Well that was Vanilla.
Calgary has made no significant moves at the draft as of yet after 5 rounds unless you count the acquisition of Henrik Karlsson from san jose, he a huge Swedish goalie, for a late round pick at this draft. He's 26 and you'd imagine he's the top spot for the #2 position in Calgary this year.
The biggest and most mind boggling blunder was when Kabanov, who every scout had with top 5 skill and Lindros type issues fell into their lap in the third round and they didn't gamble on him. Instead they picked another decent third round pick in Reinhardt who had a decent season but is nothing spectacular. Sutter always said you should pick the best player available regardless of what you need, well Kabanov was without a doubt the best player available and they passed. The next pick immediately afterwards was the islanders taking Kabanov and probably giggling like schoolgirls about it, the islanders made some great draft choices!
What is with the picking of son's of ex players?? Ramage?? Well his dad helped us to a cup so let's hope he can too.
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The Vancouver trade is not good for Vancouver. Ballard is a d like many other d, nothing too special here and they gave up what amounts to three firsts for him...ouch. Bernier, Grabner and the pick they shuttled off were a lot to pay for what they got.
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Hall going to Edmonton is good for Calgary in one way, how many times have Oiler fans said, "yeah but your best player is from Edmonton!!" Well... Hall is from Calgary so hopefully that will end that. Anyway Congratulations Edmonton, your prize for being the worst team in the league has arrived.
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I attended the NHL awards last week and will have my blog up shortly, I wanted to throw my two cents in about the Draft first though. Basically it was super Vanilla and the faith that Flames fans had in Sutter is almost completely gone now. There is the Summer to make it up to use but this draft, the passing of Kabanov and the lack of needed movement has been telling. Sutter is on his last legs with fans and this Summer is his last chance.
S>O>
Agree, cant understand why he wouldnt take a chance. Any truth in Spezza to Calgary for Langkow, Regher something? Sutter would be forgiven if so.
The rumor just started as a speculation with the Flames Media. Sens would want more than Lankow and Regehr.
Langkow and Regehr is too much salary coming back, without us taking a Cheechoo or similar garbage. kabanov would have been sweet.
I'm sure sutter talked to murray and maybe even outlined a deal but in Sutter's world he is the only one that really knows.
Would taking back cheechoo be all that bad for 1 more left on his contract. Who knows, maybe he's the guy for Iggy?
Did Sutter even show up at the draft?
Wouldnt that be something if Sutter winds up getting a future Vezina goalie from SJ, Im shocked they would even trade a goalie to Sutter again.
I think passing on Kabanov was the right move. For him to drop to 3rd round like that is a very telling factor. Islanders had prior picks, Darryl couldn't afford that risk. Whatever is up with Kabanov i bet its not worth it.
This could be Sutter's best draft ever ;)
I liked 4 out of 5 picks, Holland as a 7th is a good lottery pick. Only choice I'm not sure on is Ramage.
Arnold dropped and was considered a steal yet Kabanov was taboo.. I just think if he has top flight skill, it's the third round, take a chance! AMO- yeah it might just be just as lucrative if that's what you mean in terms of picks, his trades used to be way better...or even existent.
I think that Kootney kid would have been avail by our next 3rd round pick. Definitely Kabanov was a roll the dice
but had nothing to lose
With no 1st's or 2nd's you can't gamble on Kabanov. Hmm, agency drops him, his own country wants nothing to do with him, Moncton kicks him off the team in the middle of a Mem Cup run and this is a player Flames fans want? I don't think so. There were no moves to be made this weekend as nearly all teams are tight on the purse-strings right now. All Flames can offer is salary and nobody wants it.