How Would the Flames Handle a 2016 Top 3 Pick Next Season?

[ScorchyScorch]

A multi-dimensional energy winger that plays a pro-style, adaptive game. Well-versed as a guy who can consistently put up points, but also as an agitator who plays with a little bit of bite and nastiness. Skates with excellent balance and speed, outclassing many in his age range. No lack of offensive instincts and knows how to score in many different ways. Confidence in his abilities and playing to the extent of his capabilities strengthens his work ethic and creativity. All-in-all, a unique and effective forward who defines his own limits and seeks to exceed them, along with all on-ice expectations. (Curtis Joe, EP 2016) - See more at: http://www.eliteprospects.com/player....lwtDNPeg.dpuf

Scout description of Tkachuk. If we don't draft top 3, you take Tkachuk..IMO

[Ashasx]

A lot of people have been questioning whether Tkachuk can play the game he does in juniors against much bigger players in the NHL. He's only average size himself.

[calgarywinning]

Drafting best player for positions already covered is Oileresque. You need a real balance of positions and player types to create depth and a team that can win a cup.

I can see the attraction and statistical performance appeal of Matthews. The trade value, etc if we landed first overall it would be a bit of dilemma.

Right now we need to get bigger, we need RW big time and Goaltending (Could be in the pipes already).

[Flames Draft Watcher]

Originally Posted by Ashasx

A lot of people have been questioning whether Tkachuk can play the game he does in juniors against much bigger players in the NHL. He's only average size himself.

He's Iginla sized, Keith Tkachuk sized, Rick Tocchet size, etc. I don't see a problem. Mike Peca was 5'11 and was one of the most devastating open ice hitters for a while.

Guys who are strong and play physical will have their games translate more easily, I don't see the issue.

[Calgary4LIfe]

Originally Posted by Ashasx

A lot of people have been questioning whether Tkachuk can play the game he does in juniors against much bigger players in the NHL. He's only average size himself.

I think he could. Players like him that have that drive and play with that edge to their game usually find their place fairly well. They just find a way to out-compete opposing players.

For instance, Gallagher, or Marchand, or even our very own Bennett.

It is the big guys who play physical, but don't have that high level of compete that worry me. For instance, I still think Nick Ritchie is a much better prospect than Gauthier, even if Gauthier has been putting more pucks in the net at the same age. Mantha is an 'easy' guy to point at given his size and skill, but lower compete level.

Players like these have almost have to be nasty in a way, and with a high compete level. Corey Perry is a good example (not that he is a draft-day comparable - just that drive and bit of nastiness that Perry plays with). Tkachuk has the smarts and hands to give him a really good shot at being a very good top-line winger, but what sets him apart is and makes him highly regarded is that willingness to play on that edge and out-compete other players.

I am not sure where I rank him - I personally prefer Dubois over him - but I wouldn't for a second be upset if the Flames take him at 4th or lower.

[Poe969]

I feel the same trepidation about Tkachuk. Sure he's the same size as some NHLers already but he's dominating because he's playing against guys who aren't that big. He's one of the bigger guys who can push everyone around but he won't be able to in the NHL. I really hope some other team takes him.

[ScorchyScorch]

Originally Posted by Ashasx

A lot of people have been questioning whether Tkachuk can play the game he does in juniors against much bigger players in the NHL. He's only average size himself.

Is that because his game is based more on being able to physically outmuscle teenagers currently? The emphasis with him doesn't seem to be on skill. But he seems to have a complete package. I think his game is better suited to an NHL style already, but it'll be much harder against men.

He has consistently puts up numbers wherever he's played, particularly in international tourneys. And is the most productive 2016 eligible player in the CHL leagues..clicking at 2PPG in the OHL.

On a side note, Alex Nylander, like brother William, was born in Calgary. Could be a cool story if we draft him 4-6.

[Badgers Nose]

IMO thread asks the easy question.

Hard question is what do do with 5-10?

I would trade it for a later 1st and a 2nd or prospect.

In 5-10 I don't think there is anyone the team needs. They could get better value by drafting by position and grabbing an extra asset.

