Calgary Flames

On Rasmussen, Elliott and Parsons
May 21, 2017, 1:14 PM ET [5 Comments]
Todd Cordell
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1) One name I've seen mentioned quite a bit as a possible target for the Calgary Flames at 16th overall is forward Michael Rasmussen.

Everyone is always looking for the next dominant power forward so, on the surface, it's not hard to see why a 6'5' center who averaged a little more than a point per game is being hyped up.

In saying that, he is a guy I'd be wary of taking as highly as he is projected to go.

The biggest reason for this is a lack of even-strength production. Rasmussen tallied just 24 even-strength points this season, which tied him for 74th among draft-eligible players in the CHL.

His rate stats don't paint a pretty picture, either, as he averaged just 1.68 points per 60 minutes played. Over the last few years, CHL players to score at that rate include Brett McKenzie (undrafted during first year of eligibility, 7th round pick the following season), Tyler Steenbergen (undrafted, remains unsigned) and fellow Flames prospect Pavel Karnaukov (5th round pick, now playing in Europe). Comparables eligible for this draft class include Albert Michnac, Ryan Bowen, and Matthew Wedman. Not exactly good company to be keeping.

Power play production isn't worthless, obviously, but the majority of every game is played at evens. History suggests if you can't produce during that game state in junior, you probably won't in the NHL.



2) It seems unlikely the Flames will bring Brian Elliott back and, as such, his name is starting to be linked to other teams. One rumored landing spot that makes a lot of sense to me is the Winnipeg Jets.

Elliott would be a very affordable option who could provide good goaltending in tandem with Connor Hellebuyck. If the latter starts to play to his potential and takes the net for a bit, Elliott has shown he can be effective coming out of extended rest. If Hellebuyck struggles like he did in stretches last season, Elliott is good enough to keep the Jets competitive and string together quality starts.

I still think re-signing Elliott would be a good option for the Flames -- he is a good bounce back candidate and would come cheap, allowing them to spend elsewhere -- but it seems like that ship has probably sailed. If that's the case, I think Winnipeg would be a good landing spot for him.

3) The OHL recently announced first, second and third-team all-stars for the 2016-17 season and Flames prospect Tyler Parsons was featured on the second-team (Habs prospect Michael McNiven made the first-team).

The 19-year-old started 34 regular games for London and posted a .925 save percentage, which was 1st among all goaltenders to play in 30 or more games.

He has registered a .920 save percentage or better in consecutive years while being one of the best, and most consistent goaltenders, in the OHL. I think he's ready to take the next step and play in Stockton next season. In saying that, I wouldn't be surprised if he has to spend one more year in London as the Flames have a pretty clogged depth chart between the pipes.