2015 NHL Draft

[Demetric]

Meier that is all

[The Original FFIV]

Originally Posted by JiriHrdina

I think it is a long shot that Calgary takes a Russian forward with the 15th overall pick.

Just curious, is there any information that would make you think that? Treliving drafted Tikinov when he was with Phoenix so he's not Russian adverse. Hope that we don't draft based on passport as I would hate to see us pass on someone that could have Tarasenko type upside.

[JiriHrdina]

Originally Posted by dammage79

BS train of thought, Going to leave it at that as every year we have this same ridiculous nonsensical argument. The KHL/NHL transfer agreement will be finalized this summer and this Russian factor crap to be put to rest.

It isn't a BS train a thought. It is a factor in how teams consider the players they are drafting. If it wasn't - it wouldn't be a topic each year.
I think there is a certain point in the first rounds where the upside of these players make it good value to draft them. At 15, in this draft, I'm not convinced that's the case here. There are so many good players available at that spot.

I guess we will find out.

[JiriHrdina]

Originally Posted by The Original FFIV

Just curious, is there any information that would make you think that? Treliving drafted Tikinov when he was with Phoenix so he's not Russian adverse. Hope that we don't draft based on passport as I would hate to see us pass on someone that could have Tarasenko type upside.

No- just gut feel.
But I see this playing out like it does every year. One or two prospects get some hype on the board ahead of the draft, and then when the Flames pass on them - some folks lose it.
Just based on the sheer number of options at their pick - the chances that this is the guy they pick - is slim IMHO.

[mile]

Originally Posted by Demetric

Meier that is all

I'm starting to hope so too. Hopefully the Flames' interview and homework erases any worry of maybe having an attitude or a bad agent (I don't even think that is true in the first place). He's same size as Iginla and Hossa already, and just seems like the complete package. He'll probably go top 12/13 though. With LA and Boston in front of us I find it hard to believe he could drop to us.

[Hackey]

Meier will probably be gone but would be a good pick as well.

[dammage79]

Originally Posted by JiriHrdina

It isn't a BS train a thought. It is a factor in how teams consider the players they are drafting. If it wasn't - it wouldn't be a topic each year.
I think there is a certain point in the first rounds where the upside of these players make it good value to draft them. At 15, in this draft, I'm not convinced that's the case here. There are so many good players available at that spot.

I guess we will find out.

I'll agree there's plenty of great talent at that pick.
But you're putting Svechnikov out because he was born somewhere else.

Just watched Todd Buttons pre-draft video and here's what he says they're looking for.

-BPA
- Not based on positioning
- Not a Goalie
- Size with Skill, Speed, Character and hockey sense.
- Versatility
- Offensive production

Pascal:

- Size
- Skill
- Skate
- Score
- Physiality

Out side of Crouse and Svechnikov or even Guryanov, who's out there that ticks off all of these boxes? Kyle Connor is one but it seems like a concensus that he's going to go real high as we get closer. Maybe Boeser? Seems like they'd be reching for him @15. Does Bittner have that high end skill to tie into the rest of that package? Doesn't seem so. Ranked far too low on most lists and needs skating imrovement.

To me it's clear they want a forward @ 15. And one with size.

If you look at everything and round out all the needs they say they want, Svechnikov is that guy. Russian or not. And I hope they don't skip on him because of where he came from. Because that's as irrelevant as anything.

EDIT: Eriksson Ek is another possibility. Rantanen, Zacha and Barzal (6'0" 190 lbs is a bit on the smaller size) would need miracles to drop to 15 I think. Meier looks good too but again, will likely be gone.

[dammage79]

Denis Guryanov is todays Sabres.com write up, they have him at #14 even with the extra Russian factor attached.

#14 - DENIS GURYANOV
Right Wing, Togliatti Jr. (Russia)
6’2”, 189 lbs.
Four years after Russian sniper Nikita Kucherov (TBL) torched the 2011 IIHF Under-18 World Championship with 11 goals in seven games, Guryanov went off with six tallies in the Russians’ four preliminary round contests at the 2015 event before the team was blanked by Switzerland in the quarterfinal round.

Guryanov lit the lamp in four of Russia’s five games, including a natural hat trick plus an assist in a 7-4 win over Sweden.

A swift, powerful skater who is more finisher than creator, Guryanov is somewhat unique in the class due to his seemingly unlimited goal-scoring upside. He’s a lethal left-handed shooter who is most potent when firing from his off-wing. He can score from distance with heavy wrist shot, or jam his way to the paint to get the job done.

