You're dreaming if you think Barkov will be on the board at 6. The only way that happens is if Nichushkin goes in the top 4 and Carolina drafts a d-man. But if they do draft a d-man, they'll be trading down and some other team will take Barkov with Carolina's pick. That's why Feaster is so desperate to get into the top 5. At 6 you'll have the selection of Lindholm or Monahan. Two good centremen, but neither of the quality of the top 5.

BTW, Feaster would be smart to take Lindholm if you're looking for a future #1 centre. Monahan has #2 or #3 written all over him.

Well no bad contract straight up for a 4th

Well no bad contract straight up for a 4th
- Lahey

Is this Knight?

While it would be great to be able to get one of the top two picks, it seems like the price will be too crippling to get there.

Jones and MacKinnon are going to go first and second (which is first doesn't matter if you aren't one of the ones picking them. Tampa will take Drouin to be the St. Louis replacement, and he is more of a playmaking winger to work with Stamkos.

Nashville won't trade their pick as from an offensive point of view they aren't a lot ahead of the Flames. Like the Flames they should want that Center to try to build around, so with that they won't be trading their pick, and they will go for Barkov as the best Center available.

If anything to trade up, it is Carolina that may be the most willing and not crippling to do it. They are going to want defence as their main priority. The Flames should consider as a base point on a deal there being Wideman / Giordano and one of the later draft picks. For the draft picks, naturally I'd prefer it to be the Pittsburgh pick, and I'd personally rather keep Gio. So maybe Wideman, 28th overall, and some sweetener (next year's second, or a second tier prospect). Although it will probably be the St Louis pick that will do it. Carolina may be hesitant to trade though. They gave up their first last year to get Staal. They may not want to give it up two years in a row. May need to overpay, but it won't be crippling.

In trading the flames also have to consider eating some salary to help convince teams to take the trade. Wideman at 5.25 mil for the next 4 years isn't great. But Wideman at 3 mil is a very good deal. One of the advantages of being a rebuilding team is that with the younger players, usually the salary cap concerns aren't a problem (until the prospects complete their entry level deals). So keeping some of the traded players salary on if it will get you ahead of the game in the rebuild process is a necessary tool.

If that can be done, having 5th and 6th is huge. No neither player alone will be Nathan Mackinnon (as predicted at this stage), but it will very likely mean they can draft a number 1 center (hopefully) in Monahan, and a scoring big power forward in Nichushkin.

This will also leave the Flames with 1 later first round pick (22nd or 28th) depending on which was needed to make the trade. With it they should draft the best defenceman available at that spot. (Morrissy, Mueller, Bowey, Pulock).

Do not draft a goalie with a first round pick. Do not draft Fucale. Fucale will one day be good. But the flames have Higher needs, and there is a lot of current unknown with the Flames goaltender prospects. They need to find out more in what they have with Ramo, Berra, Broisoit, and Gilles.

On the side note if there is not a trade like this, Monahan at 6th, Mantha at 22nd (may need to bump up a little to get him but he is that big scoring winger), and Defenceman at 28th.

Well no bad contract straight up for a 4th
- Lahey

Nevermind... Found it.

http://flames.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=674377

Colin Dambrauskas: Flames Want Shanahan? - Potential Trade for 1st Overall? - Draft Selections
- Colin Dambrauskas

Feaster saying there is no short cut and that they need prospect depth then trying this trade is effin ridiculous. This draft is being compared to 2003. Where about 20 of the picks in the first round have gone on to win cups and be allstars. Even the second round had a few franchise guys (Weber). Anaheim got both Perry and Geztlaf with late first rounders.

Feaster needs to be patient. If anything trade Cammi and try to get another mid first. Most likely they won't make the team and the Flames will be picking high again next year. To do this right it will take a couple years. Use the assets you have properly and it'll go faster.

As for Shanahan replacing King? King is nothing more than PR. Shanahan would likely want more control of hockey operations. Pull Feasters strings.

Best player availible for all 3 slots is what needs to be done. I don't see Morrisey as BPA at 22 and their is no way Fucale is a 1st round talent.
- shoestring

Islanders are talking like they are taking Fucale with the 15th pick.

Sven is someone a lot of teams would love. Don't think COL would do it to move down, but how about TB?
- Lahey

Baertshi is the last guy they should be moving. Keep him.

Baertshi is the last guy they should be moving. Keep him.
- Iggysbff

Ideally yes.

Islanders are talking like they are taking Fucale with the 15th pick.
- Iggysbff

Of course they are.

Thought it might broaden my audience...I know theres several french speaking people who frequent this site, cant say there are too many people blogging about hockey in french outside of the Habs.
- Colin Dambrauskas

While I can appreciate the thought, I think it might do more harm to your regular readership than it will expanding it. I'd prefer Spanish por favor.

Nevermind... Found it.

http://flames.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=674377
- jtommyt

I wonder if they ever look at closing that loophole. Not sure how you really close it, maybe make said players re-enter the draft?

