CALGARY – The Calgary Flames made the NHL playoffs after not making them in 2016. Previously, the Flames had made the playoffs in 2015, but missed the playoffs the previous five seasons so an optimist will look see the Flames as making the playoffs twice in the last seasons. The truth is Calgary has reason for optimism after a 94-point season and with the 16th overall pick in the upcoming NHL Entry Draft, the Flames can 
add one more piece of their puzzle.
The Flames are statistically around the middle of the pack in most categories. Most of them are pretty solid down the middle of the pack. On left wing, Calgary could use some help but the trust is they need more help along the right so look for the Flames to address it at the draft.
On defense, the blueline has quite a few offensive-minded defensemen. The Flames could definitely use another core defenseman to go along with Dougie Hamilton. Most of their top rated prospects are close to cracking the lineup but realistically they are more like two years away rather than ready for prime time next season.
The goalie situation doesn’t look half bad at first glance. On the current roster, the Flames have some solid goaltending and their stable of prospects appear to be solid as well so don’t expect to see the Flames look at the draft.
That leads us back to looking for help along the boards or on the blueline. With most of the top defensive prospects off the board in a forward heavy draft, look for Calgary to go for offense. Right winger Kole Lind (Kelowna) would fit the bill but if the team decides to go down the middle of the ice centerman Ryan Poehling (St. Cloud State) would be a great addition. Kailer Yamamoto has the scorers touch so don’t be surprise if he ends up in Calgary.
At the end of the day, PHN gets the feeling you will hear the following announcement on draft day in Chicago.
“With the 16th pick in the 2017 NHL Entry Draft, the Calgary Flames select, from Helsinki, Finland, Kristian Vesalainen.”
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