Calgary Flames: NHL Draft Second Round Targets

Jun 26, 2015; Sunrise, FL, USA; A general view of the podium on stage before the first round of the 2015 NHL Draft at BB&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 26, 2015; Sunrise, FL, USA; A general view of the podium on stage before the first round of the 2015 NHL Draft at BB&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
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Jun 26, 2015; Sunrise, FL, USA; A general view of the podium on stage before the first round of the 2015 NHL Draft at BB&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 26, 2015; Sunrise, FL, USA; A general view of the podium on stage before the first round of the 2015 NHL Draft at BB&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /

The Calgary Flames own three second round selections at the upcoming NHL entry draft, so who will they target with their picks?

The Calgary Flames own three 2nd round picks in this year’s NHL entry draft, thanks to trading Kris Russell and Jiri Hudler to Dallas and Florida respectively.  Despite the chatter that Calgary may end up packaging those picks to either move-up in the draft, or trade for a goalie, it is unlikely they will trade all three picks away.

While this year’s draft isn’t as deep as the last one where Calgary was able to score Ramus Andersson and Oliver Kylington, there still should be quality players available for Calgary. Here is a look at some of the players Calgary could target ahead of the NHL draft:

Next: Tyler Benson

Tyler Benson:

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Team: Vancouver Giants, WHL

Height: 5 foot 11

Weight: 196 pounds

Position: Left-Wing

Point totals: 9 goals and 19 assists in 30 games

Scouting Report: “A powerful kid who uses both his brains and skill to outplay his opponent. He has some skating issues that will need work, but is hard to contain down low and can really be dangerous deep in the offensive zone. He just owns the boards, protects the puck and wills himself to win most one-on-one battles. His shot is pro caliber, and he needs little space or time to put the puck in the net.” (Future Considerations)

If the name sounds familiar it should, Benson was chosen first overall in the 2013 WHL Bantam draft, and was projected to be a top-five pick for awhile now. But thanks to injuries, Benson was never able to get into a groove this year, and was noticeably affected by his injuries even when he did play, putting up 9 goals and 19 assists in only 30 games this season. He is a shorter player at only 5 foot 11, but he is very thick at almost 200 pounds.

Benson has undeniable skill, and is a gym-rat, possessing one of the stronger lower-bodies in the draft. Scouts have knocked Benson for his skating, but he is quick enough on most-cases, and owns a very good release, as well as elite offensive instincts. Thanks to a strong low-centre of gravity, Benson is very effective on the forecheck, and is difficult to contain below the face-off circles.

Taking a top-end talent who had a bad draft year in the second round is something similar to what Calgary did last season with Oliver Kylington. Calgary has enough depth in their system to take chances on players, and Benson is one of the most polarizing player in this year’s draft. If he pans out, he will be a top-six player who will play a similar style to Joe Pavelski of the San Jose Sharks, but certainly he could just as easily fizzle out and never make it to the show.

The risk seems to be worth it if you ask me, but if Calgary wants Benson, then they will likely have to use the first of their second-round picks to take him, as he likely won’t fall far in the second round, although mock drafts have him going everywhere from the late first round to the third round of the draft.

Next: Cameron Morrison

Cameron Morrison:

Team: Youngstown Phantoms, USHL

Height: 6 foot 2

Weight: 207 pounds

Point Totals: 34 goals and 32 assists in 60 games

Scouting report: “A big, strong all-around player who thinks the game at a high level and executes plays with purpose and drive. Accelerates well and has no issues getting around the ice with haste; transition game will need some tweaks. Very good vision and puck skills, and has the size to make a difference driving to the net and causing havoc for the opposition’s defence. Defensively sound, using his size to his advantage along the boards and getting his stick in place to deflect passes out of harm’s way. Moving forward, Morrison will have every opportunity to develop into a smart power forward who can play in all situations and make it difficult on the opposition.” (EP)

Another player Calgary should target is Cameron Morrison. Morrison was born in East York Ontario and played last season in the USHL for the Youngstown Phantoms. At 6 foot 2 and 207 pounds, Morrison has good size and smarts but scouts knock his skating and stamina. Morrison was quite successful last year in the USHL, winning rookie of the year and impressing most scouts with his all-around solid play.

Morrison has a high hockey IQ and boast good puck skills, as well as a penchant for scoring clutch goals. His hockey-sense should make him a safe bet to make the NHL as a bottom-six forward, although he does have top-six potential. If you believe Morrison will become faster after you can develop him and train his body some more, then he is absolutely a player worth targeting. Yet today’s game is all about speed, and if Morrison doesn’t get faster, he won’t amount to much more then a fourth liner.

Calgary should take this risk however, as they lack size on the wings, and Morrison does possess high hockey-IQ, and could develop into a nice power-forward for the club. I don’t believe his skating will hold him back as he prepares to join the University of Notre Dame next season.  Since he will play in the NCAA next year, he likely is a long-term development-type player despite having NHL size. Calgary should look at taking Morrison with one of their later second round picks, as he could be one of the fallers in this year’s draft. Although taking him with the 35th overall pick wouldn’t be a bad idea either as they would ensure the young man doesn’t get drafted elsewhere.

