1.
Mikael Backlund, C, 20, 8.5C
Projection: Top-line centre
Born: Mar 17 1989
6’0 -- 194 lbs.
Acquired: 2009 in trade with Vancouver
After
four years of hockey in Sweden, Backlund finally made the jump to North America in the middle of last
season. He didn’t disappoint. He joined the Kelowna Rockets who were headed for a run to the Memorial Cup final. During
his stint with the Rockets, Backlund scored 30 points (12 goals, 18 assists) in 28 regular-season games and another 23 points
(13 goals, 10 assists) in 19 playoff games. Though he was held without a goal in the Memorial Cup tournament, he potted four
assists to help the Rockets to the final where they eventually bowed out to the Windsor Spitfires. Backlund also wore his
country’s colors for the WJCs for the second year and scored seven points in six games for the silver medal-winning
Swedes. Backlund is well on his way to becoming an NHL player and has a fair shot at a roster spot for the 2009-10 season.
2. Jon Blum, D, 20, 8.0C
Projection: Top-two defenseman
Born: Jan
30 1989
6’1 -- 177 lbs.
Acquired: 21st overall, 2007
The offensively gifted Blum scored 66 points
in just 51 games for the powerful Vancouver Giants last season. Blum's point total was the third highest among defenders in
the WHL, despite the fact that he appeared in just 51 contests. Although his team failed to make it to the WHL finals, Blum
won the CHL defenseman of the year award.
Blum has filled out well since he was drafted two years ago, and excels
due to his vision and top-notch skating ability. He tends to rely on positioning and a quick stick when defending rather than
taking the body. Blum will need to develop a bit more, he'll need to adjust to the larger and faster opposing players of pro
hockey before making the Flames roster.
3. Dmitry Kulikov, D, 18, 8.0C
Projection: Top-three defenseman
Born: Oct
29 1990
6’1 -- 195 lbs.
Acquired: 1st Round, 14th Overall, 2009
Kulikov
was a good value pick at 14th in this summer's draft. In the 2009 draft class, Kulikov is considered to be the most gifted
puck-moving defenseman. With Drummondville of the QMJHL, Kulikov had 12 goals and 50 assists in 57 games last year.
His game is well developed,
or perhaps even NHL-ready. The Russian displayed good faith by enlisting with the Voltigeurs last season. The 18-year-old
has set his sights on the Flames blue line for the fall, but the historical odds are against him sticking so soon. Look for
Dmitry to spend one more season with the Voltigeurs.
4. Logan Couture, C, 20, 7.5C
Projection: Top-six forward
Born: Mar
28 1989
6’0, 195 lbs
Acquired: 1st Round, 11th
overall in 2007
A blue chip prospect of the Flames, Couture has been a quality scorer at the OHL level. Couture is another year away from being NHL-ready, but an outside chance remains that
he could make the team out of training camp. With the Ottawa 67’s (OHL), Couture was a consistent offensive threat and saw his two-way game develop. Possessing good
hockey sense and strong playmaking skills, Couture has the makings of a top-six forward at the NHL level. Couture possesses
a strong ability to contain the puck down low, good defense, but he could continue to work on his skating.
The captain
of Ottawa, with 39 goals and 48 assists in 62 games, he ranked ninth in OHL scoring. In the playoffs, Couture added another 10 points in seven games. Look for Logan in
a Flames uniform in 2010-11 or 12.
5. John Moore, D, 7.5C
Projection: Top-three defenseman
Born Nov
19 1990
6'2 -- 189 lbs.
Acquired: 18th overall, 2009
Moore
could be the steal of the first round in the 2009 Entry Draft. Calgary general
manager Andrew Drummond traded down to the 14th and 18th spot from the #6 spot to select the smooth-skating defenseman as
well Kulikov. John posted 39 points in 57 games last year for the USHL Chicago Steel.
Moore has the ability to quarterback
a power play and has great offensive instincts. He knows when to jump into the rush, but also plays a sound defensive game.
He doesn’t often create trouble for himself.
It was thought that Moore
would take the NCAA route to continue his career, but he has changed plans and will play for the Kitchener Rangers
of the OHL next season.
