossovers. Perhaps his numbers are inflated in Moose Jaw, where they have the 8th-best goals-for, but have a pretty good top-6 in my estimation. I'm reading an article right now that compares him to Mike Hoffman. Yikes. I still think he'll be a good player at the NHL level, but he has a lot to iron out. He's been slipping in some mocks, out of the top-10, and I think he may slip some more, but I still see potential.

Alright. Eff this Yager guy. Let's think Pasternak. I want one of those.

[Sandman]

I do have to say though, despite wanting a C with our first, Willander is quietly lights out all over the ice. Smoother than a fresh jar of skippy.

[Sandman]

Originally Posted by Hot_Flatus

https://theathletic.com/4506243/2023...corey-pronman/

In his mock, Corey Pronman has Owen Sound stud Colby Barlow going to the Flames at #16 this year.

I had not heard much about this kid, but he just put up a monster 46 goal season and only just turned 18 a few weeks ago. Apparently provides a bit of a two way game to go with his deadly release.

This would be the type of pick that would make finishing in this awful no mans land sting just a bit less than it does, but it seems like it may be a stretch that he is available @ #16 when the team picks. Certainly a trade up candidate if the new GM wants to make a splash imo.

If we landed this kid, we would be happy IMO. He reminds me a LOT of Mason McTavish. Hopefully, he gets passed over due to his mediocre U-18 performance, but not likely. McTavish was an absolute stud in his U-18 appearance in his Draft year.

[Sandman]

4th Round Draft thoughts:

D Mazden Leslie was given a "C" rating earlier this year by Central Scouting, meaning they feel he will picked in the 4th-6th rounds of the Draft. How can a D who put up 50 points in 66 games for a team (Vancouver Giants) that had the second-worst goals-for, and finished 16th overall in the WHL, be given such a mediocre rating? While Leslie has size (6'1") and obviously has offensive chops, he has trouble in other parts of his game that make scouts doubt if he will ever make the NHL. First off, his skating and stickhandling are average- he has an ok short-burst, but his acceleration and top-speed are questionable. Loses power in turns. At the beginning of the year, he didn't have much defense in his game to speak of, but in reading interviews with him and his coach, some credit must be given, as Leslie openly acknowleges this fact, and has steadily improved this part of his game throughout the year. By the time the playoffs rolled around, the coach was giving him more favorable reviews. It seems that Leslie has problems with his decision-making, and problem solving- I've read that he makes mistakes when his first option doesn't turn out, and coughs up pucks when his second option fails. He is able to stifle rushes coming back, right when they start in the offensive zone, and he's reportedly good aginst the rush in the neutral zone as well, but he still makes questionable choices, and can pinch at ill-advised times. He has become far better in his positioning, and in using his stick to break up plays, but his own-zone play is a work in progress. The good part is that Leslie is most comfortable with the puck on his stick, and carries with confidence, and can do both in transition. 64 PIM is an indication of a chip on his shoulder. His passes are hard, crisp, and accurate, and he makes clean breakouts. In the attacking zone, he has an eye for offense, and has a strong shot that he gets through traffic to create offense off of tips and rebounds, and to make goalies work. Runs the PP point well, and he has no problem pinching to become another forward. A few years back, we took a chance on a raw D Jeremie Poirier, who is now paying dividends, and this kid might have a chance to do that for a team that takes a chance on him. I do believe, however, that he'll go in the third round, because as I said above- 50 points on a poor offensive team, and the next two D-men behind him in scoring on the team had 27, and 15 points respectively- so he didn't have all the help in the world.

