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With a stronghold 3-0 lead over the New York Rangers, it appears that the Los Angeles Kings are all but ready to take their 2nd Stanley Cup home in franchise history.
While I’m sure that the Rangers will do their best to fight back, this Kings team is simply too strong of an offensive juggernaut for New York to overcome. Even with Henrik Lundqvist playing his best, Jonathon Quick has some stellar goaltending of his own to offer.
And although this series could go down as “goalie vs goalie…, it would appear that the stronger offense is what will win the Kings their cup….I apologize in advance to any LA fans if I end up jinxing you. Frankly I’d rather the Rangers win for personal reasons, but I digress.
Given the above, the 2013-14 NHL season is about to come to a close and with that comes even more discussion of trades, signings, and most importantly to Calgary Flames fans – the draft.
I recently wrote a blog wherein I dissected the historical trends of drafted players in/around the 4th overall selection over 20 years, and concluded that the Flames (provided they remain on trend) would draft Leon Draisaitl. You can find that write up here for anyone who didn’t catch it.
With that established, it appears that certain players are moving up and others down, with respect to their potential draft positions. One player who despite always being near the top, appears to be, at least in my opinion, solidified as the first overall pick; Aaron Ekblad.
The reason I say this is because the Florida Panthers have made it quick clear in recent discussions that they are in need of young defensive players with a high potential. If Ekblad isn’t their clear cut choice with that in mind, I’m not sure what to offer in terms of analysis of the upcoming draft.
Many, or at least most fans, feel that teams will always draft the best player available, or BPA. While the BPA can differ depending on who you ask, it seemed to me that Sam Bennett held that respective title for quite some time. Only recently have I felt that Sam may actually drop a few spots, possibly allowing for a team like say, Calgary to draft him instead. Most of the discussion with respect to the 4th overall pick for Calgary has been centered around Draisaitl and, thanks to a radio show, Nick Ritchie. I really have no idea how this conversation came about, because in my opinion, Ritchie won’t be drafted top 10 in this year’s draft, let alone top 5. So let me say this – if the Flames draft Ritchie, it will be because they either moved their own pick, or acquired another.
Two new players who I would like to introduce to the Flames potential draftee pool are the Sam’s of this draft; Bennett & Reinhart.
Given that all teams and their scouts view players differently, have different needs, and often make trades which throws off “plans… of others, I do strongly believe that Calgary has a chance to draft either one of these players, the advantage going to Bennett.
If you were to ask me, at this point in time who I would rather that the Flames draft, I would tell you that I am equally divided between Draisaitl and Bennett for different reasons. With Sam the Flames have the opportunity to draft a potential star.
One who plays with a high level of finesse and work ethic. This is something that is highly regarded in the Calgary organization. The level of speed, grit, potential success which this player yields is something that could be of tremendous value to the franchise moving forward.
On the other hand, you have a player like Draisaitl who is a larger player, plays bigger, and is very intelligent on the ice; another very important quality. Although I wouldn’t describe Leon as a “truculent… player, which seems to be the coined term for Burke type players of late, he plays quite big and uses his frame very effectively. Keep in mind, however, that this doesn’t always translate to NHL success…he as much work to do on the physical aspect of his game as would Bennett.
All things considered, if the Flames were to end up with either of these two players, they should be smiling. There appears to be nothing but positivity in this franchise’s future given the types of people which they are bringing in off the ice, and most importantly, on the ice.
I will have more in-depth coverage of the draft in the upcoming days where we will discuss the next series of picks for Calgary. I’m sure we’ve all discussed the top 5 picks to death by now!
Thanks for reading!