That's the first ranking I've seen anywhere that Reinhart and Ekblad weren't number 1 and 2.

Regardless I still say that if they can, that they take Ekblad.

Yeah there are really struggling to score right now, but I think in the bigger picture Ekblad will bring so much more to them.

While at this stage it is all talking about potential, but it is near impossible these days to acquire a top pairing defencman (or possibly a cornerstone defenceman). Every team seems to be resigning the top defencemen. And to get one in trade will cost a team their soul. So if you can get one at the draft then I think they should take him.

Yes a defenceman takes longer to develop, but no matter who they draft, the Flames are not going to be a playoff team next year. So look long term in the re-build. In the 2 or 3 years it takes Ekblad to be NHL ready, it will then be time for the Flames to significantly push, and he will be ready to effectively impact the team. And somewhat expecting the continued re-build next season and possibly continued struggles, their draft position next season could be favorable and there seems to be better offensive talent available then (ideally McDavid or Eichel)

As for the scoring troubles going forward, they have to believe that some of their prospects (Gaudreau, Granlund, and Poirier for example) will impact in that regards. And finding offensive help either through trade of free agency is usually more possible and can be filled in down the road.

Should Ekblad not be available when the Flames pick, they take the best forward available, ideally with some size that they may be lacking. A power forward to offset Gaudreau and Baertschi (assuming they will have a real place on this team).
- dal_johnson

You'll keep your hands off Ekblad and settle for NYLANDER!

You'll keep your hands off Ekblad and settle for NYLANDER!
- Iggysbff

Oh I get that the Oilers want him too. But I still think that the Oilers will finish ahead of the Flames. And even if not I wouldn't be shocked if the Oilers traded the pick this year to get a player that will impact next season. Their time for patience and waiting on teenagers to develop is past. It is time for them to add the impactful pieces to contribute to their already very developed draft picks. This was supposed to be the year where a very serious push was made for the playoffs. Do they really want to wait another 2 years until a defenceman will be ready?

Oh I get that the Oilers want him too. But I still think that the Oilers will finish ahead of the Flames. And even if not I wouldn't be shocked if the Oilers traded the pick this year to get a player that will impact next season. Their time for patience and waiting on teenagers to develop is past. It is time for them to add the impactful pieces to contribute to their already very developed draft picks. This was supposed to be the year where a very serious push was made for the playoffs. Do they really want to wait another 2 years until a defenceman will be ready?
- dal_johnson

Dude this is Edmonton you're talking about...

Oh I get that the Oilers want him too. But I still think that the Oilers will finish ahead of the Flames. And even if not I wouldn't be shocked if the Oilers traded the pick this year to get a player that will impact next season. Their time for patience and waiting on teenagers to develop is past. It is time for them to add the impactful pieces to contribute to their already very developed draft picks. This was supposed to be the year where a very serious push was made for the playoffs. Do they really want to wait another 2 years until a defenceman will be ready?
- dal_johnson

If they take any course of action other than this I will be convinced that this management group simply doesn't care about winning.

Oh I get that the Oilers want him too. But I still think that the Oilers will finish ahead of the Flames. And even if not I wouldn't be shocked if the Oilers traded the pick this year to get a player that will impact next season. Their time for patience and waiting on teenagers to develop is past. It is time for them to add the impactful pieces to contribute to their already very developed draft picks. This was supposed to be the year where a very serious push was made for the playoffs. Do they really want to wait another 2 years until a defenceman will be ready?
- dal_johnson

It all depends who is available and what the cost would be. Ideally they can trade it but I don't see it happening. As was said its extremely rare for a top 2 defender to be traded and its usually because there is an issue with them. I think Edmonton will keep the pick and use it.

Next year though I see whoever wins the first overall in the lottery will field multiple insane offers for the chance to get McDavid....

If they take any course of action other than this I will be convinced that this management group simply doesn't care about winning.
- TheTaoOfSemenko

They would love to do it, but you gotta have a willing partner....

