While the Calgary Flames have had the unenviable task of trying to land a blue chip prospect late in the first round of the NHL Entry Draft over the past six seasons, they have seemingly stockpiled a few good assets that could indeed turn into solid pro's in the next few years.
Though they may not be of Sidney Crosby or Alexander Ovechkin "franchise player" caliber, Calgary's picks should be by all accounts excellent NHLers one day.
And that isn't easy to do when you are consistently picking 23rd or higher year-after-year.
In 2005, the team selected 6'4", 220 lbs. defenseman Matt Pelech 26th overall. Pelech played in five games with Calgary late last season and picked up three assists. This season he has been a rock on the blueline for the Flames farm team (Abbotsford Heat), and has all the makings of a dominant NHL D-man.
In 2006, Calgary used their pick to select goaltender Leland Irving 26th overall. Irving should probably be playing in the show now, but the Flames want the twenty-one-year-old to get some playing time in the minors rather than sit on the bench. Last season, while with the Qua ...
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Article written by Daniel Sallows
Never Too Late: Calgary Flames Landing Late Round Talent
January 2nd, 2010 by Daniel Sallows Leave a reply »
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