2025 Draft

[crackdown44]

I was trying to find a precedent, and all I could come up with was when the Flames traded the 20th, 24th, and 29th picks to NJ at the 1990 draft to move up to take Trevor Kidd at 11. Which ironically worked out better for NJ anyways, since they were able to take Brodeur at #20.

I remember reading a lot of articles about draft capital and how each position you move up in the first round costs more and more. I can’t cite any of it off the top of my head but I can say with absolute certainty that 22 and 23 does not get you top 10

 

[FLAMESFAN]

I think in this case I'd rather take 2 shots. That way you can afford to take a long shot on Ryabkin being that top line C, and then take a safer shot on another C prospect - and there are a bunch in that range.

 

[Mobiandi]

In the instance that the 2025 draft order sees Calgary with something like the 21st (to MTL), the 22nd (NJ), and 23rd (FLA) picks, would the latter two be enough to trade their way into the top-10?

I think we should do everything we can to move up. But a top 10 pick is the most valuable commodity in the league. The cost would probably start with Zary tbh

 

[Dack]

I genuinely don't think it would be worth it to pay to move into the 5-10 range this year. It's not a deep draft and after the top 4 it's pretty open, and knowing this, it makes no sense for a team with a top 4 pick to trade out of it.

Of course this draft also isn't deep in the sense that there's not 30+ guys who would go in the 1st round in an average year but if we're picking in the early 20s hopefully we avoid that cliff.

 

[Flames Fanatic]

This very much feels a draft where it's better to take two shots than pay the price to move up.

 

[Figgy44]

I've not done a lot of reading, but based on how people comment on it, this draft gives me 2017/2020 vibes. I think it's potentially better to take two shots than trade up unless the scouts have someone they really want.

See if we can hit a Suzuki, Norris or Thomas calibre guy with later first round picks or Lundell, Jarvis, Mercer, Lapierre, Zary, Grieg etc.

Not perfect elite 1C options, but great options at lower tier 1C/elite 2C options.

 

[Ledge And Dairy]

With Markstrom out for awhile, and Florida not going lights out, hopefully those picks end up a little closer to 20th

I think its important to remember how the draft order works. The final 4 teams in the playoffs get the final 4 spots in the draft, doesn't matter where they finished in the regular season standings. After that it's the remaining division winners (regardless of if another team finished ahead of them in overall standings, ie Carolina has more points than Toronto right now), followed by descending order in points for the remaining teams.

Right now Florida is 1 point behind Toronto for the division lead so that one is a coinflip, but New Jersey is almost certainly not catching Washington. On the flip side, both of those teams have quite a significant gap on the teams below them. It is highly unlikely any of those picks will be in the 17-21 range (3/4 of the wild card teams + the 3rd team in the Atlantic).

So if we are hoping for higher picks from those 2 teams the want should be for neither of them to make the Eastern Conference Finals.

 

[Figgy44]

I think its important to remember how the draft order works. The final 4 teams in the playoffs get the final 4 spots in the draft, doesn't matter where they finished in the regular season standings. After that it's the remaining division winners (regardless of if another team finished ahead of them in overall standings, ie Carolina has more points than Toronto right now), followed by descending order in points for the remaining teams.

Right now Florida is 1 point behind Toronto for the division lead so that one is a coinflip, but New Jersey is almost certainly not catching Washington. On the flip side, both of those teams have quite a significant gap on the teams below them. It is highly unlikely any of those picks will be in the 17-21 range (3/4 of the wild card teams + the 3rd team in the Atlantic).

So if we are hoping for higher picks from those 2 teams the want should be for neither of them to make the Eastern Conference Finals.

I'm not memorizing that lol. When the time comes, I'll just ask you or look up a draft order thingy. Lol.

 

[Darth Vladar]

I'm not memorizing that lol. When the time comes, I'll just ask you or look up a draft order thingy. Lol.

I think tankathon.com updates every day with a rough idea of what the draft order could be.

 

[Lunatik]

I'm not memorizing that lol. When the time comes, I'll just ask you or look up a draft order thingy. Lol.

Should I make you a spreadsheet?

 

[Ledge And Dairy]

I'm not memorizing that lol. When the time comes, I'll just ask you or look up a draft order thingy. Lol.