6. Jonas Ahnelov, D, 21, – 7.0B
Projection: Top 3-4 defenseman
Born: Dec
11 1987
6'3 -- 215 pounds
Acquired: 3rd round, 84th
overall, 2006
Over the course of the past year, few Flames prospects have seen their stock rise as high as Ahnelov.
The Swedish defender came over to North America after three seasons in the SEL and instantly turned
heads as he transitioned his game to the smaller rink. Ahnelov is built in more of the physical, stay-at-home mold. With the
exception of an injury that sidelined him for about two months, Ahnelov played a lot of minutes on the Rampage blueline, quickly
becoming a mainstay in the top four. Another season of seasoning and a little more confidence in his offensive game before
Ahnelov sees significant time with Calgary in 2010-11.
7. Cal O'Reilly, C, 22, 7.0C
Projection: 2nd or 3rd line
centre
Born Sep
30 1986
6’0 -- 187 lbs.
Acquired: 6th round,
170th overall, 2005
Last season was O'Reilly made the jump to the Flames due to some trades, and he did
not disappoint. In 45 games he had 12 goals and 9 assists. In the AsHL with Quad
City he had 19 goals and 16 assists in 39 games.
Slightly built,
O'Reilly has a very good passing game and excellent vision, and has the high assist totals to prove it. A respected teammate,
O'Reilly is only held back by his relatively diminutive stature (6’0 and 187 pounds) and lackluster physical game at
the minor pro level. Having said that, he did step up his game when given a 2nd chance with the Flames in the 2008-09
season.
O'Reilly should make the Flames roster out of training camp in 2009.
8. Jonas Junland, D – 7.0C,
Projection: Top 3-4 defenseman
Born: Apr
15 1987
6'2 -- 198 lbs
Drafted: Round 3, 64th overall, 2006
After fighting past an early shoulder injury,
Junland was very good in his very 1st season in North America. He had 13 goals and 18 assists
in 70 games with the AHL Rivermen, but he continued to improve on his defensive play, which was always his Achilles heel.
The
Flames liked what they saw of Junland in training camp last season, and if not for the injury, Junland might be a regular
in their lineup now. He does everything right, and has never had an attitude problem.
Look for Junland to turn pro in the NsHL/AsHL
in 2010-11.
9. Keith Aulie, D, 20, 7.0C
Projection: Top 3-4 defenseman
Born: Jun
11 1989
6'6 -- 222 lbs
Acquired: 2009 in trade with Vancouver
Another year with the Brandon Wheat Kings, another
year of improvement for Aulie. He improved offensively (jumping from 17 points to 33 points), defensively (going from +3 to
+7 in the regular season, and was a rock in the post season with a spectacular +15 in 12 games) and played solidly for Canada’s
gold medal-winning squad at the WJCs. The 6'6" defenseman is likely to make the jump to the AHL this next season where he’ll get a chance to hone his game against older players.
10. Chris DiDomenico, C, 20, 7.5D
Projection: 2nd or 3rd
line centre
Born: Feb
20 1989
6’1 -- 170 lbs
Acquired: 5th Round, 127th
overall in 2007
DiDomenico was having arguably the best season possible before he broke his femur late in the season.
He was finding new life offensively with the Drummondville Voltigeurs scoring a mind-boggling 35 points in 15 playoff games
when he went down. It would leave him sidelined as Drummondville made its way
to the Memorial Cup final four.
DiDomenico impressed at last seasons training camp with the Flames, and helped Canada
win gold at the World Juniors scoring seven points in six games.
While his talent and determination have never
been in question, his injury will no doubt slow his progress. He is expected to miss a good portion of the upcoming season,
and it may be difficult to get back up to speed while making a transition to pro.
Chris should be ready for the pro game by 2011-12.
11. Jimmy Hayes, RW, 19, 7.0C
Projection: Top-six forward
Born: Nov
21 1989
6’5 -- 210 lbs
Acquired: 2nd Round, 58th
overall, 2008
Hayes had a respectable freshman season with Boston College,
recording eight goals and five assists in 36 games. As the year progressed, he started to earn more ice-time. Hayes also played
for Team USA at the World Juniors this past year, though he
didn’t get a lot of ice time. He scored twice in six games at the tournament.
