In which spot are you guys expected to pick? If you're top 4, no Monahan please. There are better options out there I guess.
- Orpik44

Agreed. The top 4 for the Flames need to be one of Jones, MacKinnon, Drouin, or Barkov.

While I agree that the Flames do not overly need a winger like Drouin, he is too much ahead of Monahan to pass up if it comes down to that.

Drouin should be 4th on the Flames pick list. That isn't to say anything against Drouin's ability as he may be a better player than the others, but it has to do with his position. The only way the Flames should pick him is if they have the 4th over all pick, and Jones, MacKinnon, and Barkov were already picked.

Agreed. The top 4 for the Flames need to be one of Jones, MacKinnon, Drouin, or Barkov.

While I agree that the Flames do not overly need a winger like Drouin, he is too much ahead of Monahan to pass up if it comes down to that.

Drouin should be 4th on the Flames pick list. That isn't to say anything against Drouin's ability as he may be a better player than the others, but it has to do with his position. The only way the Flames should pick him is if they have the 4th over all pick, and Jones, MacKinnon, and Barkov were already picked.
- dal_johnson

Agreed for the most part! But I also have to agree that Drouin is going to be unbelievable. If it came down to Barkov/Drouin I honestly don't know which way I would go. Can you imagine if somehow we package our other two 1st rounders and grab Monohan? Drouin himself could certainly help Monohan become a legitimate 1st line centre if he isn't already.

Agreed for the most part! But I also have to agree that Drouin is going to be unbelievable. If it came down to Barkov/Drouin I honestly don't know which way I would go. Can you imagine if somehow we package our other two 1st rounders and grab Monohan? Drouin himself could certainly help Monohan become a legitimate 1st line centre if he isn't already.
- whipper334

I think that the unknown with Barkov, is just that here is Canada he is somewhat unknown. We see highlight videos and such, but it is harder for us to really compare to somebody like Drouin. But those that are knowledgable all say he is legit. Also the Flames do have prospects at Left Wing, and under sized wingers at that.

My worry if they draft Drouin over Mackinnon or Barkov is that the Flames are potentially right where they have been for the last 16 years. An amazingly tallented winger without a legitimate number 1 center to play with. I think that wingers are easier to come by. No they may not have the top end that Drouin does, but I think a number 1 center is much more valuable. There are even a number of guys that were centers in Junior that end up being converted to a winger (Tyler Seguin), so a true Center is even more rare. How often to they even come available in Free Agency or Trades. Teams covet them and will not let them go.

Drouin will be an amazing player. But in the bigger picture for the entire team, the Center is the must.

Does anyone think it is possible to get 2 top 5 picks. It has been done before. Any suggestions on what it would take?

I think that the unknown with Barkov, is just that here is Canada he is somewhat unknown. We see highlight videos and such, but it is harder for us to really compare to somebody like Drouin. But those that are knowledgable all say he is legit. Also the Flames do have prospects at Left Wing, and under sized wingers at that.

My worry if they draft Drouin over Mackinnon or Barkov is that the Flames are potentially right where they have been for the last 16 years. An amazingly tallented winger without a legitimate number 1 center to play with. I think that wingers are easier to come by. No they may not have the top end that Drouin does, but I think a number 1 center is much more valuable. There are even a number of guys that were centers in Junior that end up being converted to a winger (Tyler Seguin), so a true Center is even more rare. How often to they even come available in Free Agency or Trades. Teams covet them and will not let them go.

Drouin will be an amazing player. But in the bigger picture for the entire team, the Center is the must.
- dal_johnson

I hear ya. I would take MacKinnon no question before Drouin.

Well I guess Feaster has to figure out how to get MacKinnon and Drouin.

I think that the unknown with Barkov, is just that here is Canada he is somewhat unknown. We see highlight videos and such, but it is harder for us to really compare to somebody like Drouin. But those that are knowledgable all say he is legit. Also the Flames do have prospects at Left Wing, and under sized wingers at that.

My worry if they draft Drouin over Mackinnon or Barkov is that the Flames are potentially right where they have been for the last 16 years. An amazingly tallented winger without a legitimate number 1 center to play with. I think that wingers are easier to come by. No they may not have the top end that Drouin does, but I think a number 1 center is much more valuable. There are even a number of guys that were centers in Junior that end up being converted to a winger (Tyler Seguin), so a true Center is even more rare. How often to they even come available in Free Agency or Trades. Teams covet them and will not let them go.

