Reinhart, Bennett, Dal Colle, Draisaitl, (Virtanen?)

[Calgary4LIfe]

Originally Posted by Tbull8

So now that we're closer to the draft, who does everyone see us taking? Who do you think is the most Burke-type player?

I'm starting to think we're gonna be high on Dal Colle, since he's drawing comparisons to Bobby Ryan, who Burke was high on in his draft year.

Apparently Burke was never very high on Ryan in his draft year.

http://www.the6thsens.com/2013-artic...mpic-team.html

Burke recalls fighting with his scouts in Anaheim over whether to take Bobby Ryan or Jack Johnson at the 2005 draft.
The scouts won and the Ducks took Ryan.

I think there are 3 'Burke-type' players in the top 10 or so - Ekblad, Bennett and Ritchie.

However, I am not convinced that Burke will force a 'Burke-type' selection. I do think (or perhaps I am just hoping) is that the only restrictions or pressure he puts on the scouting staff is to avoid drafting sub-6' prospects. I am hoping he doesn't place too much of an emphasis on really big guys (Ritchie would be the target for sure, unless Flames finish bottom 2 and then Ekblad is the obvious target).

I don't think Burke will force the Flames to draft anyone in particular (he did feel last year's draft was fantastic), with the exception of NOT Ehlers, Kapanaen and Nylander I think.

[Teroy]

Bennett

[stemit14]

While there isn't a consensus on who should go number one overall... It seems like Reinhart has spent the most time in the rankings as number one overall. Also seems like most people on CP believe/want the flames to take Ekblad if the flames win the lottery.

Is there something against taking Reinhart as the best player available? I think most sccouts have him at the top of their list. I know Burke wants a big, physical, minute-eating defencemen but I hope he takes the best player he can and doesn't just draft for position. I think the flames could use a Reinhart just as much as they could use an ekblad.

[Gaskal]

Originally Posted by stemit14

While there isn't a consensus on who should go number one overall... It seems like Reinhart has spent the most time in the rankings as number one overall. Also seems like most people on CP believe/want the flames to take Ekblad if the flames win the lottery.

Is there something against taking Reinhart as the best player available? I think most sccouts have him at the top of their list. I know Burke wants a big, physical, minute-eating defencemen but I hope he takes the best player he can and doesn't just draft for position. I think the flames could use a Reinhart just as much as they could use an ekblad.

Reinhart and Ekblad are both elite prospects. However, the issue is that the Flames right now are stacked at center to the point of converting a bunch of centers to the wing, and definitely short on D-man prospects (Wotherspoon/Sieloff) so if Burke had to choose between the two with these circumstances, I'd put my money on Ekblad.

[nik-]

Originally Posted by stemit14

While there isn't a consensus on who should go number one overall... It seems like Reinhart has spent the most time in the rankings as number one overall. Also seems like most people on CP believe/want the flames to take Ekblad if the flames win the lottery.

Is there something against taking Reinhart as the best player available? I think most sccouts have him at the top of their list. I know Burke wants a big, physical, minute-eating defencemen but I hope he takes the best player he can and doesn't just draft for position. I think the flames could use a Reinhart just as much as they could use an ekblad.

I don't think opinion is that lopsided, I think it's pretty even. A lot would take Reinhart, a lot would take Ekblad. Personally I'm in the Reinhart camp at 1st overall.

Originally Posted by Gaskal

Reinhart and Ekblad are both elite prospects. However, the issue is that the Flames right now are stacked at center to the point of converting a bunch of centers to the wing, and definitely short on D-man prospects (Wotherspoon/Sieloff) so if Burke had to choose between the two with these circumstances, I'd put my money on Ekblad.

Stacked with low end centers.

[Flames Draft Watcher]

Originally Posted by stemit14

While there isn't a consensus on who should go number one overall... It seems like Reinhart has spent the most time in the rankings as number one overall. Also seems like most people on CP believe/want the flames to take Ekblad if the flames win the lottery.

Is there something against taking Reinhart as the best player available? I think most sccouts have him at the top of their list. I know Burke wants a big, physical, minute-eating defencemen but I hope he takes the best player he can and doesn't just draft for position. I think the flames could use a Reinhart just as much as they could use an ekblad.

Well Reinhart actually doesn't top the majority of the independant rankings. So you can't really say he's clearly the best player available. It is very much a toss up.

CSS has Bennett #1, Draisaitl #2, Ekblad #3, Reinhart #4, Dal Colle #5
http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=699869

Bob Mackenzie has Ekblad #1, Reinhart #2, Bennett #3, Dal Colle #4, Draisaitl #5
http://www.tsn.ca/draftcentre/feature/?id=9593

ISS has Ekblad #1, Reinhart #2, Bennett #3, Dal Colle #4, Nylander #5
http://www.tsn.ca/draftcentre/feature/?id=114013

Redline has Ekblad #1, Draisaitl #2, Reinhart #3, Bennett #4, Dal Colle #5
http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports...semen/5952761/

Future Considerations has Ekblad #1, Reinhart #2, Bennett #3, Nylander #4, Ritchie #5
http://futureconsiderations.ca/

The much maligned Craig Button is actually the only ranking that still has Reinhart #1, Ekblad #2, Bennett #3, Dal Colle #4, Perlini #5
http://www.tsn.ca/draftcentre/feature/?id=49649

So at this point the rankings indicate Ekblad is best player available. 5/6 rankings have Ekblad ahead of Reinhart. 2/6 rankings have Draisaitl ahead of Reinhart as well. Given the Flames need for top 3 defensemen prospects especially with size, and especially right shooters, Ekblad seems the best fit for us for sure. Arguably Ekblad is the best fit for the Islanders, Panthers and Oilers as well.

