With their first first rounder in two years, the Flames had plenty of options to choose from. Despite having plenty of left handed forwards (and small ones, at that) already in the system, the Flames went for 5’9″, 161 pound Jakob Pelletier.
What made the Flames go with the Quebec City prospect was quite clear: he can put points up on offence, play effective defence, and do both with extreme relentlessness. Often described as playing bigger than he is, Pelletier impressed Flames scouting staff with his high IQ and his high work rate, making him an irresistible pick in the late first round.