I think this is a pretty exciting pick. Will Scouching is pretty high on him. Looks like he has the hockey IQ, skill and drive to be an excellent defensive player with significant possible upside. Needs to work on shot choice.
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Exactly four forwards on our entire roster broke the 40+ point mark this past season. I would gladly invite this draftee to join that club.
(The two teams in the finals this year had six (Florida) and four (Edmonton) forwards with 40+ points, so that may not be the best indicator of a “safe 3rd line guy.”)
If you go look at those 40+ point players who were on those teams...how many were 5'9"? How many 5'9" players had an impact in the playoffs?
I'm not anti-Potter pick by any stretch, but a 40 point 3rd liner that is 5'9"? That's not a player you win with.
I'd hope the reason they picked Potter is because they believe there is upside of well beyond that sort of role.
It's crazy how it feels like every single pick the Flames make under Conroy is exciting. Almost every guy selected has a couple tools to their game that makes a fan dream "what if". Can't remember a time in my life as a Flames fan where this has been the case in the draft. Feels good!
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His having burned a year of college hockey is a good thing for those people who might be concerned about him not signing with the Flames after college.
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Just to be clear, I’m not calling it a bad pick. But I see people on here and in the media hyping him up as some high-skill, high-ceiling player, and I just don’t see it. To me, he’s a fast, third-line 40 point guy—a solid role player for sure. I’m just trying to temper expectations.
Since 05-06 those are the only 17 year old forwards to have over 0.5 PPG in the NCAA. Potter's 13 goals are behind only Celebrini and Toews too in that group.
Honestly I think his ability to play as a 17 year old, while also being undersized, speaks to how talented he is. This was a high ceiling pick for sure IMO.
Quote:
Originally Posted by CFO
How many forwards under 5'10" are legit top 6 forwards in the NHL today?
Potter's 22 points rank 45rd all-time for U-18 players in the NCAA, 23rd all-time for goals by U-18 players (13, tied with Cammalleri), and 52nd all-time for PPG (0.63).
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Seems like a solid pick. Obviously he's not a franchise first line C that everyone wants right now. However, his ceiling seems through the roof, and his speed means he likely makes the NHL in some capacity, so the floor isn't too shabby. I think he's going to light up the ncaa in coming seasons and we are gonna have a good prospect to keep tabs on.
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Conny adamant they're both centers. I'll take his word for it.
They both have the foundation to be top six centers in the NHL. You draft to develop. If you're not picking at the top that's all you can do and hope they make your roster one day.
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