Weaknesses
While Belchetz is able to use his strength and size effectively, his overall game is significantly lacking, and if he's to be a true threat at the NHL level, he's going to have to play a 200ft game, especially with how NHL teams are going to deploy him.
On top of that, his skating isn't quite where a team would want it to be at this stage, as he needs to work on his top speed and explosiveness, and if he can get that up to just a solid level, he has all of the physical traits to be effective regardless of the situation.
Comparison
If Belchetz was able to completely live up to expectations, the best case scenario given for a comparison is Ottawa Senators captain Brady Tkachuk, who combines his size and skill to be a very effective two-way player, something that Belchetz could develop into one day.
However, on the more realistic side of things, a veteran such as James van Riemsdyk makes sense, as he uses his timing, his intelligence and his stick handling to create offense, rather than the blazing speed of other wingers. Either of these scenarios would see Belchetz turn into an effect player at the highest level, but he's not going to be a selection that comes without risk.
Fit for the Flames
Given the way the Flames are currently set up, a big, hulking winger with skill may not be the top priority, but if the team can land a star defenseman or a great centre at No. 6 overall, Belchetz could certainly fit their timeline, as he will need to develop before becoming a truly effective player in the NHL.
Sure, the team currently have some wingers, but with only Matt Coronato and Matvei Gridin likely to be here in 3-4 years time, the Flames still need some young talent, and given the combination of size and skill with Belchetz, he could be a risk worth taking.
When could the Flames draft him?
Belchetz is ranked outside the top-10 by most NHL analysts, meaning that at the No. 6 position, there's no way that the Flames would be interested in the talented Ontario native. However, if he passes by No. 13-14, there's a good chance that a team late in the first-round could look to trade up to land him.
On paper, it makes perfect sense for the Flames to be that team, and while they could choose to be patient and try find a future NHLer late in the round, if the team fall in love with his size, it wouldn't shock anyone to see them trade up on draft night.
Verdict
The Flames need to be smart about how they approach this draft, as there will be opportunities for them to move up and land potentially two franchise changing players in the first round after No. 6 overall. While Belchetz may not be quite at that level, he could be a very effective player for a long time in the NHL, and while the team shouldn't give up too many assets to move up in the draft, if Belchetz is their guy, he would immediately become one of their top prospects.
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