When new GM Brad Treliving and the rest of the Calgary Flames brass step up to the podium to make the fourth overall selection of the 2014 NHL Entry Draft on June 27th in Philadelphia, it will become the highest draft selection in franchise history. While there will be more than a few talented youngsters to choose from, Mr. Treliving and company would be wise to target Oshawa Generals forward Michael Dal Colle.

PHOTO CREDIT - OntarioHockeyLeague.com

Edmonton - June 5, 2014 - The 2014 NHL Entry Draft in Philadelphia will mark a historic day for the Calgary Flames organization.

When new GM Brad Treliving and the rest of the Flames brass step up to the podium to make the fourth overall selection, it will become the highest draft pick in franchise history.

It should be noted that this year’s draft has been labeled as one of the weaker ones in recent memory but the top four or five picks all have the potential to be game changers.

With centre Sean Monahan already in the mix and this year’s selection on the way, the Flames are slowly building a nice foundation of top-end prospects within the organization.

Now the question becomes, who the heck do they take at #4?

With Aaron Ekblad of the Barrie Colts, Sam Reinhart of the Kootney Ice, Sam Bennett of the Kingston Frontenacs, and Leon Draisaitl of the Prince Albert Raiders being the consensus top four, you would have to think one of them will be pulling on a Calgary Flames jersey at the end of the day, don’t you?!

Enter Oshawa Generals forward Michael Dal Colle. In this bloggers opinion he is the perfect fit for this young Flames squad and at 6’2 and 182 lbs the rugged winger would be a great addition to saddle up alongside Monahan.

The seventeen year old had an outstanding 2013-2014 campaign in the Ontario Hockey League, tallying 39 goals, 56 assists with 16 of those goals coming on the power play.

Below is a snippet of the Hockey News’ scouting report which gives us a little better insight on Mr. Dal Colle


Assets: Has outstanding offensive instincts and can create a ton of offense--either from the wing or at center. Also owns a very projectable 6-2 frame.
Flaws: Could stand to play a more physical game, especially when in the professional ranks. To that end, he will need to fill out and become stronger overall.
Career Potential: Talented playmaker with good upside


One important asset that stands out for me is his size. With Calgary now in the Pacific Division and having the misfortune of going head-to-head against the likes of the Anaheim Ducks, Los Angeles Kings and San Jose Sharks, getting their hands on a kid with Dal Colle’s skill set and size is a must.

Also, the fact he could probably hold his own at centre doesn’t hurt whatsoever and Dal Colle likely wouldn’t become a regular fixture within the Flames lineup for a year or two…giving him a little extra time to further fill out his 6’ 2” frame. There would be absolutely nothing wrong with seeing him head back to the OHL for another year and get a taste of playing with Team Canada at the World Juniors.

All you have to do is glance up Highway 2 at their struggling rivals in Edmonton to realize that throwing all your prospects into the fire at the same time spells disaster. At the end of the day, the Calgary Flames are going to have options come draft day and in my opinion, Michael Dal Colle should be the fourth name we hear called in Philly on June 27th.

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