There is a lot of learning left to do regarding the defensive game, but his size, strength and offensive talent cannot be ignored as a potential home run prospect.

Guryanov, who scored 15 goals and 25 points in 23 games for Togliatti’s junior club, earned a promotion to the KHL last season, garnering one assist in eight games. He’s expected to remain in Russia for at least one more year before deciding his career next steps.

Even if he stays home for two years, the explosive package should be well worth the wait for the team that locks him in.

[dammage79]

Sabres.com Kyle Connor write up. Jeez between Edmonton and Buffalo, no one else needs to do the comprehensive draft coverage. They've done it all. Kudos to edmonton, it's one thing they've gotten good at doing.

#13 - KYLE CONNOR
Left Wing, Youngstown (USHL)
6’1.25”, 173 lbs.
Committed to the University of Michigan, Connor was an energetic machine with Youngstown, racking up 34 goals – including nine game-winners – and a league-best 80 points to lead the Phantoms to the USHL Eastern Conference regular-season title.

The output earned Connor USHL Player of the Year and Forward of the Year awards and while his numbers indicate a tremendous amount of offensive upside, the Belle Tire product has worked hard to round out his game and take on the look of a productive top-six forward with a pesky two-way style.

Connor’s crafty offensive game is all about speed, reads and instincts. He’s an agile skater with an ability to quickly cut through traffic while controlling the puck. He can anticipate and execute within a structured system, demonstrating great patience and creativity.

Connor, whose excellent vision often finds him setting up his linemates, also packs a developing array of shooting skills that he’ll need to continue building during his time in the Big Ten.

The elevated pace that makes him a steady offensive threat is equally applied on the forecheck. He’s not overly physical, but Connor closes in quickly and takes away time and space from the puck handler in hopes of getting them to push the panic button.

A virtual shoo-in for Team USA at the 2016 IIHF World Junior Championship, Connor got an early taste of the expectations at the 2014 National Junior Evaluation Camp in Lake Placid.

An NHL organization that can afford to wait and year or two should have their patience pay off, as Connor has the natural tools and drive to become a complete player with a couple more years of on-ice reps and work in the weight room.

[dammage79]

Sabres.com Konecny write up:

#15 - TRAVIS KONECNY
Center, Ottawa (OHL)
5’9.5”, 176 lbs.
The heart and soul leader of the Ottawa 67’s after being selected first overall in the 2013 Ontario Hockey League Draft, Konecny began his draft year slowly with just two goals in his first 16 games while surviving a concussion scare. His complete game took off from there, though, resulting in the fearless forward piling up points to keep his name high on draft boards.

A player who rightly wears the “C” due to his leadership by example, Konecny makes up for his below-average frame by being a tenacious competitor. He quickly gets in deep on the forecheck and is willing to stir the pot in the high traffic areas.

As an offensive force, Konecny uses his impeccable straight-line speed to earn breakaways and finish off 2-on-1s. He has good eyes for the passing game and possesses a bullet right-handed shot.

Konecny, who led the 67’s in scoring in 2013-14 en route to earning the league’s Rookie of the Year award, ended his second major junior campaign with 29 goals and 68 points, two shy of his rookie total.

With the slow start behind him, Konecny applied a closing kick with 16 goals and 38 points in 26 games after Jan. 1, and continued the upped production in the playoffs with 10 points (3+7) before being injured in Game 5 of the opening round series versus Niagara. For his efforts, Konecny was named the Best Skater and Best Stickhandler in the season-ending Eastern Conference Coaches Poll.

Just as he was heating up in January, Konecny rose to the occasion at the BMO CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game, connecting for two goals and one assist to earn Team Orr’s Player of the Game in a 6-0 rout of Team Cherry.

[icecube]

Draft Guryanov! Home run pick. This team could use a first line sniper.

[The Original FFIV]

Originally Posted by dammage79

I'll agree there's plenty of great talent at that pick.
But you're putting Svechnikov out because he was born somewhere else.

Just watched Todd Buttons pre-draft video and here's what he says they're looking for.

-BPA
- Not based on positioning
- Not a Goalie
- Size with Skill, Speed, Character and hockey sense.
- Versatility
- Offensive production

Pascal:

- Size
- Skill
- Skate
- Score
- Physiality

Out side of Crouse and Svechnikov or even Guryanov, who's out there that ticks off all of these boxes? Kyle Connor is one but it seems like a concensus that he's going to go real high as we get closer. Maybe Boeser? Seems like they'd be reching for him @15. Does Bittner have that high end skill to tie into the rest of that package? Doesn't seem so. Ranked far too low on most lists and needs skating imrovement.

