Scott Wheeler's Prospect Pool Rankings 2024

[Bingo]

Originally Posted by looooob

is that one 2022? I'm trying to reconcile how Coronato disappeared year over year

Yes typo...

Sorry!

[Kolsch]

It might just be my excitement for the player, but I still think Zary might grow into a bit more than he's predicted from the article: "He’s not going to be a star but he’s going to have a long career as a contributing top-nine forward."

The thing I see with Zary is his composure and awareness in all situations. When he gets the puck anywhere near the net he reminds me a bit of Monahan - although leaning more pass first than Monny. Also, his stick handling through traffic is underrated. I've seen so many examples of him carrying into the zone where the puck somehow just remains glued to his stick even through multiple checks.

Wheeler mentions Zary's speed as underrated, but watching him closely the last few games I hope he can pick up another half step working with Fujita.

I definitely don't know how players get predicted as wingers vs. centers, but it seems with Zary's defensive strengths and his awareness and puck handing, maybe he still has a chance to be a top 6 'C'. Either way I'm really excited to see how high his ceiling ends up, because I think there's a chance it's as one of this team's core players for a long time.

[D as in David]

Originally Posted by Kolsch

It might just be my excitement for the player, but I still think Zary might grow into a bit more than he's predicted from the article: "He’s not going to be a star but he’s going to have a long career as a contributing top-nine forward."

The thing I see with Zary is his composure and awareness in all situations. When he gets the puck anywhere near the net he reminds me a bit of Monahan - although leaning more pass first than Monny. Also, his stick handling through traffic is underrated. I've seen so many examples of him carrying into the zone where the puck somehow just remains glued to his stick even through multiple checks.

Wheeler mentions Zary's speed as underrated, but watching him closely the last few games I hope he can pick up another half step working with Fujita.

I definitely don't know how players get predicted as wingers vs. centers, but it seems with Zary's defensive strengths and his awareness and puck handing, maybe he still has a chance to be a top 6 'C'. Either way I'm really excited to see how high his ceiling ends up, because I think there's a chance it's as one of this team's core players for a long time.

Playing on Kadri's line makes it easier to notice, I find it quite remarkable that he displays better awareness and manages the puck (especially at the offensive blue line) better than Kadri does. I find Kadri is quite careless with the puck around the blue line. But, yeah, Zary's speed is an issue. Are there contending teams that have a top 6C that is that slow?

[Strange Brew]

Originally Posted by Bingo

Here is 2021 for comparison.

Things fell off quicker two years ago.

He sure got Zary right in 2021.

No idea what he saw in Pettersen really.

[Robbob]

Originally Posted by Roof-Daddy

Imagine adding a couple more prospects the like of Seamus Casey and possibly as many as 5-6 picks in the first two rounds of the 2024 draft.

Might lose as many as 4 of the top 6 on that list to NHL graduation but still climb the rankings next year.

That is the silver lining in this really. The Flames are in the middle of the pack and still have assets to sell and higher picks to add to the list. Really it is the a decent way to start a rebiuld/retool, but also the reason it makes it hard to go scorched earth.

[SuperMatt18]

The really good thing here is the Flames have strong depth, which is important.

Now we need to add the top end talent, which is the hardest part but if you add extra 1st round picks, and especially pick in the top 10 for the next 2 years you can add some of that top end talent to go along with your depth.

And it's actually the ideal framework because it allows you to do what Chicago did which was add elite talent on ELCs to strong depth which is how you build strong teams.

[Aarongavey]

Originally Posted by SuperMatt18

The really good thing here is the Flames have strong depth, which is important.

Now we need to add the top end talent, which is the hardest part but if you add extra 1st round picks, and especially pick in the top 10 for the next 2 years you can add some of that top end talent to go along with your depth.

And it's actually the ideal framework because it allows you to do what Chicago did which was add elite talent on ELCs to strong depth which is how you build strong teams.

I would not mind a couple 2025 first round picks for this reason. Get some ELC’s that last through the end of the decade with this overall depth and they could have something.

[FBI]

Where is Pospisil on his list?

[Jay Random]

Originally Posted by FBI

Where is Pospisil on his list?

Over the age limit, I believe.