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Flames realistic draft possibilities

Since Jay Feaster was announced the active g.m. as opposed to the acting g.m. and a major contract was just signed in Curtis Glencross I decided it was about time to focus...on the draft. Feaster said this is Tod Button's draft which makes me think he had less input than we may have realized previously, in addition the Flames have had their new amateur scouts on the ground now for a while so I'm cautiously optimistic that we will see the Flames turn the draft record around.

Here are a list of a few guys that may be around for the Flames, start getting acquainted now, this could be our best guy in three years or less. Feaster has said they want to get more NHL ready guys than long term projects so let's keep that in mind here.

Sven Bartschi: Swiss LW 5-11 175 Lbs. This kid is small but very good, international scouting has him at 21 but a lot of scouts will have him top ten so he may be a guy they look at. His size may not be what the flames want right now however.

Zack Phillips: Canada C 6-1 181lbs. Zack is not known as a great skater, with team speed being a focus this may eliminate him already. Speed is not his strong suit though, goal scoring is and it's hard to argue with his frame and ability to score 38 goals in the "Q" this year with 95 points. Central scouting has him at 31, Hockey news has him at 9 so he is a guy that could deffinitly be around at 13.

Mika Zibanejad: Sweden C 6-2 191 Lbs. A large center who can play wing, has a strong stride and checks, hasn't proven his scoring but scouts know it's there. He is physically ready which the Flames will like and Versatile. The only issue is that most pundits would say I'm crazy for even thinking he'd drop to 13.

Brandon Saad: American LW 6-1 208 Lbs. Saad is ready to play in the NHL physically and is a decent skater, willingness to play defence and had 27 goals in the OHL, this was considered a big disappointment for him. That disappointing season could turn out in the Flames favour if he is around at 13. Ranked 14 in the Hockey News and 12 by Central scouting... let's cut the difference and say 13.

Joel Armia- Finnish RW 6-3 191 Lbs. Does a big winger who is a sniper interest you? Maybe one who is Finnish? Armia is a power forward and a power play nightmare for the opposition. Ranked 13 by Central scouting he'd be a perfect fit!

If you haven't noticed I'm projecting all forwards however if they do pick a d watch for Jamie Oleksiak ranked 19 by Central Scouting. 6...foot...7. 244 Lbs. That's right.... 244 Lbs. On top of that he has stride not often seen in big players.

*****

The draft is a huge pivotal point for me regarding the Flames. If moves happen it will be there. Here is the mandate for Feaster to accomplish at the draft, no easy feat:

1. Draft an awesome prospect first round. (from the list above this will be the easy task)
2. Acquire more picks in the first 100. If this means trading down it is a risk and something Sutter loved to do, look how our prospects are doing because of it.
3. Free up Salary and cap space.
4. Acquire a number one center.

Impossible? Close. It would take some manoeuvring but trading a huge piece like Kipper or Regehr with the Flames number one for a Center is achievable and getting 2nd and 3rds thrown in is imperative. Trading a second piece, again Regehr or Kipper for a first round pick if possible would be optimal.

Possible teams that could happen with? Take Ottawa. Would they love Kipper? Would the love him enough to trade us Anderson and their first (top five pick)?

Of course i'm just speculating but love being ripped apart so have at it.

S>O>

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