[Flames Draft Watcher]

More comments on Tkachuk and Chychrun from http://ohlprospects.blogspot.ca/2016...-for-2016.html

Jakob Chychrun (D)

"I know there's a lot of hype around other players, but I keep asking NHL execs about Chychrun and they still love him. Man-child, Noah Hanifin's skating acumen but with an edge, generational talent…it's hard to ignore those types of comments." - Ryan Kennedy

"Poor guy is doing too much and distorting the picture making it harder to tell what is what. Physical freak, purebred leader, great skater, but grenade-y hands and jumpy decisions. Jones abused him back to back – bad timing. The 2nd half is his to show he has it in him to be a top pairing D and not just one with #3D ceiling.” - Anthony Mauro

"NHL scouts are really torn on him, although some still absolutely love him and believe he's right there with Matthews. I love a lot of things about his game, but I just wish I saw him be more of a consistent game breaker." - Anonymous

"Still the top OHL skater available in the upcoming NHL draft, Jakob Chychrun has such an intriguing skill set its hard for me to see any player in the Ontario Hockey League getting selected before him. Chychrun plays with veteran poise, shows tremendous leadership qualities and is impactful in every situation he's deployed in. A high end skater with excellent mobility and elite speed, Chychrun excels in possession as he can dictate the pace of the game and create offensive from the back end. Displaying high end vision and playmaking skills, Chychrun is a strong decision maker that boasts high end hockey sense. Defensively Chychrun closes gaps quickly and effectively, shows excellent contain and an ability to be a versatile defender, excelling in both a physical aspect and as a stick on puck defender. If there is one knock on Chychrun at this point, it's that he can try to do to much. When his team is down he begins to force plays and take risks that aren't necessary. However those are very correctable errors that should smooth out as he continues to learn and develop." - Mike Mackley

"Seen Jakob over a dozen times this season alone. Still my undisputed top OHL prospect as his upside is that of a true top pairing NHL defender no matter what some outlets might be spinning. Coach Hatcher has him reeling in his offensive game a bit more in favor of playing a safer game which might not be for Jakob’s best interest from a showcase of talent point of view as his offensive rushing ability is absolutely dynamic. A jack of all trades type who holds excellent size, skating, smarts and offensive skill plus the ability to be a pretty impressive shutdown defender." - Dan Stewart

"Chychrun has the ability to impact the game at both ends of the ice. His skating, vision and hockey smarts allow him to jump into the offense with relative ease and when you add in his shot, his offense is at a level that is NHL ready. And so is his defensive game. He already has NHL size, plays a physical game and is almost always in position. There is one thing that really stands out to me about him when I focus solely on him: I cannot recall ever seeing a player who regularly directs traffic like Chychrun does, especially, but not limited to the defensive zone. He has so much respect from his teammates that they follow his lead and direction and good things usually happen." - Dominic Tiano

"Has really had an uneven season...Last month he has started to find his groove...All the physical tools you want in a franchise D...Will need to play good through the playoffs to help the Sting go deep AND keep his stock high...Teams are becoming wary of his indifferent play at times." - Mark Seidel

Matthew Tkachuk (LW)

"Like his attitude and work ethic to go along with excellent one ice awareness and small space skills. Still growing, getting stronger. As good as anyone below hash marks offensively, where the NHL game is played." - Todd Warriner

"What impresses me most about Tkachuk is his ability to play any style the game commands. He can play finesse as demonstrated by his 70 points in 37 games. He can play the physical game as a 6’1”, 194 pound power forward. He can think the game at an elite level for his peer group. All this wrapped up with his impressive bloodlines make him a highly attractive and safe prospect." - Peter Harling

"No doubting his offensive skills but slides down my list because of benefits by playing with Dvorak and Marner." - Manny Paiva

"High end hockey sense and positional play, plus the grit and sandpaper combined with offensive skill to boot make him a projected top line winger and Stanley Cup playoff warrior. Reminds me a bit of a young Adam Deadmarsh more so than his old man after seeing him play a bunch this season in London. A top-5 pick at this point." - Dan Stewart

"As good as Mitch Marner and Christian Dvorak are, Matthew Tkachuk might be this year’s Knight ‘MVP’. He has added another dimension to an already gifted team, and they’ve been unstoppable offensively as a result. Love the way he plays with both power and finesse. Not an extremely good skater, but he can handle the puck and score as well as he can pass. He has an edge to his game that makes him a complimentary fit with pretty much any type of centre. Tkachuk’s relentless on loose pucks and excellent at lifting them off defenders to create turnover. He’s going to excel in the NHL soon rather than later because of his maturity." - Scott Wheeler

