Flames 2012 Draft Day Two Primer

 

 

By trading down to pick Jankowski yesterday, the Flames added Buffalo’s second rounder (42nd overall) to bring their total picks today to six. Here’s how those choices break down:

Round 2 – 42

Round 3 – 75

Round 4 – 105

Round 5 – 125

Round 6 – 165

Round 7 – 186

Trying to predict picks in the later rounds becomes a bit of a fools errand, especially considering how unpredictable Calgary’s first choice was. There is some value to be had on day 2 (at least, according to most consensus lists): Swedish fowards Pontus Aberg and Sebastian Collberg, considered potential first round offensive talents by many, are still available. A year or so ago, Martin Frk was considered a sure shot top-10 talent before injury concerns and an underwhelming return to action hurt his stock. He should go at some point in round two as well.

Matt Finn was another player who was often listed in the latter half of round one who made it out of day one. He’s an offensive, well-rounded defender, albeit slightly undersized. The Dubuque Fighting Saints have another prospect in the mix today as well in defender Mike Matheson, who is likely to join John Gaudreau and Bill Arnold at Boston College next season. (gone already!)

Another guy to keep an eye on is the Kamloops Blazers Tim Bozon. The somewhat lanky 6’1", 180 pounds winger scored 36 goals and 71 points in 71 games in the WHL. He is considered a strong overall offensive player with vision, soft hands and decent speed. His issue is mostly just gaining mass and adding strength.

Whether the Flames have any of these players on their list or not, what has become clear over the last calender year or so is the team is no longer worried about throwing hail mary passes and has begun looking for the big score at the podium. Yesterday’s gambit still strikes me as unnecessarily risky at this point, but at least the club went all in on a player they think has high very high upside. After years of picks like Kris Chucko, Kris Hogg and, god love him, Lance Bouma, the organization has clearly shifted it’s focus towards more of a risk/reward mentality.

It remains to be seen if they have their radar calibrated correctly, but it’s refreshing to see their sites are pointed in a different direction.

Make sure to stop by today for frequent updates from myself and the rest of the FN crew. If there’s an appetite for another live chat of some sort, we may be convinced to do it again. In addition, I will join Lowetide on Nation Radio (TEAM 1260 in Edmonton) this afternoon sometime after 12:20.