MatthewFlames
Registered User
I had 3 tiers of player for this 20th pick. The top 2 tiers had 13 players. Andersson was in my top 13, but Darryl took him at 18. Vesalainen was 13th on my list and of course Brock took him at 19, so it was down to the 3rd tier, but the 14th player on my list.
Round #1, Pick #20 - RYAN POEHLING (C)- ST. CLOUD STATE - NCAA
Poehling is pretty low risk, and similar to other centers I've drafted before who've worked out, players like like Berglund and Anisimov. Also, I don't mind the lack of production as a 17 yr old in NCAA. I targeted Greer a couple seasons ago from the NCAA despite his low scoring, based on his earlier seasons, and that has worked out fine.
Poehling is a big body, strong skater, north-south kind of player with exceptional hand eye coordination. He's a leader as well, wears the "C" for the USA in International tournaments. Will need development, and he's probably 3 years away from his first pro season.
Also considered: Robert Thomas, also had the option to move down to 28 in a swap with the Habs (that would have garnered the 57 as well) but in the end I decided that I liked Poehling much more than anyone who would have been available later in the 1st.
Tried to move up into the 40's to nab Heponiemi, but failed. My tier for 51 also ran out, when Tampa took Brook and Tony took Samberg just before my pick, so I did something very unconventional; for the first time since 2004 (yes, 2004, and then it was only a 3rd), the Flames drafted a goalie on day one.
Round #2, Pick #51 - UKKO-PEKKA LUUKKONEN (G) HPK - FINLAND
It's just so hard with goalies - but this year I think the pool is better than any since 2012 - Luukkonen was 3rd on my goalie list, behind DiPietro and Oettinger. Did consider the 4th guy on my list, Ian Scott, who has similar attributes. Very athletic, well versed in the fundamentals. Has NHL size. In the end, the key was the mental make-up and puck handling. Luukkonen has proven to be a winner, and doesn't seem to be phased when he lets in a bad goal. And his puck skills are superior. Still think Scott could be the best goalie in the draft, but is getting sandbagged by his brutal team. But it was just too hard to tell. Regardless, Luukkonen needs a lot of development, especially with his rebound control, and hopefully the bad 2017 WJ U-18 performance was just a blip.
Also considered: Ian Scott
Made some half hearted attempts to trade into the 3rd to pick some faves.
Also finally ditched Dion for cap space to make some trade moves, picking up a future 2nd rounder.
Round #1, Pick #20 - RYAN POEHLING (C)- ST. CLOUD STATE - NCAA
Poehling is pretty low risk, and similar to other centers I've drafted before who've worked out, players like like Berglund and Anisimov. Also, I don't mind the lack of production as a 17 yr old in NCAA. I targeted Greer a couple seasons ago from the NCAA despite his low scoring, based on his earlier seasons, and that has worked out fine.
Poehling is a big body, strong skater, north-south kind of player with exceptional hand eye coordination. He's a leader as well, wears the "C" for the USA in International tournaments. Will need development, and he's probably 3 years away from his first pro season.
Also considered: Robert Thomas, also had the option to move down to 28 in a swap with the Habs (that would have garnered the 57 as well) but in the end I decided that I liked Poehling much more than anyone who would have been available later in the 1st.
Tried to move up into the 40's to nab Heponiemi, but failed. My tier for 51 also ran out, when Tampa took Brook and Tony took Samberg just before my pick, so I did something very unconventional; for the first time since 2004 (yes, 2004, and then it was only a 3rd), the Flames drafted a goalie on day one.
Round #2, Pick #51 - UKKO-PEKKA LUUKKONEN (G) HPK - FINLAND
It's just so hard with goalies - but this year I think the pool is better than any since 2012 - Luukkonen was 3rd on my goalie list, behind DiPietro and Oettinger. Did consider the 4th guy on my list, Ian Scott, who has similar attributes. Very athletic, well versed in the fundamentals. Has NHL size. In the end, the key was the mental make-up and puck handling. Luukkonen has proven to be a winner, and doesn't seem to be phased when he lets in a bad goal. And his puck skills are superior. Still think Scott could be the best goalie in the draft, but is getting sandbagged by his brutal team. But it was just too hard to tell. Regardless, Luukkonen needs a lot of development, especially with his rebound control, and hopefully the bad 2017 WJ U-18 performance was just a blip.
Also considered: Ian Scott
Made some half hearted attempts to trade into the 3rd to pick some faves.
Also finally ditched Dion for cap space to make some trade moves, picking up a future 2nd rounder.
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