Last year the Flames made splashes at the draft, but it wasn’t by drafting anybody. Without any picks in the top two rounds the Flames sat around. This year is different, 3 selections in the first two rounds.

That didn’t stop pre-draft day news from picking up steam mostly surrounding a possible Robyn Regehr trade. Then in the morning more rumours started flying that Calgary had made an offer for 6.5 million dollar man Ryan Smyth. Two rumored moves that fans shaking their heads.

As news comes in that Regher has agreed to go Buffalo, and the latter didn’t happen (Smyth should be heading to Edmonton, thank God), fans could sit back and wait for the news of who would be taken in the first round and what type of stamp the new management would give the team.


Swiss born Sven Bartschi was selected 13th overall. He wasn’t necessarily the highest ranked player available at the time, but it certainly answers a few issues with the organization, namely highly skilled forwards.

Not that Bartschi is going to be a bonafide star, and certainly not one overnight. There are a couple years at least in development, one in the WHL, maybe two in the AHL, before he becomes an NHL mainstay.

Bartschi himself is a small left-winger who has immense skill. He played mostly second line duties on the Portland Winterhawks who went to the WHL finals this year.

Stay tuned for more updates tomorrow as the Flames select twice in the second round. How about that, three picks in the first two rounds, unheard in these parts lately…..

***Update***

Marcus Granlund selected 45th overall, was 9th on the scouting list for international skaters and hails from HIFK JR., FINLAND-JR. The Flames continue to add European skill to the roster, a risk that has high reward if this skill turns into NHL caliber. He’ll stay in Finland another year or two.

Tyler Wotherspoon, selected 57th overall, a big defenceman from the Portland Winterhawks (same team as Bartschi) will be the upcoming D man with 3-4 years of development ahead of him.

Forth round pick was John Gaudreau from the USHL at 104. Another small forward with great hands. His development won’t even start in the pros until the 2013 season (two years committed to NCAA).

Final pick AURENT BROSSOIT, a goalie from the WHL Edmonton oil Kings. He went in the 6th round (164th overall).

Flames details here.