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ricardodw · 08-16-2013, 11:05 AM

Maybe it is because people do not consider him a prospect BUT Bouma is likely to play a lot of games with the Flames this year.

He only has 43 NHL career games so far and he is only 23.

No one would be shocked (well I wouldn't) if he ends up playing over 40 games with the Flames.

The next guy that I find fascinating as a surprise prospect is Chad Billins.

Last year he was his first year out of college on an AHL contract with the Grand Rapids Griffins (affiliate Detroit), he was their best offensive D-man and was in the AHL all-star game.

They won the Calder Cup and Billins played all 24 playoff games and put up 14 pts.

He is small but will likely be in the top 4-5 scorers for the Heat this year and be the first call up if Wideman or Brodie miss some time.

To have such a great 1st pro season without an affiliation with an NHL club is quite an accomplishment.

If Wothersppon, Sieloff, Ramage have as good a first year as Billins just finished the Flames will be looking good on Defense for the next while.

PS. It seems that the Flames are gathering more of their players from successful teams and programs rather than the Toronto-Florida best player on a bad team theory that they were using.

08-16-2013, 11:05 AM	#26
ricardodw Franchise Player Join Date: Apr 2007 Exp:	Maybe it is because people do not consider him a prospect BUT Bouma is likely to play a lot of games with the Flames this year. He only has 43 NHL career games so far and he is only 23. No one would be shocked (well I wouldn't) if he ends up playing over 40 games with the Flames. The next guy that I find fascinating as a surprise prospect is Chad Billins. Last year he was his first year out of college on an AHL contract with the Grand Rapids Griffins (affiliate Detroit), he was their best offensive D-man and was in the AHL all-star game. They won the Calder Cup and Billins played all 24 playoff games and put up 14 pts. He is small but will likely be in the top 4-5 scorers for the Heat this year and be the first call up if Wideman or Brodie miss some time. To have such a great 1st pro season without an affiliation with an NHL club is quite an accomplishment. If Wothersppon, Sieloff, Ramage have as good a first year as Billins just finished the Flames will be looking good on Defense for the next while. PS. It seems that the Flames are gathering more of their players from successful teams and programs rather than the Toronto-Florida best player on a bad team theory that they were using. Last edited by ricardodw; 08-16-2013 at 11:10 AM.