Despite making zero (0) selections in the top-100, the Calgary Flames still drafted five players at the 2018 NHL Entry Draft.
Let's take a closer look at them.
C – Martin Pospisil – Sioux (USHL) – 105th overall
In Tod Button's post-draft interview, he talked about Pospisil being much more of a skill guy than his ridiculously high penalty minutes total (253 in 49 games) would suggest. Looking at the numbers, he appears to be right.
Among 53 draft eligible USHL forwards to appear in at least 25 games, Pospisil ranked tied for 5th in 5v5 points and 7th in ePoints/60 during that game state. His on-ice numbers are really encouraging, too, as Sioux scored 60% of the goals with him and just a hair more than 46% without him.
He's big, strong, possesses a good top speed, and clearly is not without skill. Pospisil seems to be a decent bet at 105.
W – Demetrios Koumontzis – Edina (HS-MN) – 108th overall
Koumontzis is a 5'10' winger who moves pretty well and has a good motor. He can read plays and make smart decisions with the puck but he doesn't have standout offensive skills. If he makes it, it'll likely be as a depth forward who can kill some penalties. I know there aren't any sure things, especially in the 4th round, but I'd have preferred a gamble on a guy with a little more upside.
C – Milos Roman – Vancouver (WHL) – 122nd overall
Roman is a strong skater who also possesses above average puck skills and vision. He's defensively responsible and committed at both ends of the ice. His statistical profile is pretty impressive as well. Roman ranked 13th among draft eligible CHL forwards averaging 2.58 ePoints/60 at 5v5 while finishing with a positive Goals For% and Relative Goals For%. I think he's really good value at 122 and is a good bet to break out in 2018-19.
C – Emilio Pettersen – Muskegon (USHL) – 167th overall
Using the same criteria as for Pospisil (USHL forwards who appeared in 25+ games), Pettersen ranked tied for 9th in 5v5 scoring and 14th in 5v5 points per 60.
He's described as a perimeter guy with good hockey sense, playmaking skills and an underrated shot.
Pettersen is moving on to play for Denver, where he should get pretty steady minutes to help him develop.
W – Dmitry Zavgorodniy – Rimouski (QMJHL) – 198th overall
With their final pick in the draft, the Flames gambled on a very small (5'9') but skilled winger in Zavgorodniy.
He is a versatile player – he has experience at center and on the wing – who can create offense for his teammates. He has good hands and an accurate/deceptive shot that makes him a dangerous scorer as well.
The issue with Zavgorodniy: beyond being very undersized, he's not an explosive skater. He'll need to improve in that area.