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2012 was an interesting draft year for the Calgary Flames organization as, to everyone's surprise, GM Jay Feaster selected 17 year old high-schooler Mark Jankowski. Feaster was at a point in his new career as GM where every decision or selection made at this draft would be watched and scrutinized by fans and nonfans alike, and this one received a lot of attention.
As a result of going off the board with the selection of Jankowski who is not likely to play in the NHL for another 2-3 years, one piece of this particular draft day seems to go unnoticed by many. As most of you recall, the Calgary Flames acquired two draft selections (21st/42nd) in exchange for one (14th) from the Buffalo Sabres which allowed them to select two potential top end prospects rather than one. In addition to selecting Jankowski with their 21st overall selection, the Flames used their 2nd acquired draft selection and chose defenseman Patrick Sieloff.
As mentioned, there has been much debate and dialogue surrounding the selection of a high school kid, that Sieloff received little attention himself. With the emergence of his play of late with the USA WJC team in Lake Placid, Sieloff is finally starting to receive the attention and credit he deserves. Heck, some are even starting to feel that he was the steal and Flames initial target out of that draft year altogether!
Expected to play with some talented young defenders such as Jones, Reilly, Trouba, and Murphy, Patrick could certainly have some quality pairings throughout the upcoming 2014 World Juniors Championship. While team USA seems to sport a strong number of offensive defensemen, Sieloff will be looked upon as one of their top shutdown guys and will look to open up space for both his forwards and defensive partners in order to allow for offensive rushes. He has already been credited by teammates for his steady and hard hitting play, especially from one player in particular who could be a future teammate of his with the Flames.
"What doesn't Patty bring?" USA White goalie and fellow Flames prospect Jon Gillies said. "He's got that touch of offense when he needs it and he just lowers the boom on people and he's very solid defensively. … He plays a calm game. He's physical when he has to be, when he can be, but he never steps out of his way, never gets out of position doing it. He's that spark plug for us, gets us going and he's our leader." NHL.com
Given his experience in the most recent WJC where team USA took gold, he will be a strong asset to this upcoming roster and will be looked at for his leadership off and on the ice as his game continues to mature. An important part of developing a successful NHL career is strong communication, something Sieloff says he is prepared to offer.
"I'll pick and choose my spots," he said. "I'm not going to be that guy running around everywhere with my mouth, but if something needs to be said, absolutely I feel more comfortable. I've been through this before. I have a little experience with it." NHL.com
The experience Patrick is gaining from all this WJC play is not something that all drafted defensemen can take advantage of and will certainly play a big part in his development as an NHL player. Team USA will be using the young defender as a top pairing shutdown line in addition to time on the PK. Being used throughout such important aspects of the game will do wonders for a guy like Patrick as he hopes to crack the Flames roster in the upcoming year or two, despite his age.
At just 19 years old, he currently stands at 6’0, 195lbs and has demonstrated so far in his short career that he can handle both the physicality and mental aspect of big tournaments such as the WJC. He is arguably one of the Flames most ready prospects to crack the lineup as the team continues to rebuild and patiently await the arrival of their draft selections. While Patrick may not have made the front page of a few newspapers or have been interviewed as much as his 2012 draft counterpart Mark Jankowski, he may just end up being the bigger news from the Buffalo trade.
In concluding, neither player have really established themselves as a stronger prospect than the other as not only are they at different parts of their development, but they play very different roles. Mark remains a few years removed from the Calgary system and still needs to mature both mentally and physically before he can make the next big step in his career. Patrick, on the other hand, appears to be but a year removed from the NHL provided his development continues as it has so far.
Both players could have a lot to offer to this particular organization; however one is making it known a little quicker than the other.
As usual, thanks for reading, hope you enjoyed!
Calgary Flames Blogger • 
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