Flames Panel Draft Style

Today I want to pick the brain of Randy. Last year Randy picked Sven Baertschi as his choice and who he believed the Flames would draft. So let’s see if he can do it again!

Obviously, the mentality come draft day, has changed with Jay Feaster being the GM. Last year he added skill with Baertschi & Granlund while securing a stay at home defense man in Wotherspoon, from the Portland Winterhawks. Feaster was forced to trade Erixon to NYR which allowed for Wotherspoon and Granlund to join the team’s prospect cupboard.

I have a few questions for Randy before we ask him for his pick as the Flames first round draft choice.

Randy will be basing his selection on the Flames remaining in the #14 selection spot.

Randy, does the signing of Roman Cervenka (signed one year deal) affect at all who Feaster and Button will select?

ANSWER: No, not all, Dearen. The Flames still want a playmaking centre. Roman is not signed as a number one centre.  This does not change what the Flames will do at all. Feaster knows the Flames are weak down the middle.

                -I agree Randy. Plus Cervenka is only signed for one year and who knows how he will adapt to the NHL game.

TSN has Craig Button, the brother of our head scout Todd Button. Craig has stated that he believes the Flames will draft Radek Faksa, a skilled centre from the Kitchener Rangers. Randy, does Craig Button have some inside info? And what are your thoughts on Radek Faksa? Keep in mind, last year Craig Button stated the Flames would draft Zach Phillips.

ANSWER: I've met and talked with Craig a few times.  I trust Craig Button as a hockey insider.  He has quite a few contacts. Faska is a very skilled player. I like his ability with the puck. He is a great passer and has great potential.  But I don't feel that he is the best centre for the Flames.

                -Many centers are projected in the first round. So Faksa may not be the centre they pick.

 I know some believe Griffen Reinhart or Matt Dumba could be around come pick #14 (although I highly doubt this). Is it at all possible Feaster will draft a defenseman in the first round? Perhaps Cody Ceci or Lampus Lindholm?

ANSWER: The only way the Flames would draft a defensemen is if Reinhart was still there. Which won't happen, Reinhart is just too gifted to still be there at pick #14. The Flames' top priority is a playmaking centre.

                -I agree that Reinhart will not be available. Yet for some reason, I feel the Flames will draft a d-man.

Randy, which prospect will slide down the table? Some reports indicate that Alexander Galchenyuk could be that guy.

ANSWER: Mikhail Grigorenko, Center (Quebec). His attitude seems to be a problem. Scouts have really backed off with this kid. He has all the talent in the world, but does not have the attitude to go with it. I am surprised at the value drop of this prospect. He is, in my opinion, the best skilled center in the draft. If he continues to drop, the Flames might very well grab him.

                -Interesting…although I believe his skill and size may be too much to pass on if I was Montreal. Matt Dumba’s name keeps being tossed around at different numbers by scouts. Perhaps the stud from Red Deer drops out of the top 10.

Here we go, Randy -- who should and who will the Flames draft with the 14th overall selection in the 2012 NHL entry draft?

ANSWER: The Flames really might trade down. Outside the top 10 picks, the Flames are seeing much drop in talent between numbers 11 to 25. The only way the Flames don't trade down is if one of Dumba, Reinhart or Grigorenko is there. But in my opinion there is no way any of those three will still be there at 14. 

In the real world, the Flames' best option, if they don't trade down, is Mark Jankowski, and he is my pick.  The problem is; he won't be there.   He is a terrific centre, who has the potential to be a number one centre. If they do trade down, look for them to go after Zemgus Girgensons. Zemgus is a skilled offensive centre, who needs some help with his all-around game. He is not a complete player yet, but has the potential to be one. I just think the two Quebec centres have more skill than Faksa. 

I should also tell you that from what I have been told, the Flames really love Henrik Samuelsson, and would love to get a 2nd rounder to draft this kid.  He has tons of ability to make the big play. Henrik has some dazzling moves, and the Flames love his grittiness.

                -There you have it Randy has selected Mark Jankowski from Stanstead. Last year he picked Baertschi and this year he has chosen a centre man to go along with Sven.

I on the other hand will go with Cody Ceci from Ottawa. If available, and I believe there is a high chance he will be at 14; he is too good to pass up. Explosive puck moving defenseman with size (which he does not yet know how to properly use) and could be a power play QB. He has been compared to a Brent Seabrook & Brian Boyle. I see him being more offensive than Seabrook.

Couple more twitter predictions from Flames fans:

@mwalsh20 – Mike also picks Cody Ceci for the Flames if they stay at #14.

@cecilekayce- Kayce believes the Flames will select C Radek Faksa at #14.

@justinbeatty777 – Justin was stuck between Faksa & Maatta and decided to go with D Olli Maatta.

I want to thank Randy for taking the time to once again give us his insight. Last year Randy hit the nail on the head and this year he goes with a bold pick. On Friday June 22 we will find out who the Flames draft with their first round selection. That’s if Feaster decides to not trade away the pick. There are some rumblings out there that the 14^th overall pick is available.

Only time will tell.

GO FLAMES GO