I find the valuations on Andersson interesting on this thread. Flames fans seem to be all over the place on him.
I’m kind of getting that the expectation is that he will be a 2nd pair. If he hits the top of his potential he is a top pair (#2) and a disappointment if he ends up a bottom pair. Sound about right?
Basically how I see him yes. This is a player with a lot of tools, great offensive instincts, very agile for his size, heavy and accurate shot, cerebral defender with an active stick but not afraid to overpower guys down low. The main things I would say he has to work on is his decision making with the puck and bringing more assertiveness to his defensive game. Two things that often get better with experience. Been personally high on him for quite a while, but I would agree his ceiling is more of a #2 than a #1.
I personally see him as a probable 2nd pair but you are right about Flames fans being all over the map on the D prospects.
Some like Andersson, some prefer Vilimaki (my choice as future 1st pairing) & others hold onto the hope that the still unsigned Fox is the pick of the litter.
Not long ago it was Kulak, Kylington & Wotherspoon who are now regulars as throw ins in proposals.
Given the Flames needs Armia (who I hope the Jets keep) & Petan for Andersson seems fair (maybe throw in a 2018 3rd from the Jets).
Andersson just happens to be the furthest along in his development but yes, Valimaki and Fox have a lot of upside as well. Valimaki looks like a true blue chipper and might be pushing for a spot as soon as September, looks to be molding into the modern 2 way defender teams highly covet. Kulak and Wotherspoon were always pretty vanilla as prospects and I don't think you'll find too many Flames fans who would put them in that group, though Kulak didn't look out of place at the NHL level. Kylington is a total wildcard, high ceiling low floor. Great athlete though, can absolutely fly.
Adam Fox has the most intrigue around him, going >ppg in the NCAA as a dman is basically unheard of. Very dynamic player with the puck. There is the concern of him not signing, but from what I've seen the Flames treat their prospects very well and offer a lot of incentives to stay.