Drouin will be an amazing player. But in the bigger picture for the entire team, the Center is the must.
- dal_johnson

I agree. I wouldnt be to upset to trade down a few spots and pick up another asset if it came down to Drouin. I'm sure he is going to be a great player, but we need C and D. Monahan, Lindholm are top 10 prospects and there is also guys like Gauthier later in the draft. It would have to be a very good trade for us though. Something like from PHI, Couts and there 1st and then I would draft Ristolainen.

Does anyone think it is possible to get 2 top 5 picks. It has been done before. Any suggestions on what it would take?
- Flames1977

It would probably take both out later 1st's (this year) and probably our 1st next year. Any team that is going to give us their top 5 pick this year in a deep draft will want the moon.

I agree. I wouldnt be to upset to trade down a few spots and pick up another asset if it came down to Drouin. I'm sure he is going to be a great player, but we need C and D. Monahan, Lindholm are top 10 prospects and there is also guys like Gauthier later in the draft. It would have to be a very good trade for us though. Something like from PHI, Couts and there 1st and then I would draft Ristolainen.
- TandA4Flames

Would you get off the Couts train...

WTF!

It would probably take both out later 1st's (this year) and probably our 1st next year. Any team that is going to give us their top 5 pick this year in a deep draft will want the moon.
- whipper334

I would say do it for a Jones/MacKinnon combo. Definitely do what you had to and pull it off.

Would you get off the Couts train...
- whipper334

It's just a suggestion.... eeeeeaaaaasssssyyyyyyyy Whipper.... it's going to be ok

It would probably take both out later 1st's (this year) and probably our 1st next year. Any team that is going to give us their top 5 pick this year in a deep draft will want the moon.
- whipper334

wouldnt it be the opposite if anything? being a deep draft a team would be more willing to trade down(while picking up two late(r) 1st's) because they would still get quality player(s)

if the draft was great quality in the top 5 but then significantly dropped off the rest of the 1st round, wouldnt that be more of a reason for a team to not want to trade down?

I would say do it for a Jones/MacKinnon combo. Definitely do what you had to and pull it off.
- Flames1977

oh boy, imagine if we(or any team) walked away with Jones and Mackinnon.

Here is what Burke did when he managed to get both twins:

1. The wheeling and dealing began when Vancouver sent defenseman Bryan McCabe and a 2000 first-round pick to the Chicago Blackhawks (which became Pavel Vorobiev, who did next to nothing) for the fourth overall pick (which landed with the Rangers and became Brendl)

2. Brian Burke then sent the No. 4 selection and a pair of third-round picks to the Tampa Bay Lightning for the top overall pick.

3. Next, Vancouver sent the top pick to the expansion Atlanta Thrashers for the No. 2 selection and a conditional 2000 third-rounder. The deal was that the Thrashers would take Stefan, leaving the Canucks to take the Sedins in sequential order.

And for your viewing pleasure:

http://www.youtube.com/wa...er_embedded&v=Zsgidq1Yx2w

I would say do it for a Jones/MacKinnon combo. Definitely do what you had to and pull it off.
- Flames1977

Yes sir!

It's just a suggestion.... eeeeeaaaaasssssyyyyyyyy Whipper.... it's going to be ok


- TandA4Flames

wouldnt it be the opposite if anything? being a deep draft a team would be more willing to trade down(while picking up two late(r) 1st's) because they would still get quality player(s)if the draft was great quality in the top 5 but then significantly dropped off the rest of the 1st round, wouldnt that be more of a reason for a team to not want to trade down?
- Flames-Fan4

True. I never looked at it that way. So you're saying there's a chance?

Nichushkin, Nichushkin, everybody forgets Nichuskin. He's Russian yes, but he's also second on the ISS rankings, above Mackinnon, and Drouin and Barkov etc. The kid is a power forward in every sense of the word, he's already 6'4" almost 200lbs, has speed, vision, a solid shot, and knows how to take the body and use his body effectively. He's not home grown like Mack or Drouin, but he's the most NHL ready guy out there. And he plays centre

Does anyone think it is possible to get 2 top 5 picks. It has been done before. Any suggestions on what it would take?
- Flames1977

If CAR gets the 4th pick, would Gio and GlenX for CAR 1st, 3rd and McBain get it done? Overpay?

