Craig's List 2014 Prospects

[Canada 02]

Craig Button's pre-season rankings of 2014 draft prospects

http://www.tsn.ca/draftcentre/feature/?id=49649

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=431088

This year begins with Sam Reinhart and Aaron Ekblad in the top two spots, followed by William Nylander, the son of former NHL player, Michael Nylander. A debate will surely ensue about a forward versus a defenseman being selected first overall and it is one that is a worthy one, once again because the players are so good.

These are the players I feel most comfortable with at this point in time. There are some players I have not seen - and I will not rank players that I haven't seen or do not have a comfort level because of too few viewings.

[SuperMatt18]

Would be kinda funny if the the Flames drafted a Fleury who was a defenseman and a MacInnis who was a forward.

[The Fonz]

Would be unreal having S.Reinhart/Monahan in our #1/#2 center spots for the next 15 years.

[herashak]

Rather draft a dmen or else we will have an oilers rebuild

[$ven27]

Not exactly sold on Reinhart, he'll have to have a big year for me to prefer him over Ekblad.

[The Fonz]

Originally Posted by herashak

Rather draft a dmen or else we will have an oilers rebuild

Disagree. It's easier to acquire good dmen thru free agency and trades than it is getting a #1 center.

I also believe drafting forwards in the top 5 to be less of a risk than a dman/goaltender.

[Vinny01]

Ekblad-2014
McDavid-2015

Cup by 2020

[nik-]

I think any of the top 3 would fit critical needs for us. I'm still in the Reinhart camp for now, but I won't be displeased with any of them. However, I do get a little worried about d-men who are dominant in junior with large size and the ability to transfer that to the NHL when they lose the size advantage.

[J3FFR3Y]

Being a season ticket holder in Prince Albert, Iv'e had the pleasure of watching #7.Leon Draisaitl play. He is a very skilled Left Winger. He had good size for his age too. Ill be keeping a closer eye on him this year. He's already become a fan favourite in his first season with the Raiders.

[herashak]

Originally Posted by nik-

I think any of the top 3 would fit critical needs for us. I'm still in the Reinhart camp for now, but I won't be displeased with any of them. However, I do get a little worried about d-men who are dominant in junior with large size and the ability to transfer that to the NHL when they lose the size advantage.

He is 6'4 and still growing, i dont think he ever loses the size advantage. only thing that kinda worries me is skating, i like everything else more than seth jones.

[dissentowner]

I would take Ekblad #1 for sure. He is going to be a generational talent, the first defenceman ever granted exceptional player status so he could play in the OHL before being age elligible.
When you watch him play you can see how good he is going to be. I think he is the best defensive prospect to come along in a while, kid will be a gem and exactly what the Flames need desperately in the organization. We drafted the #1 centre this past draft, hopefully we can get the stud D man this upcoming one.

[Oling_Roachinen]

I think Nylander claims the top position. Might be more suited as a winger but I think his offensive skills mixed with his skating will end up separating him from Reinhart very slightly. He might not be big or know how to play defense but that's not entirely different than Kane was when he went 1st overall. It might not be all that different than Kane vs Turris in their draft year actually. Kane was the most dynamic offensive player in that draft but many had Turris going 1st overall because he had a bit stronger 200 foot game and wasn't as small (and he was also fast) but ultimately Chicago picked the biggest offensive threat and it paid off. Not saying Reinhart ends up like Turris but I think those who pencilling him in 1st overall will give him the edge because he's bigger and has less holes in his game over Nylander. Ekblad falls below them like Jones did because he's a defenseman. My predictions for the draft.

[kyuss275]

As bad as the flames will be in the west this year, i still have my doubts that they will be worst in the league. The east has some pretty god awful teams.

Since i don't think they will be drafting #1 i would like Ekblad.

[Stupid]

How does this group look in comparison to other years?

I'm under the impression it's not nearly as deep as this year's draft, but can't seem to get a good read on what it *is* like.

[Erick Estrada]

Not going to get overly excited about any player until the hockey seasons come to a close. The Flames will likely be in the mix for a very good player and for now I've accepted that and will focus more on the prospect in 2014 as a lot can change after a half of a junior season.

[herashak]

Originally Posted by Stupid

How does this group look in comparison to other years?

I'm under the impression it's not nearly as deep as this year's draft, but can't seem to get a good read on what it *is* like.

i actually like the depth more than an average draft. not quite the top end talent as last year

[getbak]

2 of the top 3 and 3 of the top 20 are the sons of former Flames.

[Vulcan]

Here's McKeens list. Very different from Button's list with Ekblad at #7 and Nylander first.

http://www.mckeenshockey.com/draft-b...hl-draft-list/

[Stupid]

Originally Posted by herashak

i actually like the depth more than an average draft. not quite the top end talent as last year

How does it compare to the year before? Are there any draft years you'd compare it to? I know it's early but I can take that into account.

[Buff]

Being bad for Ekblad?