I'm just saying until the final 4 of the playoffs there really isn't any concrete order for the draft picks

 

[Figgy44]

I'm just saying until the final 4 of the playoffs there really isn't any concrete order for the draft picks

And I'm also saying that regardless of where we might draft and instead of counting cards, I'm going to just enjoy the ride and let the chips fall where they fall.

EDIT: Just wanted to clarify, I didn't mean any offense or intend to challenge you. I'm just saying I'll kick back and enjoy vs doing analysis. But if anyone else enjoys analysis, that's cool too.

 

[Kahvi]

And I'm also saying that regardless of where we might draft and instead of counting cards, I'm going to just enjoy the ride and let the chips fall where they fall.

There’s only one thing I dont want to see: Flames trading picks and prospects for veteran UFA’s for a playoff push.

Do nothing, trade UFA’s, trade veterans, trade for younger players with term, all that is ok. Even barely missing the playoffs and giving Habs a pick between 10-15. Just dont sell the future.

 

[Figgy44]

There’s only one thing I dont want to see: Flames trading picks and prospects for veteran UFA’s for a playoff push.

Do nothing, trade UFA’s, trade veterans, trade for younger players with term, all that is ok. Even barely missing the playoffs and giving Habs a pick between 10-15. Just dont sell the future.

Agreed. I'd love for us to target long term pieces, especially RFA. If Conroy blows a wad at a reasonable price for someone like Cozens or Barzal, I'm cool with it even if the wheels fall off in a way that is no fault to the team and we miss.

 

[Kahvi]

There’s only one thing I dont want to see: Flames trading picks and prospects for veteran UFA’s for a playoff push.

Do nothing, trade UFA’s, trade veterans, trade for younger players with term, all that is ok. Even barely missing the playoffs and giving Habs a pick between 10-15. Just dont sell the future.

And if Flames barely miss the playoffs, it just means that Wolf is the real deal. I’d do that tradeoff everyday: Flames and Wolf sucks and Flames get a high pick vs. Wolf looks like a franchise goalie and the pick is a late first rounder.

 

[Darth Vladar]

I haven’t really kept an ear too close to the ground this year with regards to 2025 draft eligible players, but took a look recently to see what the Flames chances might be of copping a decent center prospect or two. As nice as it’d be to land one of Misa, Desnoyers, or Moore, I highly doubt any of those three will still be on the board when it’s our turn to pick. I think we’ll be looking more so at taking a chance on two of (assuming we take centers with both picks), Wozniak, O’Brien, Gastrin, or Nilson (the latter of whom just so happens to have been born in Cowtown). There’s even a chance that Wozniak and O’Brien would be off the board come #22 or #23 if that’s indeed where the Flames end up picking. There’s also a RW who plays for the Hitmen named Kindel who’s projected to double his last year’s totals and could prove to be a decent late-round pick. Another guy who could end up being a sleeper pick is Bill Zannon who plays center in the Q for the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies, 6’2”, 190 lbs, projected to be close to 40 goals and 100 points. He and Gastrin are described as two of the harder working players in the draft. For my money, I think I’d take a chance on one or both of those two panning out as quality picks.

 

[Dack]

I haven’t really kept an ear too close to the ground this year with regards to 2025 draft eligible players, but took a look recently to see what the Flames chances might be of copping a decent center prospect or two. As nice as it’d be to land one of Misa, Desnoyers, or Moore, I highly doubt any of those three will still be on the board when it’s our turn to pick. I think we’ll be looking more so at taking a chance on two of (assuming we take centers with both picks), Wozniak, O’Brien, Gastrin, or Nilson (the latter of whom just so happens to have been born in Cowtown). There’s even a chance that Wozniak and O’Brien would be off the board come #22 or #23 if that’s indeed where the Flames end up picking. There’s also a RW who plays for the Hitmen named Kindel who’s projected to double his last year’s totals and could prove to be a decent late-round pick. Another guy who could end up being a sleeper pick is Bill Zannon who plays center in the Q for the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies, 6’2”, 190 lbs, projected to be close to 40 goals and 100 points. He and Gastrin are described as two of the harder working players in the draft. For my money, I think I’d take a chance on one or both of those two panning out as quality picks.

I've seen all of the CHL guys you mention.