Oh I get that the Oilers want him too. But I still think that the Oilers will finish ahead of the Flames. And even if not I wouldn't be shocked if the Oilers traded the pick this year to get a player that will impact next season. Their time for patience and waiting on teenagers to develop is past. It is time for them to add the impactful pieces to contribute to their already very developed draft picks. This was supposed to be the year where a very serious push was made for the playoffs. Do they really want to wait another 2 years until a defenceman will be ready?
- dal_johnson

Yep.

How about the following:

To CGY:
Despres
2nd in 2014

To PIT:
Cammalleri

Thoughts?

It all depends who is available and what the cost would be. Ideally they can trade it but I don't see it happening. As was said its extremely rare for a top 2 defender to be traded and its usually because there is an issue with them. I think Edmonton will keep the pick and use it.

Next year though I see whoever wins the first overall in the lottery will field multiple insane offers for the chance to get McDavid....
- Iggysbff

I did say it was extremely rare to get one by trade, and that is because of how much a team would have to give up. But the Oilers are in a position where they can give up what would be needed and it wouldn't cripple them.

In my opinion they can package Yakapov and their 1st. (some may say if should be Eberle but I guess this is my opinion) But that leaves them with Hall, Eberle, RNH, Perron, and Gagner (yes he may be traded too) in their top 6. Yes Yakapov would be good there, but I think that it is the asset that they can convert into their true need. A number 1 defenceman that can play now.

In a speculative view at it, what is better
1) Hall, RNH, Eberle, Perron, Gagner, Jschultz, Nurse, Shea Webber (picking a true pillar defenceman to go after as an example); or
2) Hall, RNH, Eberle, Perron, Gagner, Yakapov, JSchultz, Nurse, and a hopeful, down the line when developed, ideally Aaron Ekblad (if he is available to draft).

I say definitely option 1, where they then go after a second line winger with size.

Yes a rebuilding team should build through the draft and be patient. But to complete the rebuild you need to spend (signings or trades) to finish the product. It is time for the Oilers to complete the rebuild.

How about the following:

To CGY:
Despres
2nd in 2014

To PIT:
Cammalleri

Thoughts?
- crebar

Yes!

If they take any course of action other than this I will be convinced that this management group simply doesn't care about winning.
- TheTaoOfSemenko

I agree with you but like many have said it might be hard to get fair value for the pick. Maybe you package the pick with Yak or Ebs and then see what kind of return you will get.

Yes!
- whipper334

Wouldn't you rather pry a first somehow?

These rankings scare me....the fact the they switch around so often means to me none of these players are that great...

This years first for Evander Kane....there, I said it

Edit: Or Blake Wheeler some how....

Then recoup this years first with Cammy, Stemp, Stajan....maybe still wind up with 2 first rounders somehow? Hudler? Wideman?

How about the following:

To CGY:
Despres
2nd in 2014

To PIT:
Cammalleri

Thoughts?
- crebar

It's not bad, but I think they can get more for Cammy. Keep in mind Pittsburgh's 2nd round pic will probably be between pick 55 and 60, almost a 3rd rounder.

I still think that Cammy may be able to draw a 1st at the deadline. Teams always pay more then. Epsecially if one of their rivals makes an improvement trade and they need to find a way to compensate.

Wouldn't you rather pry a first somehow?
- FlamesFan12

Yeah I guess. We'll have to see as we get closer to the deadline. I just hope he stays healthy. *cough, cough*

I did say it was extremely rare to get one by trade, and that is because of how much a team would have to give up. But the Oilers are in a position where they can give up what would be needed and it wouldn't cripple them.

In my opinion they can package Yakapov and their 1st. (some may say if should be Eberle but I guess this is my opinion) But that leaves them with Hall, Eberle, RNH, Perron, and Gagner (yes he may be traded too) in their top 6. Yes Yakapov would be good there, but I think that it is the asset that they can convert into their true need. A number 1 defenceman that can play now.

In a speculative view at it, what is better
1) Hall, RNH, Eberle, Perron, Gagner, Jschultz, Nurse, Shea Webber (picking a true pillar defenceman to go after as an example); or
2) Hall, RNH, Eberle, Perron, Gagner, Yakapov, JSchultz, Nurse, and a hopeful, down the line when developed, ideally Aaron Ekblad (if he is available to draft).