[Sandman]

More Draft thoughts:

-Here's another one I like, Denis Gauthier's son, and Julien Gauthier's nephew, Ethan. 30 goals and 69 points in 66 games for Sherbrooke in the Q, who drafted the RW first overall in 2021. 11 points in 11 games in the playoffs. Ethan is only 5'11, 176lbs, but he's a fearless buzzsaw, constantly in his opponents' face, and a thorn in their side, and he backs down from nobody. Kinda reminds me of Mike Peca in that regard. Since he's part of the Gauthier clan, you can bet he spends a lot of time in the gym, and that he's stronger than he looks, and physically fit. He was well over a ppg until December, and then his offensive production slowed down- 29 points in his last 31 games. Part of that is the team he plays for- he's 4th on the Pheonix for forwards in ice-time. Whether he's on the scoreboard or not, he's still affecting the game in every way possible- he's a responsible 200-ft player, a hellacious forechecker, relentlessly physical, and his off-puck game is tip-top. He's the embodiment of the adage, "a guy you love to have on your team, but hate to play against". EG has smarts and IQ in all facets of the game, and when he doesn't have the puck, he's getting in position to make himself an option for a play, and he has an excellent shot with a wicked release, he's good in tight to the net, and he has playmaking acumen. He's a guy who doesn't need flash to get the job done. Skating-wise, he's excellent, can change pace and direction quickly, but there's room to grow in this area. His transition game is a bit inconsistent, and sometimes non-existent- some say he needs to play with better pace, although he seems to have no problem handling the puck at high speeds. He's still considered raw with room to grow, particularly in his offensive game. Look for him in the late 20's.

[Samonadreau]

If the Flames can pick up another late 1st Stenberg would be a great get.

[Sandman]

How Do You Say Draft Thoughts in Russian:

-I haven't seen much video of D Mikhail Gulyayev, but he sounds like a world beater. He's only 5'10", but he's as dynamic and productive as you can hope for in an offensive D-man. 25 points in 22 games with Omskie-Yastreby of the MHL, Russia's top junior league, which puts him second in the entire league, with 1.14 ppg (behind a guy who only played 7 games), a big feat for a 17 yo playing in a U-20 league. His production gave him promotions to the VHL (4 points in 12 games, 1st for U-20 players), and the KHL (1 point in 13 games). He's said to be one of the best skaters in this class, and his offensive potential is up there with Axel Sandin Pelikka. His speed, edges, 4-directional mobility, and smooth stickhandling backs up defenders, and he can break ankles with his moves. If you look at his highlights, he can pull off hard, accurate, long-range passes through traffic. Elite vision, IQ, and offensive skills. Killer transitional player, makes plays off the rush, and is a fine shooter. His defense is perhaps average, and will need fine-tuning. The Russian factor will be present, but most think he has a shot at the first round.

-Gulyayev's countryman, D Dmitri Simashev is a different animal- a 6'4", 200 lb animal. I know very little first-hand about this player too, but he's said to be a difference-maker in both ends of the rink. 12 points in 33 MHL games, which earned him 18 games in the KHL, where he scored no points, but received positive reviews for his defensive play. Like Gulyayev, he is said to be one of the best skaters in the draft, and on a D-man who is 6'4", that should be enough, but he also exhibits elite puck-control and possession. It's a treat to watch him skate and handle the puck, weaving through traffic, and undressing opponents, I would recommend you try it. Unlike Gulyayev, he is a defensive stalwart, but has an extensive offensive toolkit, and vision. Good passing game, doesn't give up possession, and creates solid outlets- or, he can easily skate it out with full control. Supreme awareness and processing skills all over the ice, but his offensive touch is not showing up on scoresheets. That has a lot to do with his team, and his teammates- most seem to agree that there's a whole other offensive dimension just waiting under the surface. He's usually the best player on the ice. Needs work on his shot, release, and physical play, but there's easily first-round talent here, along with top-2 potential. Russian factor will come in to play, but like Gulyayev, he could slip into the first.

[Ziggy Lidstrom]

Anyone know anything about Charlie Strammel? Big Center with good projectables and good scouting report? Seems to be a legit PWF at center ice. Those are rare commodities.

[Snuffleupagus]

Originally Posted by Ziggy Lidstrom

Anyone know anything about Charlie Strammel? Big Center with good projectables and good scouting report? Seems to be a legit PWF at center ice. Those are rare commodities.

A lot of talk about him last summer, he either regressed or just playing on a crappy team made his stock drop, that said he'll probably still go on the first day of the draft.

[2macinnis2]

https://brobible.com/sports/article/...ed-conspiracy/

Sorry if already posted, just came across this and thought it was interesting (if it’s a reliable source about what Friedman said).

