[Drunk Skunk]

The Forwards - I expected to get a very blue collar, "lunch pail" type of forward corps, and that's what has been delivered, for the most part. There are only two players that can be looked at as scorers, Grant Stevenson and Krys Kolanos. There is a big dropoff after that. I've been disappointed in the goal output of several forwards, but I'll break that down player by player here in a little bit. They are an extremely hard working group, and are very, very rarely out-worked by the opponent. No matter what the score, they are, usually, pushing to the end of the game. Now, player by player:

Grant Stevenson - To start the season, Grant Stevenson was the elder statesman on the team. He has been extremely reliable out there, and since he has been on a line with Krys Kolanos, he offensive upside has really come through. He's also very good on both ends of the ice. NHL ready

Krys Kolanos - He didn't come here to start the year because of money issues, but after the QC group threw some big money at him, he showed up. I think he is one of the most dangerous offensive players in the league, when he applies himself. He should have no trouble scoring two or three points a game. He does not like to play defense, and looks lazy out there more often then not. NHL ready on the offensive end.

Brandon Prust - I've been asked more about him than any other player on the team. Prust started the season out kind of slow, which is understandable after hip surgery in the offseason. He doesn't throw his body around as much as I anticipated. He is very good on the penalty kill, and has really improved in the face off circle. He's also come on as a scorer of late, netting 4 goals in the last 4 games. Not quite NHL ready in my opinion, needs to play more physical(as far as checking goes, not fighting, he's ready in that aspect right now).

David Van Der Gulik - Sparky isn't going to like this one. He shows flashes of being a dominant two way player, but other times he just kind of disappears for shifts, periods, or even a game or two at a time. He's at best, in my opinion, when lined up with a couple players that aren't afraid to get their noses dirty. Not NHL ready, in my opinion

Carson Germyn - Germyn has both been a surprise and a disappointment this season. His scoring is way down from his previous years. His goal scoring has dropped by by more than 2/3rds. He has, however, taking more of an energy role lately. He has excelled playing with Stevenson and Kolanos. Not NHL ready, in my opinion, but I can see him as an NHL'er.

Warren Peters - The first thing I noticed about Peters is that he gets kicked out of the face off circle quite a bit. The second thing is that he has shifts when he is a wrecking ball. If he played every shift like that, hitting everything in sight, digging the puck out of corners, drawing penalties, he would be with Calgary in no time. Unfortunately, he hasn't. NHL ready, is my darkhorse for the next call-up.

Tomi Maki - I see a good NHL career ahead of Tomi. He is an excellent defensive forward, and no matter what the score or how much time is left, he is always going. Not a big body, but he is very physical. I see him as a Stephane Yelle type player. He is also great in the shootout. Ready for an NHL shot with third line minutes to see how he does.

Kris Chucko - Chucko is something of an enigma. It seems to me that he isn't sure what kind of game he wants to play. There are times when he plays a very hard nosed game, and other times when he just sort of floats. I think the only thing that will take him to the NHL will be a third/fourth line type style. Not NHL ready

Cam Cunning - He returned to the lineup lately after missing quite a few games. One of the most punishing hitters on the team and a great guy for an energy role. He's solid with the puck, and seems to always be looking for a guy to lay out. Not NHL ready, but I see him as an every day player perhaps as early as next season

Derek Couture - I think Couture is, quietly, the best defensive forward on the team. He leads the forward corps in +/-, and is very responsible with the puck in his own end. He plays a very abrasive game, and is second on the team in fighting majors. Not NHL ready right now, but I think he should be extended(RFA season), and he could be the second half of next season.

Brett Sutter - I like Sutter, he's a good kid. That said, I don't think he belongs in the AHL. He has shown flashes of talent, and has had two really good games. However, most of the time he looks like he's in over his head. He's small(if he's 6', then I'm 6'3"), and looks timid out there at times. I think a trip down to the ECHL would be good for him.

Ryan Donally - Has only played a handful of games, but has been an impact player. Always looking for the big hit, but doesn't do it at the expense of his responsible play. He's on the shelf for awhile, but I look forward to having him back in the lineup. Solid with the puck as well. Not NHL ready, but he has a future.

Dan Ryder - This kid can flat out play. He has a ton of talent and great vision on the ice, however he didn't look like he wanted to be here. I hope he gets things together and comes back, only if he wants to.

Dustin Boyd - Graduated
Eric Nystrom - Graduated
Adam Cracknell - Incomplete