I'd be pretty shocked if O'Brien made it to our picks.  I don't know what I'm missing but in an underwhelming draft O'Brien is one of the few players who has clear top 6 upside without any real flaws in his projection. There's guys currently ranked in the top 10 who haven't impressed me as much as he has so far.

Kindel actually plays (or at least is playing) C, he's a good prospect. Seen him a few times, good playmaker and a smart player. Plays with a really talented OA in Tulk but Kindel is a very effective in his own right.

I like Bill Zonnon a lot. I'm a bit confused about why he's still so low in rankings. He's a big, physical player who skates well and is also a talented passer. He's producing well even though he's still pretty raw. If he keeps up his pace I'd be surprised if he didn't shoot up lists closer to the draft.

 

[Darth Vladar]

I've seen all of the CHL guys you mention.

I'd be pretty shocked if O'Brien made it to our picks.  I don't know what I'm missing but in an underwhelming draft O'Brien is one of the few players who has clear top 6 upside without any real flaws in his projection. There's guys currently ranked in the top 10 who haven't impressed me as much as he has so far.

Kindel actually plays (or at least is playing) C, he's a good prospect. Seen him a few times, good playmaker and a smart player. Plays with a really talented OA in Tulk but Kindel is a very effective in his own right.

I like Bill Zonnon a lot. I'm a bit confused about why he's still so low in rankings. He's a big, physical player who skates well and is also a talented passer. He's producing well even though he's still pretty raw. If he keeps up his pace I'd be surprised if he didn't shoot up lists closer to the draft.

Thanks for the insight! I haven’t had a chance to watch tape on any of these guys, so a little perspective goes a long way.

Interesting feedback on O’Brien. Even if he were available when it came to our turn, that -19 is hard to ignore. It’s not like Brantford is a terrible team this year.

I found that most of the guys I read into (mostly in the top 100 draft eligible prospects) were described as playmakers more than anything else. Not saying the Flames couldn’t benefit from that type of pivot, but I tend to prioritize size and two-capability when scouting centers in particular. Which makes Zannon stand out to me even more. I’m glad to hear your assessment of this guy entails physicality in addition to playmaking prowess. He’ll be on my radar as we get closer to the draft, for sure.

Anything to report on Gastrin?

 

[FLAMESFAN]

I haven’t really kept an ear too close to the ground this year with regards to 2025 draft eligible players, but took a look recently to see what the Flames chances might be of copping a decent center prospect or two. As nice as it’d be to land one of Misa, Desnoyers, or Moore, I highly doubt any of those three will still be on the board when it’s our turn to pick. I think we’ll be looking more so at taking a chance on two of (assuming we take centers with both picks), Wozniak, O’Brien, Gastrin, or Nilson (the latter of whom just so happens to have been born in Cowtown). There’s even a chance that Wozniak and O’Brien would be off the board come #22 or #23 if that’s indeed where the Flames end up picking. There’s also a RW who plays for the Hitmen named Kindel who’s projected to double his last year’s totals and could prove to be a decent late-round pick. Another guy who could end up being a sleeper pick is Bill Zannon who plays center in the Q for the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies, 6’2”, 190 lbs, projected to be close to 40 goals and 100 points. He and Gastrin are described as two of the harder working players in the draft. For my money, I think I’d take a chance on one or both of those two panning out as quality picks.

Moore will most likely be there when we pick. O'Brien most likely gone.
I'm hoping that guys like Cootes & Martin, who are usually ranked 15-20 are available.
Ryabkin was a top 5 pick lastyear, all kinds of red flags so far, but is now in NA playing USHL. He would be by far the most skilled C at that point, and if we have 2 picks would be worth the risk.
Outside of these, guys like Reschny, Nesbitt, Moore and Gastrin will also likely be in the mix.
Is Zonnon a center? Most have him marked as LW

 

[Darth Vladar]

Moore will most likely be there when we pick. O'Brien most likely gone.
I'm hoping that guys like Cootes & Martin, who are usually ranked 15-20 are available.
Ryabkin was a top 5 pick lastyear, all kinds of red flags so far, but is now in NA playing USHL. He would be by far the most skilled C at that point, and if we have 2 picks would be worth the risk.
Outside of these, guys like Reschny, Nesbitt, Moore and Gastrin will also likely be in the mix.
Is Zonnon a center? Most have him marked as LW

My bad, I was on elite prospects, and I don’t know why I thought it said he was listed as a C, but I just checked again and it indeed does say LW. I still like his size, numbers, and what @Dack and the scouts have to say about him.

