The Flames stayed put and ended up with the player many figured they hoped would fall in Matt Tkachuk, a high-scoring winger with bulk, smarts and grit who will fit right into a top-line winger position as a nice contrast to the smaller Johnny Gaudreau. Tkachuk has the offensive skills to be a highly productive winger, especially on the power play. Tyler Parsons was a sage selection at the end of the second round for a team in need of some goaltending depth, especially after his terrific playoff run for a London team that was unbeatable the last two months of the season.
| RND | PICK | RNK | PLAYER | POS | CTY | HT/WT | TEAM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 6 | 4 | Matthew Tkachuk | LW | USA | 6-1/200 | London (OHL) |
| 2 | 54 | 66 | Tyler Parsons | G | USA | 6-1/185 | London (OHL) |
| 2 | 56 | 56 | Dillon Dube | C | CAN | 5-10/180 | Kelowna (WHL) |
| 3 | 66 | 27 | Adam Fox | D | USA | 5-10/185 | NTDP (USA) |
| 4 | 96 | 115 | Linus Lindstrom | C | SWE | 5-11/165 | Skelleftea (Swe) |
| 5 | 126 | 119 | Mitchell Mattson | C | USA | 6-4/190 | Grand Rapids (USHS-MN) |
| 6 | 156 | 77 | Eetu Tuulola | RW | FIN | 6-2/225 | HPK (Fin) |
| 6 | 166 | NR | Matthew Phillips | C | CAN | 5-7/160 | Victoria (WHL) |
| 7 | 186 | NR | Stepan Falkovsky | D | BLR | 6-6/220 | Ottawa (OHL) |
Dillon Dube dropped on draft day after a disappointing sophomore season, but is capable of bouncing back and challenging for an NHL position in a couple of years given his skills and shot. The real gem was grabbing Adam Fox at 66th overall, the last player ranked in McKeen’s first round to get selected…much later than anticipated given his tremendous offensive upside and spectacular showing at the U-18’s. He has the vision, puck skills and sense to run Calgary’s power play some day. Linus Lindstrom was available later than was expected a couple of months ago after a mediocre showing at the U-18’s. Mitchell Mattson was high on some public draft lists, but dropped on draft day due to concerns with his sense and competitiveness. Eetu Tuulola was another hulking winger coveted going into this draft year who dropped on draft day…predominantly because of concerns about his weight, and resultant lack of quickness. Phillips was drafted because of his tremendous numbers and skill set but he’s a longshot to vie for an NHL position given his diminutive stature.
Grade – A: The Tkachuk and Fox selections and overall depth in grabbing four top 60 and seven top 120 players on McKeen’s list earned them an A.