Calgary Flames: First-Round Mock Draft

The Calgary Flames are only a few days away from the NHL draft, so who will they end up taking with the 6th overall pick?

Don’t be surprised if the Calgary Flames moves up or down in the draft, as rumours have been running rampant, and this year’s draft could be one of the busiest in terms of trade activity. If nothing else changes from the time I write this (highly unlikely) then this is the way I see the 2016 NHL draft unfolding.

With wild-cards in the draft like Jakob Chychrun and Julien Gauthier who could go anywhere in the draft, expect there to be many surprises at the 2016 NHL draft. If the Flames keep the 6th overall pick, then I don’t see either of Pierre-Luc Dubois or Matthew Tkachuk falling to them, which is a shame considering how great of a fit they would be for Calgary. With the best of the bunch off the board Calgary will likely end up with Nylander, although I expect both Olli Juolevi and Logan Brown to be in the mix as well.

If the Flames do indeed draft Nylander, then most fans probably will be happy, if not ecstatic with the pick. He would immediately become the best right-shot in the organization, and would likely play next season for Calgary in the AHL. Here is what a scout had to say about Nylander

“He’s an excellent skater with a deadly shot, but he can score goals from in close thanks to a ridiculous set of hands. Nylander is able to make smart decisions as he maneuvers through traffic, and his ability to stickhandle in and around a dense field of sticks and skates while knowing exactly where his linemates will be makes him an indefensible threat on the rush. He’s impossible to prepare for, as he can beat you with his playmaking or his heavy shot.” (The Draft Analyst)

Next: NHL Draft: 2nd Round Targets

The 2016 NHL draft is shaping up to be one of the best in recent memory thanks to a plethora of moves potentially being made. Whether Calgary trades up, down, or simply stands pat, they will likely get a great young player. But with all the rumours and speculation, not to mention a few draft wild-cards, anything could happen.

Maybe even Jesse Puljujarvi in a Flames jersey.