And I'm not saying I would like to do this, just something to think about. Maybe sub Tangs for GlenX.

Nichushkin, Nichushkin, everybody forgets Nichuskin. He's Russian yes, but he's also second on the ISS rankings, above Mackinnon, and Drouin and Barkov etc. The kid is a power forward in every sense of the word, he's already 6'4" almost 200lbs, has speed, vision, a solid shot, and knows how to take the body and use his body effectively. He's not home grown like Mack or Drouin, but he's the most NHL ready guy out there. And he plays centre
- Talking_hockey1

Use our 1st top 5 pick ever on a Russian that's never played in NA and may never see in NA. No thank you; I don't care what his talent is. If he never plays for your team, let alone your league, who cares. He'll be a late 1st pick I think for someone that can afford to take the risk.

If CAR gets the 4th pick, would Gio and GlenX for CAR 1st, 3rd and McBain get it done? Overpay?

And I'm not saying I would like to do this, just something to think about. Maybe sub Tangs for GlenX.
- TandA4Flames

I would overpay yes. Swap tangs and keep GLencross. I think it's a bold move and believe it would be worth the price.

Exactly! No way in hell do we try to poach an RFA if it costs us next years 1st +.
- whipper334

Lets just stay away from offer sheets ok lol , let the kids play and maybe look at free agency ... More next off season then this one ( crazy number of big names available )

If CAR gets the 4th pick, would Gio and GlenX for CAR 1st, 3rd and McBain get it done? Overpay?

And I'm not saying I would like to do this, just something to think about. Maybe sub Tangs for GlenX.
- TandA4Flames

Overpay by who? Carolina? I would do that in a freaking heartbeat but doubt the Canes would.

Maybe I'm not understanding your post correctly. You mean... GlenX and Gio for Carolina's 1st (this yr), their 3rd (this year) and McBain.

It's so hard to speculate with 6-8 games left. The standings can change so much.

If CAR gets the 4th pick, would Gio and GlenX for CAR 1st, 3rd and McBain get it done? Overpay?

And I'm not saying I would like to do this, just something to think about. Maybe sub Tangs for GlenX.
- TandA4Flames

I would rather send Tanguay than Glencross, but not so sure Carolina would.
If it were Tangs, it would probably look somthing like;

To CGY: 2013 1st, Jamie McBain
To CAR: 2013 (STL) 1st, Mark Giordano, Alex Tanguay

However, not sure we can afford to trade someone like Gio, without J-Bo.
Don't know all that much about McBain. Solid top 4?


EDIT: Without Giordano involved;

To CGY: 2013 1st Rd Pick, Jamie McBain
To CAR: 2013 STL and PIT 1st Round Picks. Alex Tanguay

Carolina ends up with a top9 of;
Jiri Tlusty - Eric Staal - Alex Semin
Alex Tanguay - Jordan Staal - Jeff Skinner
Tuomo Ruutu - Riley Nash - Chad Larose

I would rather send Tanguay than Glencross, but not so sure Carolina would.
If it were Tangs, it would probably look somthing like;

To CGY: 2013 1st, Jamie McBain
To CAR: 2013 (STL) 1st, Mark Giordano, Alex Tanguay

However, not sure we can afford to trade someone like Gio, without J-Bo.
Don't know all that much about McBain. Solid top 4?


EDIT: Without Giordano involved;

To CGY: 2013 1st Rd Pick, Jamie McBain
To CAR: 2013 STL and PIT 1st Round Picks. Alex Tanguay

Carolina ends up with a top9 of;
Jiri Tlusty - Eric Staal - Alex Semin
Alex Tanguay - Jordan Staal - Jeff Skinner
Tuomo Ruutu - Riley Nash - Chad Larose
- Flames-Fan4

Yea, my knowledge of some of those less talked about teams from the east is weak as I said earlier. What I'm fairly sure of is that McBain had a great 1st NHL season but has regressed quite a bit this year. I seem to recall hearing that CAR has soured on him a bit. If true, they may be ok with a swap of Gio and him to help them in PO runs. It's all guess work though and a whole lot of day dreaming.