Here's a look at ISS's final rankings for 2012.

A little early to be looking back in certainty but it's not like they're holier than thou at this either.

http://thepipelineshow.bl...kings-for-2012-draft.html
- golfingsince

The NHL central scouting is the more reliable source. I have no backup or stats but that's my opinion. Completely a blind statement.

The NHL central scouting is the more reliable source. I have no backup or stats but that's my opinion. Completely a blind statement.
- tmurph

I prefer central scouting as well. The thing I don't like is how they don't do an overall ranking, having separate lists for NA and Europe. Looking back at the same draft they were more accurate.

I prefer central scouting as well. The thing I don't like is how they don't do an overall ranking, having separate lists for NA and Europe. Looking back at the same draft they were more accurate.
- golfingsince

Ya, why do they do this? Any idea?

Ya, why do they do this? Any idea?
- The-O-G

I don't know, I figure it's probably just too difficult to compare them.

Edit: Also, probably different staffs.

I don't know, I figure it's probably just too difficult to compare them.

Edit: Also, probably different staffs.
- golfingsince[/quote

Ya good call....

Maybe we should set up Skype accounts for them so the can have conference calls?

Could this draft fall identically to 2006? Very similar top 5...

1. Ekblad (Johnson, big D)
2. Leon Draisitil (Staal, big center)
3. Sam Bennet (Toews, aggressive two way center)
4. Sam Reinhart (Backstrom, skilled playmaking center)
5. Michael DalColle (Kessel, pure shooter)

As much as people may disagree, I could easily see the draft falling like this.

I think Bennet is probably the best forward in this draft long term. People want to reference the pull-up thing; I have my degree in Health and Exercise Science, trust me, it's really bad and worth mentioning for sure. But all it really means is this kid isn't ready for NHL hockey. If he's THIS GOOD now with basically no strength, imagine how good he's going to be when he does have some?

Could this draft fall identically to 2006? Very similar top 5...

1. Ekblad (Johnson, big D)
2. Leon Draisitil (Staal, big center)
3. Sam Bennet (Toews, aggressive two way center)
4. Sam Reinhart (Backstrom, skilled playmaking center)
5. Michael DalColle (Kessel, pure shooter)

As much as people may disagree, I could easily see the draft falling like this.

I think Bennet is probably the best forward in this draft long term. People want to reference the pull-up thing; I have my degree in Health and Exercise Science, trust me, it's really bad and worth mentioning for sure. But all it really means is this kid isn't ready for NHL hockey. If he's THIS GOOD now with basically no strength, imagine how good he's going to be when he does have some?
- mochoson

Dont think this years group has nearly the same upside....

Dont think this years group has nearly the same upside....
- Iggysbff

Agreed, feels like a down year for the NHL draft.

Ya good call....

Maybe we should set up Skype accounts for them so the can have conference calls?
- The-O-G

I think Nylander will become a steal in this draft.

Klimchuk invited to Team Canada summer camp

I think he should have a good chance to make it this year.

I think Nylander will become a steal in this draft.
- golfingsince

Ya i've been hearing that people say he's the most talented player in the draft. It will be interesting to see who takes the plunge.

It'll probably be some team that's already stacked with prospects....the rich get richer.

Nah... I actually feel bad for the Oilers... I actually left him out of the top 4 to mention that Colin picked him.
- vetts

Don't worry, you'll have plenty to feel bad about in Calgary in the coming years.

I don't know, I figure it's probably just too difficult to compare them.

Edit: Also, probably different staffs.
- golfingsince

I wonder who pays more. The NHL or the pro teams.

NHL central scouting has eight full-time scouts, and fifteen part-time scouts throughout North America + six scouts in Europe. (reference wikipedia)

The flames for reference have 14 full time scouts (some pro tho).

I have no idea how many people work for ISS but it is privately owned and makes there money off selling their book. More controversy more sales. Not a fan.