Next: Frederic Allard

Frederic Allard:

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Team: Chicoutimi Saguenéens, QMJHL

Height: 6 foot 1

Weight:179 pounds

Position: Defence

Point totals: 14 goals and 45 assists in 64 games

Scouting report:  “A tenacious two-way defenceman that has a distinct willingness to do whatever it takes to keep his team up. Battles hard for puck possession and has a very good active stick. Not consistent enough to be relied upon in all situations, especially under high pressure, but is definitely getting there and his game is rounding out well at an accelerated pace. Possesses a hard, accurate shot and is creative with his passes. As such, his primary function as an offensive defenceman is to be played on the forecheck and in situations where pressure is sustained. All-in-all, a hard-nosed two-way defenceman that has the raw tools and the upward-trending tendencies that point to a positive development path. “(Curtis Joe, EP 2016)

Frederic Allard is a defence-man for the Chicoutimi Saguenéens of the QMJHL, known as a two-way guy with some offence who plays with an edge. Allard has decent size at 6 foot 1, but needs more bulk, and muscle to maintain his style of play in the NHL. As you can see from his offensive numbers, Allard has great offensive instincts, but the real reason why I like Allard is the edge he plays with all the time. Allard can be nasty and very energetic, blending skill and snarl similarly to another french defender, Kris Letang.

Allard is still a work in progress, and he likely doesn’t have the elite hockey IQ of Kris Letang, but he does have undeniable skill with an on-ice personality you cannot teach. Allard will have to get bigger and stronger as well as learn the defensive nuances of the game and become more consistent.

But all these things are teachable, and the player that Allard projects to be is the type of player every team needs, a two-way guy with some bite. Expect Allard to go in the middle of the second round, so Calgary might be able to snatch him up with one of their two later second round picks.

Next: Jordan Kyrou

Jordan Kyrou:

Team: Sarnia Sting, OHL

Height: 6 feet tall

Weight: 170 pounds

Position: Right-wing

Point totals: 17 goals and 34 assists in 65 games

Scouting report: “A highly mobile transitional two-way playmaker who always looks poised and reads the game well. A strong skater who moves with a natural ease and accelerates with purpose and drive. Defensively looks to block passing lanes and battle for puck possession. Transitions to offence tremendously well and is very dangerous with the puck. Displays excellent puck control and has a quick release on his shot. His forte is his ability to make plays, as his creativity and hockey sense seem to take over on the attack. All-in-all, a hard-working two-way player who can be relied upon in all situations to make a positive difference.”  [Curtis Joe, EliteProspects 2016]

Jordan Kyrou is a right-winger for the Sarnia Sting of the OHL. Weighing in at 170 pounds and standing 6 feet tall, Kyrou is averaged size at best. Despite only putting up 17 goals in 65 games, Kyrou has an excellent release and is very adept at putting the puck in the net, evidence by scoring 5 goals in 7 games at the U-18’s for Team Canada.

Kyrou lacks elite offensive instincts, but is nonetheless still a smart and crafty player who possess a good release. He is a right-shot, and would instantly become the Flames top right-shot prospect if drafted. His quick-release and solid motor should make him a nice second-line winger if he pans out. The fact that Kyrou got better and better as the year wore on, scoring a point-per game pace in the playoffs and impressing at the U-18’s, is an encouraging sign his game is growing in the right direction. It is a positive sign when a player trends upward, as it likely means they have potential and will continue to get better with time.

With a little development Kyrou could become a solid player who would fill a need for the Flames. Kyrou could go anywhere from the middle to late second round, so I wouldn’t take him with Calgary’s first second round pick, but he should be a good pick up for the Flames if he is still available in the latter stages of the second round.

Next: Janne Kuokkanen

Janne Kuokkanen:

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Team: Karpat Junior, Finland

Height: 6 foot 1

Weight: 179

Position: Forward

Point totals:  22 goals and 31 assists in 47 games

Scouting report: “Fluid long strider who can play a high paced game with skill and creativity. Has impressive offensive capabilities and his ability to make quick decisions is why he verbally runs his teams power play. Versatile enough to play all three forward positions with excellent understanding, agility, and vision. Makes quick decisions. Finds open ice, utilizes his feet and stick to deke opponents , and use his soft hands to give and receive back the puck. Not a speed demon or a player with a heavy shot; just one who can use his quickness, vision, and finesse to make plays. He is good in puck pursuit. He has a fast release. Not a wall guy or one that engages much physically. Not strong on the wall or on the puck in confrontations, mostly because he simply isn’t developed enough physically to be one. Long term developmental prospect. ” (Bill Placzek)

Janne Kuokkanen is a Finnish forward who played in Finlands junior league this past season scoring 22 goals and 31 assists in 47 games. Kuokkanen isn’t the biggest player, owning average height and a rail-thin body, but he doesn’t let it affect his game. The biggest thing about Kuokkanen is his goal-scoring ability, any team drafting Kuokkanen won’t be drafting him as a two-way guy. Kuokkanen is a pure offensive talent who possess one of the quickest releases outside the first round.

