[belsarius]

Originally Posted by stemit14

If Boston college ends up winning the tournament, I could see it almost making more sense for the flames to sign him right away and have him play in that Vancouver game... He gets paid his NHL contract so that's incentive for him and he gets to play his first NHL game right away so that's even more incentive. And the flames could also try to sell him on the idea that the best thing for him is not to play with abbotsford in the playoffs but instead get started right away on an offseason training program through the flames trainers. In lots of ways I think the flames will put more value in him building strength in the offseason than playing in the playoffs with abbotsford. Plus it would show their commitment to wanting him to make the team next year... Showing that they want him physically ready to compete in camp so that he has a shot.

Then again, I could see the alternative as an advantage as well.

I'm onboard the skipping the single Flames game and signing on with Abbotsford for the playoffs. It extends his season a lot longer (Well at least 3 extra games) and gives him a chance to really feel the size and strength of a pro league.

Training in the gym is great and all and he needs the size but I think there is more to be said for having him play as much pro as possible right now so he has the rest of the summer with a lot more idea of what it is going to take to make that last step to the NHL. Having the Flames trainers would be great, but they will still be there in June and he will have firsthand knowledge of what he needs to do to be successful.

10 minutes in a nothing game versus Vancouver won't give him a fraction of the learning that a playoff run in the AHL will.