"There's so much to like about Tkachuk because he's the one player that really stresses giving it 100 percent on every shift, and not just every game. I admire that in him. He really opened some eyes for the U.S. at the World Junior Championship, tying Auston Matthews in points for the team lead. He has good hands, a nice scoring touch and can also fight for pucks in the dirty areas of the ice." - Mike Morreale

"His dad was a great NHL player. Matthew could be more of an offensive force. Like his dad, Matthew has a "dirty" streak to him. As a scout said to me, with a smile on his face, "he's a nasty piece of work, eh?" Isn't afraid to get his nose dirty or go to the dirty areas. I never would have expected him to be number 1 on this list, but in my opinion his play has improved as the season has gone on, that he deserves it." - Tony Ambrogio

[Ashasx]

I'm not saying not to draft him, just that that seems to be a common belief among those who aren't as high on him.

The risks certainly appear larger outside of the top 3 in this draft.

[Vinny01]

Originally Posted by Badgers Nose

IMO thread asks the easy question.

Hard question is what do do with 5-10?

I would trade it for a later 1st and a 2nd or prospect.

In 5-10 I don't think there is anyone the team needs.

Isn't the drop off pretty steep in the second half? Like EE said I would like to use that pick in a package to try and land Bishop and Drouin

[Ashasx]

Originally Posted by Badgers Nose

IMO thread asks the easy question.

Hard question is what do do with 5-10?

I would trade it for a later 1st and a 2nd or prospect.

In 5-10 I don't think there is anyone the team needs.

This team needs high end skill on offence relatively soon. You won't be getting it for a while, if at all, with a late 1st rounder.

If we trade a top 10 pick, it'd better be to trade up or to trade for a young, established player.

[JJ1532]

Originally Posted by Ashasx

A lot of people have been questioning whether Tkachuk can play the game he does in juniors against much bigger players in the NHL. He's only average size himself.

Are we really questioning a players size when our top producer is 5ft 9in?

[Poe969]

I think Choochrun is my #4 pick if not #3. I think he could even be this teams #4 guy next year if they drafted him.

[Ashasx]

Originally Posted by JJ1532

Are we really questioning a players size when our top producer is 5ft 9in?

It's pretty clear that I was referring to the style of play in relation to the players size.

If Gaudreau had been throwing his body around in junior to find success, then yes, I would have been worried.

[Poe969]

Originally Posted by JJ1532

Are we really questioning a players size when our top producer is 5ft 9in?

apples and bananas. Johnny plays skill, he always has and always will. He uses his speed and shiftyness to go around people.

Tkchuk is dominating right now because he uses a physical game and can dominate everyone he plays with because he's a man among boys. He won't be able to push everyone around when he gets to the NHL because he'll be playing against guys his size and bigger. I'd stay far away from him but that's just me and I'm wrong a lot.

[troutman]

EDM still more likely than CGY to have lowest seed in Western Conference:

http://www.sportsclubstats.com/NHL.html

[Flames Draft Watcher]

Originally Posted by Poe969

Tkchuk is dominating right now because he uses a physical game and can dominate everyone he plays with because he's a man among boys. He won't be able to push everyone around when he gets to the NHL because he'll be playing against guys his size and bigger. I'd stay far away from him but that's just me and I'm wrong a lot.

You assume he's dominating because of that. Reports are he dominates with both skill and physicality.

[Textcritic]

Originally Posted by Vinny01

Isn't the drop off pretty steep in the second half? Like EE said I would like to use that pick in a package to try and land Bishop and Drouin

I have no problem pursuing either Drouin or Bishop under certain conditions, but a top-ten draft pick is a massive over-payment for both of them.

[JJ1532]

Originally Posted by Ashasx

It's pretty clear that I was referring to the style of play in relation to the players size.

If Gaudreau had been throwing his body around in junior to find success, then yes, I would have been worried.

He's 6ft 1in, the same size as Bennett. Slightly heavier too. Bennett's coped with the step up to the NHL ok, no reason why Tkachuk can't either.