Todd Cordell: Calgary Flames: Aaron Ekblad, Anyone?

Todd Cordell: Calgary Flames: Aaron Ekblad, Anyone?
- Todd-Cordell

Yes Please!

I am a big Ekblad fan. I'll buy into the hype.

I am a big Ekblad fan. I'll buy into the hype.
- Blackstrom2

I've seen him 100+ times, as I said, and I can tell you he's for real.

the beard

Todd Cordell: Calgary Flames: Aaron Ekblad, Anyone?
- Todd-Cordell

good article Todd! You're pretty bang on, agree Seiloff will probably settle into a 4-5 dman at best, but we desperately need his hitting on the blueline.

I'm a big Ekblad fan as well. For whatever reason, he seems to get overshadowed by Reinhart and Nylander when talking of the 2014 1st overall pick. I think Ekblad is kind of like the Pietrangelo mold and will do very well at the NHL level. Everytime I've seen him, he's just so solid. So dependable.

Take Ekblad so the Sabres can take Reinhart!
Everyone gets what they want!

I have never watched Ekblad play but he sounds like a great guy to have. Could he be better than a highly skilled Center? Past drafts have had teams choose the Center over the Defender. Looking back I would have done the same. This season will show if Ekblad could break the trend. Looking at the stats and build I would take him, also hearing he can play physical makes it hard to take a pass. Of the three mentioned I have only watched Reinhart play and he has looked good. Can't wait to see him come through Red Deer this year.

I'm all for Ekblad. That said, if we are picking 1st overall, you have to pick the BPA. If Janko makes big strides this year in college, I'm ok trying to trade down if Ekblad sljps in the rankings.

We also REALLY need RW and early indications are that there may be some good ones available early.

For some reason I have this feeling that we will finish 2nd worst and will pick 3rd overall. (3 moves to 1 via draft lottery) in that even I have Reinhardt and nylander going 1-2 and us taking ekblad at 3. I hope I'm right because before lat season I had us taking Monahan at 5/6 so let's hope I'm right again. I really don't want first because I want the first in 2015 to get mcdavid and not have that same image as Edmonton with having multiple firsts

For some reason I have this feeling that we will finish 2nd worst and will pick 3rd overall. (3 moves to 1 via draft lottery) in that even I have Reinhardt and nylander going 1-2 and us taking ekblad at 3. I hope I'm right because before lat season I had us taking Monahan at 5/6 so let's hope I'm right again. I really don't want first because I want the first in 2015 to get mcdavid and not have that same image as Edmonton with having multiple firsts
- RedC21

Calgary's image may be just as damaged my friend. Fans of other teams are now praising them for rebuilding

Todd what do you think the difference is between Ekblad and Seth Jones? From the outside they seem very similar, so I think people are expected Ekblad to slip as well. Just curious to hear what the differences are in their game. I've seen Jones quite a bit and never really bought in to his #1 overall hype, and I'll admit I have never seen Ekblad play.

Ekblad would be nasty for Calgary. Would be a great addition to that team. It will be a tough couple years for calgary but the patience will pay off. Just think when you guys are done waiting the canucks will be terrible and all will be right with hockey

Calgary's image may be just as damaged my friend. Fans of other teams are now praising them for rebuilding
- TheNugeIsHuge

I actually like Edmonton so no disrespect when I say this but there is a difference between praising and laughing. Praising us cause we finally did something that should have been done long ago. Fans of other teams laugh at you for having 3 straight 1st overall picks. I don't expect is to be anything better than extremely sh**ty, but I wouldn't want the reputation of having consecutive 1st overalls

I actually like Edmonton so no disrespect when I say this but there is a difference between praising and laughing. Praising us cause we finally did something that should have been done long ago. Fans of other teams laugh at you for having 3 straight 1st overall picks. I don't expect is to be anything better than extremely sh**ty, but I wouldn't want the reputation of having consecutive 1st overalls
- RedC21

Not gunna lie, it was embarrassing but to defend us a tiny bit, we did win the draft lotto the one year . Honestly I like the flames more then the canucks. Im sure many flames and oiler fans can share that feeling.

Take Ekblad so the Sabres can take Reinhart!
Everyone gets what they want!
- ImThatGuy

- benny948

You have concerns with Grigs, Girgs and Hodgeson as you're top 3C?

Todd what do you think the difference is between Ekblad and Seth Jones? From the outside they seem very similar, so I think people are expected Ekblad to slip as well. Just curious to hear what the differences are in their game. I've seen Jones quite a bit and never really bought in to his #1 overall hype, and I'll admit I have never seen Ekblad play.
- The-O-G

Ekblad plays with more of a mean streak. I think he has a better shot, as well.

Where's Colin been this week?

Not gunna lie, it was embarrassing but to defend us a tiny bit, we did win the draft lotto the one year . Honestly I like the flames more then the canucks. Im sure many flames and oiler fans can share that feeling.
- Oilfan19

that is very true... Oilers>Canucks for me
but yea, I wouldn't want the stigma that comes with becoming good only after being dead last and picking 1st overall multiple years (sure you won one lotto, but that just increases everyone's hatred lol)

good article Todd! You're pretty bang on, agree Seiloff will probably settle into a 4-5 dman at best, but we desperately need his hitting on the blueline.
- Kevin R

Thanks!

nice to finally see a reality check


better to see a rebuild based upon strong D and quality centers as opposed to allstar wingers

Thanks!
- Todd.Cordell

yea i'd love a comparison of ekblad vs seth jones
i'm hesitant on picking a d-man if we get 1st overall...they tend to not pan out....
you're almost rewarded just as well finding diamonds in the rough later on in the draft

Ekblad would be nasty for Calgary. Would be a great addition to that team. It will be a tough couple years for calgary but the patience will pay off. Just think when you guys are done waiting the canucks will be terrible and all will be right with hockey
- Oilfan19