Does every NHL team have a drafting identity??
When discussing prospects/potential selections I've heard multiple categories used to describe the reasonings for why an NHL team will select who they will select... these include:
1. BPA - Best Player Available
2. Organizational needs
3. Safe pick
4. Transferable NHL skills/size
5. Previous chemistry with other prospects
etc etc etc...
But I think the possibility of NHL GMs and scouting staff to have drafting identities is also a huge part in how things shake down in June, most noticeable in the 1st round..
Will the Flames be more inclined to stick to a organizational need? Will they lean towards a preference of truculence? There are things we can learn from last years draft to figure out a pattern for Treliving and co.
Here are 2 prospects I think Flames Fan's should keep an eye on as the season winds down....
1. Daniel Sprong. - RW - QMJHL
Why do I think he is on the radar for the Calgary Flames? Well, he currently plays for the Charlottetown Islanders alongside 2014 2nd Rd selection Mason McDonald. He is a scoring RW prospect and Calgary could use a few of those so I feel he might be given a little extra attention by Flames scouts as they check in on Mason. Depending where the Flames draft in June, there are those who might say this is a bit of a reach pick but others would consider it a home run for CowTown.
2. Brandon Carlo - D - WHL
It has been obvious through the last two NHL drafts that size is considered a huge asset. Large smooth skating defensemen have been grabbed before others had a chance to. This is especially true with Philly drafting Travis Sanheim 17th overall in 2014, Samuel Morin 11th in 2013, and Buffalo targetting both Rasmus Ristolainen and Nikita Zadorov in the same year.
When it comes to 6'5 Brandon Carlo, there is certainly a lot to like from the Flames perspective. He is large. He is a very smooth skater. His offensive upside is improving. He is a right handed shot.
Scouts have really taken a liking to his game and there are multiple teams in the Flames range of drafting who have a big need for someone like him. After drafting 6'6 Hunter Smith and 6'7 Keegan Kanzig in the last couple years, it would be shocking not to see them actively scouting someone of his.. magnitude? stature? Um... presence?
Anyways those are my thoughts! Certainly this draft is filled with tons of talent and the Flames have multiple picks in the first 3 rounds. In my mind, making the playoffs has been the best gift of all. Selecting one of these two players would be the gift that keeps on giving.
Cheers!
Joel