Quote:
Originally Posted by JohnnyTitan
Does the fact that Hickey is from Alberta make us panic more or less? Not your typical American College player who goes UFA.
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Probably less.
Usually when a college draft prospect goes UFA, it is because they feel they have a better opportunity to break into the NHL elsewhere. Or have just as good opportunity elsewhere but can play closer to home.
Based on the top college UFAs in the past years, most choose to sign close to home. (i.e. players from Northeastern USA sign with Northeastern NHL teams, players from Minnesota tend to sign with the Wild, etc). Therefore it should help the Flames case.
The biggest factor will be how good of a relationship the Flames have with Hickey and do they have him convinced that signing with the Flames is one of his best options for his goal of becoming a NHL player.
So far it sounds like Treliving and company have done a good job building relationships with prospects.