 

[Dack]

Moore will most likely be there when we pick. O'Brien most likely gone.
I'm hoping that guys like Cootes & Martin, who are usually ranked 15-20 are available.
Ryabkin was a top 5 pick lastyear, all kinds of red flags so far, but is now in NA playing USHL. He would be by far the most skilled C at that point, and if we have 2 picks would be worth the risk.
Outside of these, guys like Reschny, Nesbitt, Moore and Gastrin will also likely be in the mix.
Is Zonnon a center? Most have him marked as LW

Zonnon is playing center in the games I've watched. I think this he was a LW prior to this season though. He's looked good at center so we'll see if that sticks.

 

[Dack]

Thanks for the insight! I haven’t had a chance to watch tape on any of these guys, so a little perspective goes a long way.

Interesting feedback on O’Brien. Even if he were available when it came to our turn, that -19 is hard to ignore. It’s not like Brantford is a terrible team this year.

I found that most of the guys I read into (mostly in the top 100 draft eligible prospects) were described as playmakers more than anything else. Not saying the Flames couldn’t benefit from that type of pivot, but I tend to prioritize size and two-capability when scouting centers in particular. Which makes Zannon stand out to me even more. I’m glad to hear your assessment of this guy entails physicality in addition to playmaking prowess. He’ll be on my radar as we get closer to the draft, for sure.

Anything to report on Gastrin?

I haven't focused much on O'Brien's defense so maybe it is a weak point but Brantford does use him on the PK FWIW.

Yeah Zonnon's one to watch for sure. He could be a very interesting player.

I don't really know anything about the euro's this year. I have CHL TV so I watch games of the highly ranked CHLers but I haven't watched anyone except Hagens a little outside of the CHL. Gastrin's production seems fairly good though.

 

[FLAMESFAN]

My bad, I was on elite prospects, and I don’t know why I thought it said he was listed as a C, but I just checked again and it indeed does say LW. I still like his size, numbers, and what @Dack and the scouts have to say about him.

I agree with you on prioritizing a physical 2 way C with at least one of (if not both) of these picks.

 

[Bounces R Way]

If one of Ryabkin, McQueen, or Desnoyers is still available around in that 11-15 range then I would have no issues trading our better 1st and our 2nd or even both 1sts to move up for one of them. The prospect pool is in decent shape but the lack of a high ceiling C prospect is glaring. I don't doubt our scouts are watching these guys closely to see which they would prefer even though our pick doesn't look to be in that range and we'll likely be handing it off to Montreal anyway.

Personal preference would be McQueen, big kid still growing into his body. Can really shoot the puck and skates well if maybe a little out of control. Been injured most of the year so that's concerning but he's got the package I think is worth taking a big swing on. The kind of puck protection that would make him a playoff matchup nightmare if he pans out.
Second would be Ryabkin, another player having an interesting kind of stuttering year. Great vision and handles. A little like Kucherov with his approach to the game, probably one of the better Russian C prospects since Malkin. Very long way to go both physically and with his defensive competence and might end up being a winger.
Third would be Desnoyers who I admittedly haven't seen as much of. First impressions are that he's likely to be a well balanced middle 6 type C.

 

[Darth Vladar]

I haven't focused much on O'Brien's defense so maybe it is a weak point but Brantford does use him on the PK FWIW.

Yeah Zonnon's one to watch for sure. He could be a very interesting player.

I don't really know anything about the euro's this year. I have CHL TV so I watch games of the highly ranked CHLers but I haven't watched anyone except Hagens a little outside of the CHL. Gastrin's production seems fairly good though.

I only dawned on me after I made the comment that Gastrin was a Euro, I was just going off the lil list I made in notes where I basically only wrote their respective sizes and projected ‘24-‘25 numbers. I haven’t delved all the way in to what the scouts are saying, but right off the hop some of the key words that stick out are “consistent”, “hard-worker”, and “strong”. Apparently he scored 7 pts in two games upon returning from injury, and can play the wing as well, which is a bonus. He could warrant further investigation.