Quote:
Originally Posted by Flames Draft Watcher
Really? I think Bouma's pencilled in on our 4th line this year.
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I would have agreed with you a year ago, but that lost year of play is going to hurt his chances. Not only did Bouma lose that year of development it allowed other players to chance to develop and surpass him on the depth chart. It is going to make camp interesting. Bouma will have to prove that he is still capable of being a 4th liner in the NHL and that it is better to give him the position over another player who has a much higher ceiling, like Horak or Reinhart, who would benefit more from playing in the NHL than in the AHL. Also, the additions of Granlund, Knight and Hanowski may force a Bouma off the team and back to the minors. Losing last year was very unfortunate for Bouma because it was his chance to solidify his spot as a roster player. Now he's got more guys to compete with, many of which have way more talent.
I believe this is his last chance with the Flames. They have just too many players coming in that will make Bouma expendable. Next year will be worse when they add Agostino, Arnold and possibly Gaudreau to the mix. Too many bodies and not enough slots. Unless there is some serious movement on the roster takes place I don't know where Bouma plays or whose spot he takes away.