I say definitely option 1, where they then go after a second line winger with size.

Yes a rebuilding team should build through the draft and be patient. But to complete the rebuild you need to spend (signings or trades) to finish the product. It is time for the Oilers to complete the rebuild.
- dal_johnson

Neither of your options are going to happen imo....People seem to think its black and white... Its far more complex than fans make it out to be.

Neither of your options are going to happen imo....People seem to think its black and white... Its far more complex than fans make it out to be.
- Iggysbff

Ya I mean Yakupov and a first for Weber? Nashville would tell you to pound sand.

Maybe for Yandle? Probably not even haha, plus he isn't the type of D man edmonton needs.

It's not bad, but I think they can get more for Cammy. Keep in mind Pittsburgh's 2nd round pic will probably be between pick 55 and 60, almost a 3rd rounder.

I still think that Cammy may be able to draw a 1st at the deadline. Teams always pay more then. Epsecially if one of their rivals makes an improvement trade and they need to find a way to compensate.
- dal_johnson

With respect to the Pens, I would agree in terms of Cammy fetching better value....but only in terms of said prospect. I really feel that a 2nd is as best as the Flames get in terms of draft pick(s). The Ducks? I can see acquiring a 1st because they have two this year.

Ya I mean Yakupov and a first for Weber? Nashville would tell you to pound sand.

Maybe for Yandle? Probably not even haha, plus he isn't the type of D man edmonton needs.
- FlamesFan12

Of course it is more complicated and is never Black and white.

And that may not be a trade for Weber. I never said a straight trade like that. I only listed Weber as an Example of a true number 1 defenceman. For him specifically it may, and probably will take more. But do keep in mind that it is talked about that Nashville wants out of that contract that they were "cornered" into. That they still have very very good defencemen. And they really need offensive talent.

I'm just trying to show that the Oilers need to move away from the patience through the draft and take the next steps in completing the rebuild. All the teams that rebuilt through the draft (Pittsburgh, Chicago, Los Angeles) had to take that final step after properly using their patience.

With respect to the Pens, I would agree in terms of Cammy fetching better value....but only ims of said prospect. I really feel that a 2nd is as best as the Flames get in terms of draft pick(s). The Ducks? I can see acquiring a 1st because they have two this year.
- Colin Dambrauskas

Maybe if we add D depth, like say Butler, we can get ANA 1st with a prospect which will likely be a low 1st (25-30). Thats with Cammi by the way.

Maybe if we add D depth, like say Butler, we can get ANA 1st with a prospect which will likely be a low 1st (25-30). Thats with Cammi by the way.
- TandA4Flames

I think you are definitely on the right track here....

I know we all like to bash butler....but as a 6-7 guy on a team looking to make a run, I think he adds quite a bit of value.

I think you are definitely on the right track here....

I know we all like to bash butler....but as a 6-7 guy on a team looking to make a run, I think he adds quite a bit of value.
- FlamesFan12

They aren't looking for D depth. They are looking for a top 4 guy. Word is Girardi. They would have no interest in Butler.

They aren't looking for D depth. They are looking for a top 4 guy. Word is Girardi. They would have no interest in Butler.
- Iggysbff

I think any team looking to go deep will be looking to add some depth at D

They aren't looking for D depth. They are looking for a top 4 guy. Word is Girardi. They would have no interest in Butler.
- Iggysbff

Sayz u....

Maybe they see a better option being a top 6 scorer with a good P.O. record AND a D man. Butler is better than a "depth" guy.

Sayz u....

Maybe they see a better option being a top 6 scorer with a good P.O. record AND a D man. Butler is better than a "depth" guy.
- TandA4Flames

the Anaheim Ducks are looking to upgrade their defence and would like to add Dan Girardi of the New York Rangers. The Ducks are willing to move Luca Sbisa, Sheldon Souray and their two first round picks in 2014 (their own and the pick they acquired from Ottawa in the Bobby Ryan trade). Girardi is slated to become anunrestricted free-agent at the end of the season.

Doubtful that they would think Butler is an upgrade over Souray or Sbisa....