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Fans are becoming restless as the 2013 NHL Playoffs nears its end, and welcomes a summer of drafting, free agency, and trades. Of those fans, the Calgary Flames fan base likely sits atop the list of impatient viewers given their team’s current state of ambivalence.
While the Flames currently hold three first round draft picks in the 2013 NHL draft to be held in New Jersey, the uncertainty stems from what Calgary GM Jay Feaster could do with said picks. Prior to the beginning of the 2013 NHL Playoffs, Feaster acknowledged that a change needed to happen in Calgary to address their culture and to improve upon the team’s success. Although much of what he said could be taken either way, some fans felt that he may be showing signs of impatience as he may be looking to move his picks in order to acquire an NHL ready prospect or two if he is not able to move up in the draft.
"A very good draft, (Our scouts) believe there are four elite franchise players, and a lot of very, very good players. But in terms of that top level? There’s a belief that it’s four deep. We’ll have more conversations about that in the next couple of weeks."
In my humble opinion, and given how deep this draft is expected to be, it would be wise for Feaster to hold on to all three of his first round picks and not attempt to speed up this “rebuild” in which the team is about to embark. With the opportunity to draft a potential top end centerman with their first selection, and perhaps a steady reliable defenseman with their second, the Flames shouldn’t need to entertain trading for pieces right away as they could be throwing away some serious talent. Many fans of all sorts which I’ve had the chance to discuss with over the years have claimed one thing about the draft – it’s somewhat of a crapshoot in that the young lad you drafted may, or may not, turn out.
Although I can see the logic behind this, trading for someone who is already proven will cost a team much more than it would to remain patient and wait to develop their own top end talent. When it comes down to it, a GM should always draft the (best) player available to him and develop the heck out of that player. Whether or not there is an organizational need for say, a big hitting defenseman or not, I can almost guarantee that there will be another team among the 29 others who will! Point is - draft the best player you believe to be available and if need be, trade to accommodate your own needs down the road when you know what you have in said player. Stocking up on talent and developing them yourself will pay dividends down the road as opposed to trying to take shortcuts for "proven" talent. I would give some examples, but I am sure anyone reading this can think of atleast a couple...
The Flames have a lot of questions to answer and many critics to silence with this upcoming draft, especially after their GM chose an unproven highschool player in Mark Jankowski. Calgary has many options available to them with draft selection #’s 6, 22, and 29. I will discuss in more detail who I believe the Flames will be selecting, or even further, what they may end up doing at this year’s NHL Draft as I sincerely believe Jay Feaster will be busy.
That’s all for today folks, however please read below for some important details about a fundraiser being held in Calgary on Tuesday June 25th in support of Kids Up Front Calgary.
Thanks for reading!
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Join your fellow sports fans on
Tuesday, June 25th at Schanks South from 6:30-9:30 pm for a night of fun and challenging sports trivia at the 2013 Schanks Sports Trivia Summer Showdown.
We'll be gathering to raise funds, friends and awareness for
Kids Up Front Calgary while at the same time, attempting to find Calgary's top foursome of sports trivia experts. Top prizes will be $500 in cash as well as $400 worth of gift cards from Schanks! Besides prizes for the top five finishing teams, there will be door prizes throughout the evening in addition to a flight for two anywhere WestJet flies which will be auctioned off as a part of an awesome sports fan package.
For more information, contact quizmaster Doug Caspar or Mike Kaiser @
[email protected] or visit Schanks South at 9627 Macleod Tr. S.
You can also check out our Facebook Event page by searching for Calgary Sports Trivia Summer Showdown. Entry fee is $60 for a team of four. Space is limited. Enter soon!
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