The Calgary Flames were expected to be active on the (imaginary) draft floor and, well, they were. Just not in the way everyone expected.
They made a couple of moves tonight. The cliffs notes: they dropped from 19th overall to 24th overall and picked up the 72nd pick and 80th pick for their troubles.
I think those moves provide really good value. It made sense for the Flames, who have a somewhat mediocre system and were initially without a 3rd rounder, to move down and collect additional draft capital.
After eventually settling at 24, the Flames selected Kamloops center Connor Zary.
There are some real questions about his first few steps, and top speed, but this kid is a player. He is one of the better goal scorers in the draft. He's smart. He can create for teammates. He can play in all situations. Oh, and he's a worker.
I speculated on Monday that Zary could be a target of the Flames because he fits the mold of what they look for in prospects. For the Flames to get Zary, who is good value at 24, and add two third rounders in the process is a great bit of business.
GM Brad Treliving deserves an A for his Round 1 efforts.
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