Going to be tough for this kid to earn a contract, you would think.
There can and likely will be several changes between now and when next season starts.....but as it stands right now, he is going to have a ton of competition for not only ice time, but just a plain and simple roster spot on the Heat next season.
Curtis Glencross - Mikael Backlund - Jiri Hudler
Paul Byron (RFA) - Sean Monahan - Joe Colborne (RFA)
Lance Bouma (RFA) - Matt Stajan - David Jones
TJ Galiardi (RFA) - ??????????? - Brian McGrattan
Sven Baertschi - Markus Granlund - Max Reinhart
Michael Ferland - Corban Knight - Josh Jooris
John Gaudreau (Assumed) - Bill Arnold (Assumed) - Ben Hanowski (RFA)
Kenny Agostino - Turner Elson - Bryce VanBrabant
David Wolf (Rumored)
That's all the forwards we have that are:
A) Under contract (16)
B) RFA's and likely to get qualified (5)
C) Likely or rumored to sign (3 - Gaudreau, Arnold, Wolf)
Not very many spots open, and that doesn't count any other free agents forwards that might sign here, and doesn't count any AHL guys on PTO's either.
It also doesn't count for the potential of "wild card" junior guys like Poirier, Klimchuk or our 2014 1st round pick eeking out an NHL roster spot.
Thick competition, so Gordon is obviously going to have to really impress IMO.
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