The Calgary Flames have feverishly tried to find a forward with size and skill: Matthew Wood would fit that role
With the No. 16 overall pick, the Calgary Flames select … Matthew Wood, Connecticut (NCAA)
Why pick him? As much as speed and skill are key to NHL success, the Vegas Golden Knights showed en route to their Stanley Cup victory that size will also make a difference between winning and losing. The Flames have spent many years searching for a big forward, all too often over-paying in free agency to disappointing results (we can use Troy Brouwer and James Neal as exhibits in that regard), and would love the opportunity to select Wood. It will be especially important with the top forwards in Calgary’s prospects pool all on the smaller side in the likes of Jakob Pelletier, Matt Coronato and Connor Zary.
But Wood, who was born in Lethbridge and grew up in Nanaimo, B.C., is not just some 6-foot-3 grinder who will simply go up and down the wall crashing and banging. Despite his stature, he has a slick set of hands, making him exceptional at handling the puck in close quarters and shooting from any spot on the ice. As a true freshman, he collected 11 goals and a team-high 34 points at Connecticut. He then netted seven goals and 13 points in seven games for Canada at the world under-18 tournament.
What makes Wood all the more enticing of a prospect is his high hockey IQ and consistency.
That is not to say he’s the perfect prospect. Wood’s skating, especially acceleration, must be improved for him to parlay his talents in the NHL. However, he is certainly in a perfect position playing in the NCAA ranks, which allows him more time in the gym developing the strength to become quicker and stronger on the ice. It may take Wood one or two years longer to make the jump to the NHL compared to players who are more dynamic skaters right now, but the wait could be very much worth it if he develops into an impact modern-day power forward for a team that dearly needs one.
Who are the other options? The Flames are truly at the mercy of the 15 teams before them, but in a deep draft believe they will nab a legitimate future NHLer at the 16th spot. Calgary’s most gaping hole among its prospects pool is at center — most of their top forward prospects are wingers — so the likes of Oliver Moore, Brayden Yager or Nate Danielson are potential candidates.
That said, a big winger such as Samuel Honzek or Calum Ritchie would be of interest with a lack of size up front constantly an issue for the Flames.
If a defenseman is in their sights, they definitely will have the opportunity to go in that direction, with one or all of Axel Sandin Pelikka, Dmitri Simashev or Tom Willander possibly on the board.
What else is on the agenda? The Flames have a plethora of key veteran players slated to become unrestricted free agents after the 2023-24 season, and it does not appear many of them have a burning desire to re-sign with the club. Should GM Craig Conroy be able to swing a deal that would send away a player of Noah Hanifin or Elias Lindholm’s ilk, Calgary would likely become a big player at the draft.