[The Cobra]

Originally Posted by Erick Estrada

I can't recall too many players that hit the wall in their development prior to their draft year turning into gold. I guess Kylington was kind of that type of player but the Flames were patient and he only just had that one season a year ago.

Ryan Getzlaf perhaps.

[Sandman]

-Charlie Stramel is one of the oldest players in the draft, but he's the second-youngest in the NCAA, behind Matt Wood. In 2021-22, his D-minus-1 year, he put up 15 points in 16 USNTDP games, which put him at 11th in ppg (0.94) for U-18 players in the USHL, ahead of players like Gavin Brindley (0.82), Oliver Moore (0.81), Will Smith (0.78), and Gabe Perreault (0.68), although Stramel's sample size was smaller (those players had at least 32 games). For the NTDP, Stramel had a total of 23 points in 28 games, tied for 13th with a ppg of 0.82, ahead of players like Ryan Leonard (0.69), Gracyn Sawchyn (0.63), and Gavin Brindley (0.6). This season, he had a disappointing 12 points in 33 games for the U of Wisconsin in the NCAA. Part of that may be the fact that the Badgers were a mediocre offensive team, tied for 41st out of 60 teams in Div.1 for Goals-per-Game, at 2.61. Matt Wood's UConn team were 17th overall, with 3.23 Goals-per-Game, by contrast. Stramel is a 6'3", 216lb mobile, physical power-forward with two-way ability, and good offensive IQ, despite the stats. The reason he's ranked in the first round is because he has a lot more to give than he was able to show this year in college- had he stayed in on the US Development Team this year, he might be top-15 in the draft, maybe top-10. Stramel is highly aggressive, full of energy, relentless, and physically intimidating. He's fairly polished defensively, but raw offensively. He has a great shot with a quick, deceptive release, and has the anticipation and vision to make plays. Skating wise, he needs to improve his explosiveness, but once he gets going, he's a freight train. He can play a rough, grinding game, or a skilled one. Don't pay too much attention to the numbers this year, he will score at the NHL level, no doubt. Most see a top-6 NHL power forward. He will go in the latter stages of the first.

[blankall]

Originally Posted by prizefighterinferno

Flames need to inject high end skill and avoid the pitfall of drafting for positional need imo. Listening to Steinberg (god bless him) and Gilbertson yesterday talking about locking in on positional need and going D man at 16 (while both acknowledging that they haven't really "dug in" on the draft yet) made me cringe a bit given the forward talent that projects to still be around at that slot. ASP seems to have the upside but will likely be gone....but Willander?

One of Perreault, Leonard, Moore, Wood, Cristall, Danielson, Barlow, Sale, or Heidt will be there. Seems like a no brainer.

I'm generally opposed to a d-man, unless it's an offensive d-man. The offensive d-man has almost become its own position over the last few years, and it's someone the Flames are sorely missing.

The Flames need a d-man who can transform the PP and put offensive pressure on the opposing team when they need a goal.

Overall, BPA is probably the right choice though over organizational needs. Who knows where this team will be in 3 years.

[FlamesAddiction]

Always BPA... unless the BPA is a goalie in the 1st round.

[Royle9]

Gulyayev would be so ideal for the flames but the Russian factor just eliminates any chance I’d risk my only 1st round pick. Another guy I’d like to take a flyer on if we managed to get another 1st.

[GreenLantern2814]

Originally Posted by Sandman

I do have to say though, despite wanting a C with our first, Willander is quietly lights out all over the ice. Smoother than a fresh jar of skippy.

At 16, I don’t think we can fixate on position - draft straight BPA.

This team needs more smooth operators.

[Paulie Walnuts]

The first round is always BPA you can't reach based on need you use later rounds to stock up on need.

This class seems loaded with offensive talent up front and with the comments from Maloney I don't think they deviate from the BPA scenario.

We get our own Nate Dogg and come home happy.

[Monahammer]

If Axel Sandin-Pelikka is still on the board at 16, I think taking a D man BPA is acceptable.

Reinbacher I am much softer on than many people. I don't see the exciting elements of his game. He reminds me of TJ Brodie.

Willander is potentially still on the board in round 2.

Otherwise, draft a f'in centre.