Still can’t figure out when we are going to get it.
I think it's basically this:
1) if Flames and Panthers don't finish bottom 10 next year, we get the better pick of the two in 2025. So, I'm really rooting for the flames to finish 11th last next year.
2) If one of those teams finishes bottom 10 but the other doesn't, we get the worse pick.
3) If both finish bottom 10 the pick is deferred to the Flames 2026 pick with way less restrictions (I think it's only top 2 protected).
Since 3) is unlikely, and 2) likely means a pick in the 20's, I'm hoping for scenario 1) with the pick being as close to #11 overall as possible. But with the way the Flames have sold and may continue to sell, it's looking less likely the Flames won't be bottom 10 next year.
What’s the most likely scenario ?
I think there are two very likely scenarios:
1) we get the Panthers pick next year because they make the playoffs, and the Flames finish bottom 10. And the Panthers pick isn't all that great.
2) Panthers make the playoffs, Flames don't, but the Flames don't finish bottom 10. So we get the Flames pick between 11 and 16.