[Badger Bob]

Scanned the first three pages, but didn't notice anything on it. So, sorry if it was missed and is a fata. If not, let's cherrypick.

http://www.hockeysfuture.com/article...ysis_fall2009/

The organization boasts capable two-way forwards like David Van der Gulik, Brett Sutter, and Cam Cunning, none of whom project beyond a third or fourth line role in the NHL.

Boasts?

The right side is marginally stronger than the left thanks to first rounders Kris Chucko and Greg Nemisz. Chucko has long struggled under the burden of expectations placed on a player of his draft position (26th overall). He has slowly but steadily developed his offensive game, culminating in a career-high 28 goals and 51 points last year in 74 games in the AHL. The big, bullish forward drives to the net with authority and is capable of burying rebounds from in close. His awkward skating stride and mediocre hockey sense have been impediments to him making the leap to the next level, but there are signs he's making slow inroads in both areas.
Nemisz has been a notable scorer for the Windsor Spitfires ever since his draft season, including a 36-goal, 77-point effort last year. Tall, with a long reach and admirable offensive instincts, Nemisz is also defensively responsible. He was a significant piece of the Memorial Cup-winning squad and projects to be one of the Flames better prospects going forward.

This actually seems like a fair assessment for both players.


On Mikael Bunklund:

He also failed to impress in two consecutive training camps for the Flames, despite being given long looks and favorable playing circumstances (such as skating with Jarome Iginla and Olli Jokinen in pre-season games). A strong season in the AHL will go a long way towards answering questions about Backlund's ability to compete against adults at the pro level.

Can anybody else confirm? Did Bunklund really "fail to impress" at camp or was it just the realization that he required a year of seasoning in the AHL? That was kind of the expectation, wasn't it?

As for the rest of the article, the summary of the defensive depth seems relatively accurate, but the supposed faltering of Keetley came as a surprise here (without really following the AHL much). Is Keetley really that big of a concern after just one season?

There's some concern the Flames system lacks a legitimate star who will eventually replace Iginla's contributions. While forwards like Backlund, Nemisz and Wahl have shown some promise at lower levels, there's little chance a similar star will emerge from the current crop of forwards, which is mainly comprised of grinders, checkers and "character" role players.

Definitely, there've been a problem with stuffing the system with grinders during the Sutter era, but it'd stand to reason that Backlund, Nemisz and Wahl all stand very good chances of being Flame regulars over the next few seasons.