Forwards, particularly centers generally always tend to hold the top spots in draft rankings a year out since production is such much easier as a forward. As we slowly get closer to draft day more defensemen and wingers will likely emerge. It's also why the 2024 draft was so widely viewed as weak originally since there were so few of those early blooming forwards a year or 2 out
As much as I would absolutely love a Tkachuk replacement, we desperately need Centers, unless you think Zary and Pospisil can become a legit 1/2 combo.
Not wrong but I think he will be similar to how teams were with Michkov. Michkov is comparable to guys like Fantilli, Carlson, and Smith from his draft but because those guys can all play center they had a clear advantage. I like Martone and I expect him to go top 5 but as of right now if I had to choose between him or Frondell, Ryabkin, and Misa I would choose one of the 3 centers. Martone will also probably be in high demand to the teams that have already drafted their centers like San Jose, Chicago, and Anaheim.
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I really wanted another pick around 15 lastyear, and would love that again.
I think right now he's rated around late 1st - more than a few small very skilled guys like him.
I’ve seen him quite a bit and I just think there is special talent there. Regardless of who else is available I think he’s going to be the steal of the draft. Benak for example is really intriguing too but he’s not a burner so I’m not sure how his skill translates (kinda like Poirier). Where with Schmidt he’s a dynamic skater and I think there is easily top line potential.
He could be....I'm just saying that there could be a guy fall from that top 7 to 15.
I wouldn't put too much stock into a 2 game sample size, especially when he scored 4 against a MJW team that lost Mateychuk, Firkus, Savoie, and Yager, among others. McKenna only has 1 points so far this season but I would bet he finishes the season with more points than McQueen. Especially since Basha, Lindstrom, Ritchie, and St. Martin will all be returning from their respective camps (Lindstrom being the only one that might make the NHL).
I’m not sure what point you’re trying to make here? McKenna scored 97 points as a draft -2 player, I would bot at all be surprised if he outscored the entire CHL draft class this season. Has nothing to do with McQueen likely going in the 4-8 range this season, where he was already slated to go. Nobody thinks he’s finishing the year at 3 points per game, I was just providing an update on his start.
My point was exactly my first sentence, 2 games is far too small a sample size. I'm quite confident McQueen will go top 10 but I think it's far too early to call him a clear best choice for the Flames (outside of Hagen of course). For example the org is probably extremely familiar with the younger Misa considering he also plays with Zayne.
saying they think someone is destined for the team, is not the same as saying they are the clear best choice and while I rarely agree with Yep, you're arguing against things they never said.
Where did I call him the best choice? Reasonably we can problem finish 4th last all the way to losing our pick. If we win the lottery, I don’t think we should take McQueen over Hagens. Simply stated I feel like he’s who we are destined to come out of the draft with. Our organization ending up with the hulking potential star just screams Flames.
Fair enough. My bad on misinterpreting what you were saying