The big forward is a long-term
project with top-six upside. He skates well, protects the puck with his 6’5 frame and has a good array of offensive
ability. At this point, he’s likely to stay the full four years at BC -- growing and learning how to utilize his size
more efficiently.
12. Spencer Machacek, RW, 6.5 B
Projection: Top-six forward
Born: Oct
14 1988
6’0 -- 182 lbs
Acquired: 3rd Round, 65th
Overall, 2007
Machacek made the most of his pro debut with the AHL’s Chicago Wolves during the 2008-09 season,
finishing second on the team in goal scoring and third in points. As the season progressed, he was given more ice time and
more responsibility and did not disappoint.
Machacek got a taste of the NHL in March when he suited up for two
games with the Thrashers, going scoreless. He plays a gritty game and shows no fear when charging to the net to score the
ugly goals. Regardless of where he starts this season, he will probably get the call and see some spot duty with the Thrashers
on their third or fourth lines. He needs to refine his game and get stronger.
His NsHL or AsHL debut will likely happen in 2010-11.
13. Brian Strait, D - 6.5B
Projection: Top-six defenseman
Born: Jan
4 1988
6’1 -- 200 pounds
Acquired: 2009 trade
with the LA Kings.
It was an exciting spring for the Boston
native as he helped the BU Terriers to an NCAA championship on April 11th. After weighing his options, Strait opted to forgo
his senior year of college and sign with the NHL Penguins.
A player who does not excel in any one facet of the game
but thinks the game at a higher level than most, Strait is never the flashiest player on the ice, but typically the most reliable.
A smart, stay-at-home defenseman, he has been compared favorably to former Penguin defenseman Rob Scuderi on many occasions.
While that comparison is fairly accurate, Strait is farther along developed at his age than Scuderi and should be able to
make a more immediate impact at the professional level.
Strait can play on both special teams, has an underrated shot
from the point, and is excellent with gap management. He uses his stick effectively to break up passing lanes and has a quick
outlet pass. He will never deliver earth shattering body checks but the thickly built defender can effectively use his body
to separate opponents from the puck.
The Flames are fairly set with their defensive group for the 2009-10 season,
so look for Strait to turn pro with the NsHL Flames in 2010-11.
14. Dustin Tokarski, G - 7.0C
Projection: #1 – 1a goalie
Born: Sep16 1989
5’11 -- 185 lbs
Acquired: 2009 in trade
with Atlanta.
Tokarski played for Canada
in the 2009 WJCs. He struggled early in the tournament, entering the final as the eighth-best goaltender statistically. He
played extremely well against Sweden in the championship game, however, to lead Canada
to its fifth consecutive gold medal. Tokarski lead the WHL with the lowest GAA, posting a 1.97 for the Spokane Chiefs, while being peppered with the most
shots against in the league with 1688. Tokarski also had the best save percentage with a .937, he also finished first in shootout
percentage, tied for first in shutouts with seven, and fifth in wins with 34 during the 2008-09 season. He will still need
to prove that at 5'11, he's good enough for the pros.
15. Yann Sauve, D, 19 – 7.0C
Projection: Top-six defenseman
Born: Feb
18 1990
6’3 -- 220 lbs
Acquired: 2nd Round 41st overall, 2008
Sauve
stands at 6'3" 220 pounds and is no doubt a defensive defenseman. This past season with the Saint John Ice Dogs (QMJHL) he improved on his previous two seasons with five goals and 25 assists in 61 games. Sauve likes
to throw his body around and use his size and reach to his advantage. He likes to play a physical game and maintains good
positioning between himself and opposing forwards. Sauve is continuing to get better as a defenseman, training this off-season
and working on his offensive play and stick-handling. It will still be a few years before he pulls on a Flames sweater. He
has one more season of junior to go.
16. Simon Bertilsson, D - 6.5C
Projection: Top-six defenseman
Born: Feb
18 1990
5’11 -- 174 lbs
Acquired: 3rd round 78th overall, 2009
The Flames scouts got their first
look at Bertilsson when he split his 2008-09 season between Brynas's Swedish Elite League team
and their junior squad with each assignment being a study in contrasts. Asked to mainly play a defensive role for the Swedish
Elite League team, Bertilsson appeared in 21 games and posted a single assist. But with the J20 team, the defenseman was given
much more freedom to prosper and responded with nine goals and 31 points in 30 games.