Ya i've been hearing that people say he's the most talented player in the draft. It will be interesting to see who takes the plunge.

It'll probably be some team that's already stacked with prospects....the rich get richer.
- The-O-G

This fascination with size is crazy IMO. The Hawks have won a couple of Cups without size in the top 6.

I'll tell you all right now, it's going to be Ritchie. Don't even bother convincing yourself it's not going to be him, because it will be.
- FlamesFan12

- Nucker101

I'll be golfing....so i've already planned for the score update to come up on my phone:

Calgary Flames select F - Nick Ritchie with the 4th-overall selection.

I'd like to draft Sam Bennett, but I can't imagine him lifting the Cup. #35lbs #NHLDraft #flames #FlaPanthers #Sabres #oilers
— Brad Treliving (@BradTrelivingGM) June 23, 2014

I'd like to draft Sam Bennett, but I can't imagine him lifting the Cup. #35lbs #NHLDraft #flames #FlaPanthers #Sabres #oilers
— Brad Treliving (@BradTrelivingGM) June 23, 2014
- Iggysbff

You're so funny!

I'd like to draft Sam Bennett, but I can't imagine him lifting the Cup. #35lbs #NHLDraft #flames #FlaPanthers #Sabres #oilers
— Brad Treliving (@BradTrelivingGM) June 23, 2014
- Iggysbff

I'd like to draft Sam Bennett, but I can't imagine him lifting the Cup. #35lbs #NHLDraft #flames #FlaPanthers #Sabres #oilers
— Brad Treliving (@BradTrelivingGM) June 23, 2014
- Iggysbff

If Bennett won a cup for us no one would give a $hit if he couldn't lift the it.

The Hawks have won a couple of Cups without size in the top 6.
- golfingsince

Devil's Avocado. The Kings have won a couple of cups with a clear emphasis on size.


I would like to see the Flames take MDC but as a Flames fan living right beside Oshawa I might be a little biased

Devil's Avocado. The Kings have won a couple of cups with a clear emphasis on size.


I would like to see the Flames take MDC but as a Flames fan living right beside Oshawa I might be a little biased
- XXVariation

I hear ya, but there size is pretty skilled. There's a huge discrepancy in skill between some of the smaller players and some of the bigger players in this years draft.

Devil's Avocado. The Kings have won a couple of cups with a clear emphasis on size.


I would like to see the Flames take MDC but as a Flames fan living right beside Oshawa I might be a little biased
- XXVariation

And with that the Conn Smythe winner was the smallest guy on the team at 6'1, 189 lbs.

If you can get size with the skill then bonus. But if not, you have to surround the smaller skilled guys with size that can contribute. While it obviously wasn't a cup year for them, but it's like having Lucic with Kerjci, or Bickel with Kane.

I would be happy with having a guy like Ritchie on the Flames, but not at the position they would be drafting and who would still be on the board. It is shaping up to be one of the Sam's, and I would much rather have one of them than I would have Ritchie.

Go after another high pick to get a player like Ritchie or a Virtanen. The Islanders want a top 6 winger and a puck moving defenseman. Offer them something involving Hudler and Wideman for their pick. Then grab Ritchie there.

So BTL say's there is 9 different scenarios with the top 4 picks...and that the Flames are ready for all of them:

1. Ekblad-Reinhart-Draisatl-Bennett
2. Ekblad-Reinhart-Bennett-Draisatl
3. Ekblad-Draisatil-Reinhart-Bennett
4. Ekblad-Draisatil-Bennett-Reinhart
5. Ekblad-Bennett-Reinhart-Draisatl
6. Ekblad-Bennett-Draisatl-Reinhart
7. ???
8. ???
9. ???

In any case, if a 5th player was thrown into it the equation (MDC or NR) there would be much more than 9 different outcomes. Unless they know something we don't which is more than likely the case

BTL also said "you're drafting the best player, period" with regards to drafting by position.