To begin this exercise, I would like everyone to close their eyes. Well, theoretically, because you can’t read the rest of this with your eyes closed. So, theoretically, close your eyes. Imagine that you are in a fantasy world where everything has gone well. This world is full of puppies and rainbows, you’re a millionaire and the Calgary Flames just won the NHL Draft Lottery.
Suddenly, the franchise that never drafted higher than fourth overall has the first overall draft pick. What a dream scenario. This is something fans have been desperately wanting, and in this world, the wish has finally come true. But the decision that needs to be made now is which player to call up. A year ago that was a no-brainer, and Gavin McKenna was the obvious choice. However, now there seems to be some debate.
So, who would you choose? We asked, you answered.
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Who do the Flames draft first overall?
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Gavin McKenna
It seems like most of our readers still want McKenna, and that’s not too surprising. McKenna still had a very good performance in the NCAA as he scored four goals and 18 points in 16 games. The problem, however, is that many people expected him to produce even more. After dominating the WHL two years in a row, many expected them to be nearly as dominant in the NCAA.
The reality is that the NCAA is a much tougher league than the WHL. McKenna is 17 years old and plays against players in their twenties. Getting more than a point per game at the age of 17 is very impressive, all while McKenna is still adjusting to the league. Ultimately, you don’t accidentally get 244 points in 133 games in the WHL.
Ivar Stenberg
Ivar Stenberg was incredible this year. He is currently just under a point per game in the SHL, with 24 points in 25 games. This is incredible production from a first year draft eligible player. Stenberg is playing against grown men, and just to be in the SHL is pretty impressive, let alone flirting with a point per game. He is on pace to break Daniel Sedin’s points record for an 18-year-old in the SHL. Stenberg is a dynamic player with top talent, two things the Flames desperately need.
Tynan Lawrence
Tynan Lawrence has torn up the USHL so far. He has only played eight games, yet he scored eight goals and thirteen points. He’s also a center, something the Flames have been looking for forever. As of now, it’s likely that Lawrence will be drafted in the middle of the top 10. However, things could change quickly if he continues this pace of production. Do the Flames prioritize their positional needs and take the player with the potential to become an elite center in the NHL?
Keaton Verhoeff
The Flames have many young, talented defensemen in their system, but Keaton Verhoeff has the skills that make him the Flames’ best defensive player. He has 11 points in 16 games in the NCAA as a 17-year-old defenseman, clearly showing the world that he is the best defenseman available in this draft. He’ll likely end up in the top three of the draft, and that’s certainly justified.
The Flames would rather have a forward than a defenseman, but imagine Zayne Parekh and Verhoeff on the backend. That would be a defensive duo that would be competing for one of the best in a few years.
Lots of talent
Only time will tell which of these four players has the best career, but as of now, any of these four would be fantastic additions for the Flames. If they can get any of these players, it will be a big boost to their prospect system, their rebuild, and their chances of competing for a Stanley Cup in the future.
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