Would not be surprised to see pick Flamers Darnell Nurse
1) big
2) mean
3) tough
4) scoring touch
5) the cost of subsequent contracts will not rise as quickly for d man as it would for a fwd

rebuild defense then fwds so growth in pay and hockey development is alligned

You're dreaming if you think Barkov will be on the board at 6. The only way that happens is if Nichushkin goes in the top 4 and Carolina drafts a d-man. But if they do draft a d-man, they'll be trading down and some other team will take Barkov with Carolina's pick. That's why Feaster is so desperate to get into the top 5. At 6 you'll have the selection of Lindholm or Monahan. Two good centremen, but neither of the quality of the top 5.

BTW, Feaster would be smart to take Lindholm if you're looking for a future #1 centre. Monahan has #2 or #3 written all over him.
- Centacre

some mock drafts have Barkov going 3rd overall, that would put things in a complete disaster if that does. Everyone and their dog who have a top 10 pick would be phonining the Preds to jump up to draft Drouin. I also have a gut feelings Nurse falls in the draft, probably will end up at 11 with the Flyers pick if anyone goes off the board with the 5th-10th overall picks (never know with it comes to the Devils, Sabres, and with a new GM in Dallas)

some mock drafts have Barkov going 3rd overall, that would put things in a complete disaster if that does. Everyone and their dog who have a top 10 pick would be phonining the Preds to jump up to draft Drouin. I also have a gut feelings Nurse falls in the draft, probably will end up at 11 with the Flyers pick if anyone goes off the board with the 5th-10th overall picks (never know with it comes to the Devils, Sabres, and with a new GM in Dallas)
- DDM-Coga

This whole draft is going to be a gong show. Players even top 3 are rated very differently by all teams. There will be guys dropping for sure and there will be guys ranked 20-25 going top 10.

haha hey I have np with it, I was commenting on numbears post I say all the power to you. it doesn't affect anyone's daily life and in fact stats have shown that people that speak or read multiple languages have higher iq's...

the amount of franco flames and habs fans in Calgary would probably be very surprising to those 2 fan bases. having lived there for 18+ years ive seen and heard a lot of French. soooo many franco's have helped build the community in Calgary. (frank)ig awesome!
- munky123

cgy is actually a very bilingual city.

Was just a jab at the habs.

Feaster saying there is no short cut and that they need prospect depth then trying this trade is effin ridiculous. This draft is being compared to 2003. Where about 20 of the picks in the first round have gone on to win cups and be allstars. Even the second round had a few franchise guys (Weber). Anaheim got both Perry and Geztlaf with late first rounders.

Feaster needs to be patient. If anything trade Cammi and try to get another mid first. Most likely they won't make the team and the Flames will be picking high again next year. To do this right it will take a couple years. Use the assets you have properly and it'll go faster.

As for Shanahan replacing King? King is nothing more than PR. Shanahan would likely want more control of hockey operations. Pull Feasters strings.
- Iggysbff

Why do you even post? You continuously say stuff that is incorrect and ridiculous. It is well known that King has a heavy hand in hockey ops and has for a long while. Stick to reading, learn a little more, then attempt to contribute.

And I live in Calgary, So I want you guys to draft MacKinnon so I can see him play too, just dont watn to give up my Avs pick for you to get him ha.

What are your thoughts on Shana-ban rumoured to be a VP of hockey ops?
- DDM-Coga

I like it a lot....the organization needs a hockey guy at the top....I think King meddles in the hockey ops too much for someone who doesn't understand the game. Whether it's Shanny or someone else, getting King out of there will be a breath of fresh air!

cgy is actually a very bilingual city.

Was just a jab at the habs.
- numbear

I don't know about that. I am all for a bilingual blog, sounds like a great way to expand Colin's exposure. To call Calgary a "very bilingual city" seems a stretch.

Why do you even post? You continuously say stuff that is incorrect and ridiculous. It is well known that King has a heavy hand in hockey ops and has for a long while. Stick to reading, learn a little more, then attempt to contribute.
- IggyOnly

Dude you are the one not knowing what you are talking about. I know many people in the organization.

Nevermind... Found it.

http://flames.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=674377
- jtommyt

Hmmmmm....I watched him play in Okotoks, he was a good player. He has some size and is a good centerman. Not a bad pickup

Hmmmmm....I watched him play in Okotoks, he was a good player. He has some size and is a good centerman. Not a bad pickup
- The-O-G

Just got lost in their depth. Will likely be a solid 4th liner, maybe 3C.

Just got lost in their depth. Will likely be a solid 4th liner, maybe 3C.
- Iggysbff

I agree...seems like a nice trade for both teams. I think he has the potential to be a solid 3 C. Seems dependable and someone that can play in a variety of situations.

We likely pick high again next year so maybe we vet that highly sought after franchise guy then. Take fhe opportunity we have with 3 1sts in a deep draft to add to our depth. We may still get that franchise guy here. Monahan sounds like a Getzlaf type.

I agree...seems like a nice trade for both teams. I think he has the potential to be a solid 3 C. Seems dependable and someone that can play in a variety of situations.
- The-O-G

Still not guaranteed though....he is still a potential ufa in a few weeks....