Expected to return to Sweden for the 2009-10 season, Bertilsson will likely be given time to develop in his native country
for the time being, especially while the Flames take the time to evaluate the glut of defensemen that they currently have
in their prospect pool. Having already shown he can handle the demands of the SEL as a 17-year-old, expect Bertilsson to begin
to showcase more of skills as he develops.
17. Francois Bouchard, RW - 7.0 D,
Projection: 2nd or 3rd
line forward
Born: Apr
26 1988
6'1 -- 188 lbs
Acquired: 2nd Round 37th
overall, 2006
After being one of the highest scoring players in the QMJHL the past few seasons, Bouchard turned pro in 2008-09 and enjoyed a somewhat successful rookie
campaign, posting 15 goals and 35 points in 64 games with the AHL Hershey Bears. He would seem like a world-beater one night
and then play like he wasn't interested on the next. Moving ahead, playing hard every shift is going to be key in the next
step of Bouchard's development.
A decent sized right winger, Bouchard has all the tools to be a successful second
line player in the NsHL. His passes are on target and he has an accurate shot to go along with above average speed. His consistency
issues might be due to his reluctance to go into the corners and fight for the puck. Many times last season, he was pushed
off the puck very easily when he was close to the boards. If he develops further offensively, look for him to possibly get
a chance with the Flames in 2010-11.
18. Ben Hanowski, RW - 7.5D
Projection: Top-six forward
Born: October
18th, 1990
6’1 -- 198 pounds
Acquired: 3rd round,
63rd overall, 2009
Drafted out of Minnesota High School, Hanowski opened a lot of eyes last season when he posted 73
goals, 62 assists in only 31 games for Little Falls High School in Minnesota.
Because of the level he played at, it
is difficult to gauge what kind of offensive production will be expected out of him as he moves up. Some things are undisputable
though, such as his ability to turn defenders around, thread a puck through a goaltender’s five-hole, and rifle a shot
off the crossbar. He has good size, at only 18 he has a thick upper body and seems to be strong on the puck. And his skating
with the puck is top-notch. Still, he needs to dramatically improve his play away from the puck, and his backward and lateral
skating need a considerable upgrade.
Hanowski is committed to play college hockey for St.
Cloud State University next season.
19. Keven Veilleux, C - 7.5D
Projection: Top-six forward
Born: June
27th, 1989
6’5 -- 214 pounds
Acquired: 2nd round
48th overall, 2007
The offensively dynamic center forwent shoulder surgery in January and decided to join his team
Rimouski Oceanic for their playoff run. In Veilleux’s abbreviated regular season, he posted 15 goals and 33 assists
in only 29 games. During his playoff run, Veilleux posted 7 goals, 12 assists in only 13 games.
Veilleux could very
well be the most offensively gifted prospect in the Flames pool right now, but has several major hurdles to cross before he
can be considered a blue-chip prospect. For one, he does not use his 6’5 frame to physically dominate opponents the
way he could. He is also too easily knocked off the puck and out of the play. Also, he needs to bulk up and add strength to
his wiry frame. If Veilleux can improve his physical play and transition to the wing, he could be a dynamic, playmaking linemate
for one of the Flames stellar young centres in the future.
20. Nicolas Deslauriers, D – 7.0D
Projection: Top-four defenseman
Born: Feb
22 1991
6’0 -- 198 pounds
3rd round, 85th overall, 2009
The Flames
5th of five third round draft choices from this year’s Entry Draft debuts at No. 20. Deslauriers is
a mobile defenseman with a good shot who can mix it up despite not having ideal size. He is going to make his mark as an offensive
defenseman and could climb up the rankings very quickly as he improves on those skating and shooting skills. With a number
of defensemen already in the system, Deslauriers will have plenty of time to develop in the QMJHL before the Flames will consider him for professional duties. The young blueliner has a lot of
development in front of him and is far from a sure-fire prospect, but possibly has the highest potential in the system for
defenders outside of Blum, Kulikov and Moore.
