2016 Calgary Flames Mock Draft

Reblogged from Flames Jambalaya

It is late June again and that means it is time for Randy's annual Flames mock draft. We all remember how Randy predicted the selection of Baertschi and he followed it up with the Jankowski prediction. I remember reading his Jankowski prediction and going to Google to find out who this Mark Jankowski was. 

With the Flames currently holding down the number six selection in this years draft; I do not expect an off the board type pick such as Jankowski. Let's see.

I asked Randy to give us his picks for the Calgary Flames selections at 6, 35, 54, and 56. I believe Randy agrees with me when I predict the Flames will trade one or a number of those picks to get an established goaltender.

Here we go with Randy's selections:

Yes, it's that time of year, my favourite time of year, otherwise known as the Nightmare on Randy's Street.  Yes, the draft is coming up again. The Flames have one mission, and that is to get bigger and stronger.  Here are my picks for this year's draft.

At #6 the Calgary Flames will select...

Alexander Nylander 

from the Mississauga Steelheads

Not that I want this to happen, but basically Alexander will land on the Flames.  It is evident that the Flames would love to have Pierre-Luc Dubois, but he won't be there.  Alexander is a smooth puck-handler with a nasty attitude.  He has a quick shot and release.  I do love his offensive playmaking ability.  The only downside is his play in the defensive zone. 

The Calgary born skilled winger won the CHL Rookie of the year last season and some scouts have said Nylander is the most skilled play making forward in this draft. Nylander does not fit the "size" bill for the Flames but with Tkachuk and Dubois likely going before him, Nylander is the best option for the Flames. Did we mention he shoots right?

At #35 the Calgary Flames will select...

Taylor Raddysh

from the Errie Otters

Raddysh is a skilled playmaking right winger, which the Flames desperately need. The Flames are thin up front on the wings. Taylor could be the answer.  The downside is that he is not quite big enough and will not yet be ready for the NHL next season.

I agree with Randy that our winger depth, especially on the right side is very weak. Raddysh does have the frame to develop into a more power forward type player, but that will take some time. I have the Flames selecting Alberta born LW Tyler Benson from the Vancouver Giants. This is a risky pick but the potential payoff here is worth it for me.

At #54 the Calgary Flames will select...

Tim Gettinger

from the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds

Gettinger is a big bulky forward who is very versatile.  He can play in all situations. I love the fact that he can play all three forward positions.  Tim was the Captain of the Greyhounds. He is a project, but the Flames have the patience, and he just might be the prize at the end of the rainbow. 

I like this pick by Randy. the fact that Tim Gettinger is 6'5"and now over 200 pounds will draw the Flames attention. Some may compare him to Hunter Smith, I on the other hand believe he is a more complete and offensive player than Hunter. 

At 54 I have the Flames selecting Calgary born defenseman Max Lajoie from the Swift Current Broncos. 

At #56 the Calgary Flames will select...

Luke Green

from the Saint John Seadogs

From what I have read of him, Green is a highly skilled offensive defensemen. Luke will push offensive zone play.  He is very skilled playmaking defensemen who could be a big part of the Flames' future. Also a right handed shot defenseman, that adds some value. Luke scored ten goals last year and became more physical as the year progressed.

At 56, I have the Flames selecting the now highly talked about Cliff Pu from the London Knights. Obviously Pu had a strong Memorial Cup and that helped his draft value. Cliff Pu is a smart center who reminds me a little bit of Stephane Yelle. Pu will need to become a bit more offensive, but with more ice time I believe he will.

Randy's Conclusion:

The Flames might very well try to grab their number one goalie this draft, via trade.  If they have decided to make a trade, this might be the time to do it. The Bolts and the Flames have been talking Bishop since the deadline.  The problem is, the Bolts' price is high. How much are the Flames going to waive in the future to get him? Elliotte Friedman of Hockey Night in Canada says the Flames might be willing to move down.   If they move down, I suspect it's Logan Brown that they want. I am also speculating that the Flames will want a player to play now.  Expect that the Flames might very well trade a couple of seconds to get a late first rounder.   Players like Markus Niemeläinen and Tage Thompson are available. Thompson is a no-nonsense forward and Niemeläinen a good, puck-moving defenseman. 

My other Flames selections were not required for this blog, but for your future reference, my other picks are:

Tyler Parsons at 66

Hugo Danielsson at 96

Carsen Twarynski at126

Tobias Eder at 156

Kasper Bjorkqvist at 166

Nolan Stevens at 186

This concludes another version of our annual Flames draft selection blog. Thanks to Randy for willing to put his selections on the line. I agree with Randy that although the draft is about the future of the club, the focus may be more about a goaltender for next season. We've heard names like Bishop, Fleury, Elliot, and now Varlamov, it could get very interesting this weekend. 

Stay tuned.