That said expect the unexpected in the draft. Teams will have strong opinions. At this point it looks like Ekblad, Reinhart, Draisaitl and Bennett could all go anywhere in the top 4 depending on how the draft order shakes out.

[sureLoss]

Jim Matheson @NHLbyMatty
Sam Reinhart (183 lbs) is heckuva C talent but Oilers want D-man Aaron Ekblad or big German-born C Leon Draisaitl in June draft.#oilers.

[SuperMatt18]

Originally Posted by Flames Draft Watcher

That said expect the unexpected in the draft. Teams will have strong opinions. At this point it looks like Ekblad, Reinhart, Draisaitl and Bennett could all go anywhere in the top 4 depending on how the draft order shakes out.

And I would be fine with any of those four to be honest, all have been at the top of a rankings list at some point this season.

If we draft 5th or 6th that is when the talent drops off and we have to settle for a less heralded player.

[Flames Draft Watcher]

Originally Posted by sureLoss

Jim Matheson @NHLbyMatty
Sam Reinhart (183 lbs) is heckuva C talent but Oilers want D-man Aaron Ekblad or big German-born C Leon Draisaitl in June draft.#oilers.

Fine by me. If Reinhart or Bennett somehow fell to us I think we'd be thrilled.

[nik-]

Originally Posted by sureLoss

Jim Matheson @NHLbyMatty
Sam Reinhart (183 lbs) is heckuva C talent but Oilers want D-man Aaron Ekblad or big German-born C Leon Draisaitl in June draft.#oilers.

That would fit with the hint SC's Hat put out a while back. It would also be awesome if Buffalo took Ekblad and then Edmonton took Draisaitl.

[FlameZilla]

Originally Posted by sureLoss

Jim Matheson @NHLbyMatty
Sam Reinhart (183 lbs) is heckuva C talent but Oilers want D-man Aaron Ekblad or big German-born C Leon Draisaitl in June draft.#oilers.

I can foresee another Reinhart in our system...

[Flames Draft Watcher]

Originally Posted by nik-

That would fit with the hint SC's Hat put out a while back. It would also be awesome if Buffalo took Ekblad and then Edmonton took Draisaitl.

Or if whoever wins the lottery takes Ekblad, BUF takes Draisaitl and then EDM has to settle for neither

[Anduril]

Top 3 is certainly ideal but I don't hate the idea of a Draisaitl or Da Colle

[Flames Draft Watcher]

Originally Posted by Anduril

Top 3 is certainly ideal but I don't hate the idea of a Draisaitl or Da Colle

Draisaitl may go top 3

[nik-]

Originally Posted by Flames Draft Watcher

Or if whoever wins the lottery takes Ekblad, BUF takes Draisaitl and then EDM has to settle for neither

Yeah, but then they'd likely take Sammy. Or Oilers gonna Oiler and they'd take Ehlers.

The more I think of it, the more I think Buffalo takes Ekblad at number 1. I know they need forwards, but they might just take him and move out some of their D prospects to try and address it in the meantime replicating a Nashville situation.

[Anduril]

Originally Posted by Flames Draft Watcher

Draisaitl may go top 3

I personally would rather Draisaitl than Bennett and just because of the size factor. I believe that Draisaitl is also a player who could step in as soon as next season? Hard to ignore the tenacity of Bennett though.

[djsFlames]

Nope. It's still all about Reinhart/Ekblad/Bennett. They're a half step ahead.

The Oilers can keep talking about Draisaitl though. Fine by me.

[ForeverFlameFan]

Originally Posted by nik-

Yeah, but then they'd likely take Sammy. Or Oilers gonna Oiler and they'd take Ehlers.

The more I think of it, the more I think Buffalo takes Ekblad at number 1. I know they need forwards, but they might just take him and move out some of their D prospects to try and address it in the meantime replicating a Nashville situation.

I don't know about that.. If I was them, I'd pick Reinhart. You have a few first rounders next year to draft a legitimate defenseman as well. Although, Ekblad is still a strong possibility.

I think Reinhart and Ekblad are tied at the number one spot, and it will just depend on the teams needs. Buffalo needs offense, therefore, that's why I think they are picking Reinhart.

[FlameZilla]

Draisaitl reminds me of Monahan in some ways, but maybe more of a playmaker than goal-scorer.

Spoiler!

He looks big & strong, has nice hands and vision. I'm just not sure he's the player I would want the Flames to pick.

Reinhart & Bennett are the kind of players that I don't think we have in the system... They seem a bit quicker and look like they can snipe goals from all over the offensive zone, rather than just in the blue paint.

[flamesfan1297]

Buffalo might take Ekblad. And then try and trade one of their other D prospects for a forward. Edmonton should just trade their pick, as they will ruin any good player they draft