To me it's clear they want a forward @ 15. And one with size.

If you look at everything and round out all the needs they say they want, Svechnikov is that guy. Russian or not. And I hope they don't skip on him because of where he came from. Because that's as irrelevant as anything.

EDIT: Eriksson Ek is another possibility. Rantanen, Zacha and Barzal (6'0" 190 lbs is a bit on the smaller size) would need miracles to drop to 15 I think. Meier looks good too but again, will likely be gone.

Eriksson Ek might be drawing consideration based on the boxes he checks off. I do like the frame although he needs filling out.

That being said, we are projecting they pick a forward. Button mentioned 4-5 top d in this draft, just as likely we pick a d as we do a f

[VladtheImpaler]

Reviewing the reports and listening to Burke's comments re size, I think our pick will come from the group of Rantanen (I know - no chance), Meier, Boeser or Svechnikov, unless they trade up or trade down for a defenseman.
I hope Zacha doesn't fall to us - he has Bonk written all over him (not that there is anything wrong with a big 3rd liner), and I hope they don't reach for Bittner...

[dammage79]

Been looking up Mitchell Stephens as a potential Rw/C with a right handed shot, doesn't look too bad for a 3rd round pick. Thoughts anyone?

[The Original FFIV]

Originally Posted by VladtheImpaler

Reviewing the reports and listening to Burke's comments re size, I think our pick will come from the group of Rantanen (I know - no chance), Meier, Boeser or Svechnikov, unless they trade up or trade down for a defenseman.
I hope Zacha doesn't fall to us - he has Bonk written all over him (not that there is anything wrong with a big 3rd liner), and I hope they don't reach for Bittner...

Boesers skating is ragged so not sure they have them as high on their list as others.

You're right. No brainer that they pick Zacha Rantanen or Meier if they fall to us. Presuming all are off the board it comes down to Svechnikov or one of the D, presumably Zboril or Chabot as both Roy and Kylington are undersized.

[dammage79]

Sabres take on Meier:

#12 - TIMO MEIER
Right Wing, Halifax (QMJHL)
6’1”, 208 lbs.
A powerful, well-rounded winger from the up-and-coming Swiss national program, Meier is one of the most NHL-ready prospects available in the 2015 NHL Draft.

Meier teamed up with Nikolaj Ehlers (WPG) to form one of the most dangerous duos in all of junior hockey this past season in Halifax, where his high-level sense and lights-out shooting saw him ring up 44 goals (T-5th in QMJHL) and 90 points (11th) in 61 regular season contests. He then added another 21 points (10+11) in 14 playoff tilts.

Meier plays with grit, energy and intensity, barreling his way into the corners and using his wide frame to create chaos around the opposing goal. Playing with the ultra-skilled Ehlers gave Meier the opportunity to develop both chemistry and trust in others – and be less reliant on his solo abilities.

There is certainly plenty of offensive upside in play, but his rugged versatility may ultimately see him develop into a valuable forward who can find space for his linemates to operate. He’s very good at working the give-and-go down low.

Casual fans became familiar with Meier at the BMO CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game in January, where he shined with one goal and two assists while skating on a line with Connor McDavid and Travis Konecny, but in reality he was a star from start to finish.

Meier recorded a 27-game point streak that ran from November to late February. In between, he played on a line with 2014 first round pick Kevin Fiala (NSH) at the 2015 World Junior Championship, scoring two goals and six points for the ninth-place finisher.

[DropIt]

Neidereiter and Baertschi have both soured me on Swiss players completely.

[Hackey]

Nino had 24 goals this year he might be figuring things out. He's still only 22.

[Roof-Daddy]

Originally Posted by Hackey

Nino had 24 goals this year he might be figuring things out. He's still only 22.

Yeah, but when he couldn't make it right away he came across as pouty in NY and ended up being traded.

[FlamesAddiction]

Originally Posted by DropIt

Neidereiter and Baertschi have both soured me on Swiss players completely.

Don't forget Ramholt, who basically effed his only development only to come back with his tail between his legs too little too late.

But there's always Hiller. Sure he has only been a Flame for a season, but he seems like a good player that puts in an honest effort.