The Missing Word in C-Town

P-R-O-S-P-E-C-T : anticipation; expectation; a looking forward.

It’s been a tough go for our Calgary Flames when the word prospect comes up, words like disappointment and phrases like, ‘how’d we let him go’, are usually front and centre. The trend continued this summer, when top prospect, Tim Erixon, who the Flames selected 23rd overall in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft, refused to sign his entry level contract with the Flames, handcuffing GM Jay Feaster and forcing him to deal Erixon to the New York Rangers. Erixon was by far and away the Flames top prospect. Rated 15th in the Hockey News’ top 50 prospects in the NHL, Erixon is a steady two-way defenseman who should have challenged for a spot on the Flames’ blue line next season. In my eyes, the Flames, or I should say Feester, could really only do so much in this situation and I do give him credit for getting two 2nd round draft picks (45th and 57th overall) and prospect Roman Horak in return. I question the Flames scouting staff and then GM Darryl Sutter on drafting Erixon in the first place. How, with all the testing, scouting, interviewing etc, would something so important (not wanting to play in the organization) slip through is beyond me. Never the less, Darryl is gone but there is even more pressure on this scouting staff to make sure this year’s draft produces some excitement when the word prospect is brought up around Calgary.

Mock Draft: Picks 11-20

Continuing from yesterday's look at the possible top 10 picks in this weekend's draft. TSR Guest blogger Nick Symon looks at the middle of the first round and what the Flames might do with their 13th overall pick.


11. COLORADO AVALANCHE (via STL) - Christopher Gibson, G, Chicoutimi (QMJHL)


Analysis: With the Avalanche’s second pick in the top 12, they need to address their other glaring hole, goaltending. The Avalanche did select Calvin Pickard, 49th overall in last June’s draft but with the slow development of goaltenders, it’s never bad to have more than one. Gibson, who is half-Finnish, half-British, has said to be a big game goalie. He led an offensive weak Chicoutimi team into the playoffs. Gibson has good size and is projected to be a starting goaltender.



12. CAROLINA HURRICANES - Joel Armina, RW, Assat (FIN)

Analysis: The Draft was very good to the Hurricanes last year, as 18-year old Jeff Skinner was a phenom in his first season and led all rookies in scoring. What can Hurricanes GM Jim Rutherford do for an encore? That’s a tough question but I have heard he doesn’t like selecting defensemen with a high pick, so Armina could be his guy. Armina, a big (6-3, 191) right winger has the makings of a pure goal scorer. Armina uses his size well and throws a lot of pucks on net. He could complement the 3 S’s down the middle, Skinner, Staal and Sutter, very well in the Hurricanes future.

Mark McNeill the next Flame?

13. CALGARY FLAMES - Mark McNeill, C, Prince Albert (WHL)

Analysis: Our home town Flames have been filled with disappointment when it comes to the Entry Draft in recent seasons (beside Backlund). It continued this summer as top prospect, Tim Erixon refused to sign with the Flames, handcuffing GM Jay Feaster and forcing him to trade Erixon to the Rangers. It was a tough spot for the organization but I will hold my opinion back about that for now. In my eyes, this draft becomes even more important for the Flames. The Flames need to add some size and offensive potential up front. McNeill has been compared to Ryan Getzlaf and Bobby Ryan. He can play either centre or wing and from watching him play in P.A, he is what the Flames need.