Flames Select Morgan Klimchuk 28th Overall

With their last pick in the first round of the 2013 NHL Entry Draft, the Flames selected Regina Pats left winger Morgan Klimchuk, who also happens to be from Calgary. Klimchuk is slightly smaller than the other players they’ve drafted so far this year at just 5″11 and 180 lbs., but the 18-year-old scored over a point per game with the Pats this past season, totaling 36 goals and 76 points in 72 games.

The Pats finished second last in the WHL's Eastern Conference in 2012-13 with a goal differential of -76, but Klimchuk still finished the season just barely a minus player with a -1 rating. The Pats' rebuilding year forced him to play in a variety of situations against tough competition, and his individual play got him into Team Canada's good books, as Klimchuk suited up for Canada for the second time last season and took home gold in the U-18 tournament earlier this spring, in which he scored three goals and eight points.

Here's Corey Pronman on Klimchuk (via Hockey Prospectus):

He has the ability to play a high-energy game, with good puck possession elements. Scouts rave about his quick hands and feet, as he can barrel through the neutral zone with the puck or pressure opponents effectively without it. He is also a very agile player, and he picks up speed well. Klimchuk can control the puck effectively on the power play; he has been used on the point as well as in a distributing role. A few WHL scouts have complimented his offensive awareness when he is affronted space with which to work. He projects as a quality player with the man advantage. He possesses a plus shot, with the ability to score from a distance. Klimchuk is a bit undersized at 5’11”, but he works hard in battles, and he will drive the net. He is also a committed defensive player.

by Hayley Mutch