He has great vision, instincts, and is very lethal on the power-play. Kuokkanen does play a perimeter game, and he doesn’t often physically engage in games, but Calgary has a multitude of players with grit and competitiveness, and they don’t have enough pure-goal scoring talent in their system. Kuokkanen is very much a boom or bust player as his offensive talent creates a high-ceiling for the young man. His lack of physicality and his ineptitude on the defensive side of the game make him a risky pick. Kuokkanen had a very impressive U-18’s where he put up 7 points in 7 games for Finland, en route to winning a gold medal.

Kuokkanen is exactly the type of player the Flames would like to have in their systems going forward, sure he has boom or bust potential, but why not take a risk on a player who could end-up as a top-six forward rather than betting on a player who will only ever be a bottom-six guy, or bottom-pairing defender? If the Flames pick Kuokkanen they will have to be patient as he likely will play a few more seasons in Finland and need some seasoning in the minors before he is NHL ready.

Kuokkanen will be a late-second round pick who could very well fall into the third. Since Calgary will pick high in the third-round, it might be a good idea to draft him there instead, depending of course on the players available when Calgary picks in the second round.

Next: Sean Day

Sean Day:

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Team:  Mississauga Steelheads, OHL

Height: 6 foot 2

Weight: 229 pounds

Position: Defense

Point totals:  6 goals and 16 assists in 57 games.

Scouting Report: “A mobile two-way defenceman who boasts an elite level skill package. Strong on the forecheck and delivers hard shots and crisp passes. His consistency and enthusiasm exhibited at the game’s defining moments does seem to wane, and the pressure felt seems to impact his decision-making slightly. When focusing on simplifying his game and getting all the little things right, he becomes a forceful impact that is hungry to be a difference maker. All-in-all, a talented two-way defenceman who has all of the raw abilities in place to become an elite defenceman, but has yet to put it all together and prove that he can thrive in the driver’s seat.”  (Curtis Joe, EP 2015)

Another name that should sound familiar is Sean Day. Day is the first player granted exceptional status by the OHL that hasn’t gone on the hype-train to NHL stardom (see John Tavares, Aaron Ekblad, and Connor McDavid). Day is a defence-man who played for the Mississauga Steelheads of the OHL, putting up 6 goals and 16 assists in 57 games. Day has elite physical tools and a solid frame, but has struggled with diet and conditioning issues, at one point weighing close to 250 pounds. Although Day could stand to lose some weight at 230 pounds, he still possess elite skating and agility, reminiscent of Dustin Byfuglien of the Winnipeg Jets.

Any team drafting Day will likely face a lot of baggage as he has struggled with a plethora of off-ice issues, leaving some scouts to question whether he even wants to make the NHL. But Day still has untapped potential and elite physical tools that made the OHL grant him exceptional status in  to play as a 15 year old in a league with players as old as 21. Day likely won’t be an offensive producer at the NHL level, but I still think he has more to give offensively then he has shown thus far.

Using a pick on a player with such conditioning and commitment issues is risky, but if the Flames feel that Day has any chance of turning his career around and getting ultra-serious about hockey, then he is absolutely worth a look. So what if he doesn’t pan out, the Flames have so many quality defence-men that they can afford to gamble on this kid, because if Day does pan-out and gets serious about getting into shape, then Calgary could have the steal of the draft.

Since Day has so much baggage, the Flames would be wise to use no higher then a third-round pick on him, unless his interview at the draft combine blew them away.  If he is available anywhere after the third-round, then Calgary should absolutely take him.

Related Story: Draft Profile: Logan Brown

Every year players fall into the second-round who by all accounts should be first-rounders on draft day. Since the Flames own the 35th overall pick they have a chance to get one of the players who slip into the second round, and thusly might not target some of the second-rounders I have profiled here. Players like Brett Howden, Tage Thompson, Cliff Pu, and Vitali Abramov are all first-round talents that could fall to the Flames at 35 overall.

But if the Flames keep their picks and don’t have a shot at any first-round fallers, then they still will end up with some great and diversified talent. As mentioned the Flames would be smart to target some of the higher-potential players as their depth will allow them to take risks and target players who can actually play prominent roles for the club instead of taking the “safe” picks who will only amount to puck-chasers and bottom-pairing defenders.

Next: Draft Profile: Olli Juolevi

Since the draft isn’t as deep as last year’s, Calgary’s scouts will have to have work a little harder to get premium talent. But if the Flames are able to land any of the players profiled here, than they certainly will add some talent to an already deep prospect pool, and with three second round picks, I like their chances.

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