Baertschi again leads Top 20 for much-improved Calgary Flames prospect pool

[HF Article]

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The Calgary Flames utilized the 2013 NHL Draft to continue building up the new foundation in Calgary by stocking up on talented prospects. General Manager Jay Feaster made eight draft picks and selected a group of four versatile forwards and four solid defensemen. Prior to the draft, Feaster acquired prospects Ken Agostino, Ben Hanowski, and Mark Cundari via trades of veterans. During this period, Feaster also traded a 2013 fourth round pick to the Florida Panthers in exchange for the highly touted forward Corban Knight. The change of direction in Calgary has opened up opportunities for the new prospects in the system to find their way into the Top 20 ranking.… read more



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[InfinityIggy]

People probably wont like Knight and Gillies so low, or Piorier above Klimchuk, but personally I love this ranking.

 

[12]

I know he hasn't proven anything yet but IMO Corban Knight > Max Reinhart

 

[InfinityIggy]

I know he hasn't proven anything yet but IMO Corban Knight > Max Reinhart

Based on what really? I am not saying you are wrong, its certainly debatable but its far from clear cut.

 

[Flames Fanatic]

Meh. I don't agree with some of the rankings, but its still nice to read positive reviews of our guys. I don't see how Ferland or Hanowski have a higher potential rating than both Knight and Arnold.

 

[Johnny Hoxville]

I actually really like this list. Personally, I think Monahan should be #1 and Granlund should be around 10. Other than that, I feel it is very solid and accurate (cough, Ferland, cough).

 

[TylerSVT*]

Sven at 8B is really nice to see.

Dunno about Poirier, Wotherspoon and Seiloff at 7C

 

[12]

Based on what really? I am not saying you are wrong, its certainly debatable but its far from clear cut.

Oh no doubt it's close. I just don't see any area that Reinhart excels over Knight. Whereas I think Knight has superior skating, size, shot, and grit to Reinhart.

 

[bloggerfanthe*]

Where's Nemisz? He would be in my top 10

 

[Anglesmith]

Where's Nemisz?

At least give proper credit.

 

[InfinityIggy]

Where's Nemisz? He would be in my top 10

I think he is probably in the fan bloggers top 10.

 

[Gary83*]

Where's Nemisz? He would be in my top 10

Just curious why? He needs to have a big season this year, either winning a spot out of camp or having a very good year in the AHL.

 

[MonahanTheMan]

At least give proper credit.

 

[Ashasx]

Oh no doubt it's close. I just don't see any area that Reinhart excels over Knight. Whereas I think Knight has superior skating, size, shot, and grit to Reinhart.

Reinhart is a far superior skater than Knight. From what I've read, foot speed could be an issue with Knight.

 

[HighLifeMan]

Seems a little silly to me that Reinhart is perceived to have the fourth highest upside in this group of prospects..

Based on what I saw last year he has a ways to go, and certainly does not project as a 2C at this point.

I think Poirier, Knight, Klimchuk and Granlund all have higher upsides than Reinhart.

That would be my only quibble on an otherwise good list.

 

[Guido Sarducci]

The Flames have always had a good depth of prospects but I can't remember a time when they had so many blue chippers all at the same time. Lets hope some of em pan out.

 

[MarkGio]

I really liked the rankings and the overall article. I like the analysis of Knight having good speed. I'm really curious about what he'll bring to the Flames.

If the Flames are out of it quickly and trade further veterans for future assets, we could see some very interesting things out of the Flames prospects. Reinhart, Knight, Baertchi, Ferland, Granlund, Hanowski, Horak, and Nemisz will all likely get NHL time at some point, even if its in the last few games of the season. It could make for some quality push for jobs.

 

[tmurfin]

Based on what really? I am not saying you are wrong, its certainly debatable but its far from clear cut.

I see Knight and Reinhart having the same ceiling, Knights closer to reaching it at this point in time. That's why I would rank him above.

 

[TylerSVT*]

Im not sold on Klimchuk, he seems like a 3rd liner with maybe a 2nd liner potential, same vein of player as Stempniak.

 

[Nordberg]

Im not sold on Klimchuk, he seems like a 3rd liner with maybe a 2nd liner potential, same vein of player as Stempniak.

I wouldn't mind a home grown young Stempniak. It'd be cool if he was more offensively consistent than Stemper though.

 

[Anglesmith]

Im not sold on Klimchuk, he seems like a 3rd liner with maybe a 2nd liner potential, same vein of player as Stempniak.

I agree, but probably best case scenario would be James Neal.

 

[Johnny Hoxville]

Klimchuk to me appears to have a very low bust factor, he's extremely smart and possesses very good skills. I think we are lucky to have drafted him where we did.

 

[Anglesmith]

Klimchuk to me appears to have a very low bust factor, he's extremely smart and possesses very good skills. I think we are lucky to have drafted him where we did.

He's also an outstandingly hard worker, which furthers your point. He was never mentioned as being outstanding at any one thing, though.

 

[TheDebaser]

He's also an outstandingly hard worker, which furthers your point. He was never mentioned as being outstanding at any one thing, though.

Aside from his shot.

 

[herashak]

He has above average skating, iq, playmaking, shooting, and works hard. Hope he has a couple more inches left in him he could be a lethal top six threat for us. patrick sharp esque?