2011 FLAMES DRAFT RETROSPECTIVE
While it is still too early to call the 2011 NHL Draft a success for the Calgary Flames, early signs point to it being an extremely fruitful draft for the club.
All five of the Flames 2011 draft picks have made great strides in the 2011-12 season and their development has Calgary's director of amateur scouting Tod Button feeling quite optimistic.
"You evaluate their progression and how far they have progressed from where you had them," he told CalgaryFlames.com. "It's way too early to call it a successful draft but it's successful based on the fact that they've all made progression this year.
"Nobody has regressed and nobody is going 'How did we take him? ... Right now on the surface, we're happy with the draft. We think we did good but the full marks won't be in til 10 years down the road when we see what kind of career these kids have had."
A few highlights from the 2011 draft class include Sven Baertschi's NHL debut, he and Tyler Wotherspoon helping take the Portland Winterhawks to the WHL Championship series, Granlund making the leap to playing with men in SM-liiga, Johnny Gaudreau winning a national title with Boston College and Laurent Brossoit being named playoff MVP after he helped the Edmonton Oil Kings win the WHL Championship.
During the week of June 11-15, we'll be profiling all five 2011 draft picks and detailing their individuals seasons and achievements. Keep checking back - a new profile will be released every day!
