after a few... interesting trades, the Flames (potentially) have 3 picks in the top 30 this year. Moreover, they look to be getting the 1st top 5 pick in franchise history. No pressure, Jay Feaster.
With that in mind, it's time to take a look at who they might (should) target in the 1st round of the upcoming draft.
There are the obvious prospects, of course. The ones anyone would want. Rather than going in-depth into each one, I'll simply list them in the order that I believe they fit. This isn't necessarily the order I'd draft these players, but let's face it, the Flames have far more need for a center than a LW.
- Nathan MacKinnon, C -- explosive skater with all-around skillset; the Flames have needed a center like this since Doug Gilmour/Joe Nieuwendyk.
- Sasha Barkov, C -- big, strong, talented, and already plays in a men's league. His only weakness is his skating (and that's really more of a nitpick than anything else).
- Seth Jones, D -- large, well-rounded defenseman with few (if any) flaws; Jay Bouwmeester's exit leaves a Jones-sized hole in the Flames' blueline.
- Jonathan Drouin, LW -- an electric, toolsy winger who's a tad on the small side.
- Elias Lindholm, C -- talented 2-way center with elite hockey sense and vision.
Any of those 5 would be great (though the Flames are currently stupidly deep on LW). Now on to the slightly less obvious players
Draft Targets:
Rasmus Ristolainen, D
A big, right-shooting 2-way defender, Ristolainen plays a solid defensive game with a physical edge. His hockey sense is his biggest asset--even considering his 6'3" frame. He has a good offensive skillset, though his offensive game is quite raw and he doesn't really put up points like one might expect. Projects as a good 1st pair defender who can play in any role and in all situations.
Hunter Shinkaruk, RW
A smallish sniping winger. Shinkaruk has a terrifying release on his shot, and is also one of the better skaters in the draft. Like a faster Mike Cammelleri; he can play all 3 forward positions. His playmaking is quite good, though it isn't the best part of his game, and he's generally a shoot-1st type of fellow. His defensive game leaves a lot to be desired.
Max Domi, C
A little but very skilled center. Domi has great hands and excellent skating. He also carries a significant amount of grit for a smaller forward. He has put together a fantastic season with the London Knights, and should be available in the early 2nd half of the draft (which is where the Flames' 2nd pick will be if St. Louis makes the playoffs).
Frederick Gauthier, C
A giant 2-way center. He has excellent offensive skill and defensive acumen, and is a very good skater for his size. A smart player, he hasn't quite put together all his tools yet. Projects as a power forward and, if the Flames should receive the Blues' 1st rounder, Gauthier might be available.
Robert Hagg, D
A 2-way defender with good size and a well-rounded skillset, Hagg is a skilled player who moves the puck very well. His offensive side is still very raw, though, and he doesn't yet put up points. Hagg impressed at the world juniors on an injury-riddled Swedish squad that still managed a silver medal.
Ryan Hartman, RW
A pugnacious, agitating winger who also possesses excellent offensive skills, Hartman projects as a Brad Marchand type who scores points and annoys the hell out of the opposing team while doing so. Hartman is solid defensively, and is extremely difficult to play against. He is, though, a bit on the small side.
Adam Erne, RW
A gritty, skilled winger, Erne has the full package and is the kind of player who becomes a fan favourite. He should be available near the middle of the 1st round.
Valeri Nichushkin, RW
A huge Russian winger, Nichushkin is a true power forward. He'll likely go in the top 10.
Josh Morrissey, D
A mobile, offensively skilled defenseman, Morrissey is similar to the Maple Leafs' Morgan Rielly.
Nikita Zadorov, D
A giant Russian defenseman, Zadorov plays a nasty, abrasive game along with smart defensive positioning. He projects as an elite shutdown defender.
Madison Bowey, D
Bowey is an offensive defenseman who appears to be very similar to T.J. Brodie. If the Flames were to snag him near the end of the 1st round, and the comparison turned out to be apt, I'd be a pretty happy fan.
Nic Petan, C
A tiny offensive center with a great skillset. Though he's FREAKING small, he also has the most points among draft eligible players--and he also has more than linemate Ty Rattie. Just saying.
Mirco Mueller, D
A large, Swiss defender with a good skillset. Is more of a stay-at-home defender, but he does have offensive ability, and some untapped upside.
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