Quote:
Originally Posted by sketchyt
I spoke with a couple college/former ECHL'ers after Gaudreau's game against Vancouver (I heard they're no good).
Always interesting to hear the perspective of guys who played at high levels. Anyways, their take was that he had an impressive game but won't be able to take 82 games of contact. They pointed specifically to him getting taken down chasing after the puck with Yannick Weber, said that was a far more dangerous play than it seemed and only a small and inexperienced guy like Gaudreau would get knocked down like that.
A full year in the AHL with some call-up time would probably do him good.
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Maybe if Gaudreau's protective mom was the Flames GM, but I see him starting the year in the NHL. It's known that in the Flames organization you have to earn your spot and the only way Gaudreau won't earn a spot is if he's injured.
He's also not an injury prone player which is something your friends may not have factored in. Not to mention a full off-season of nothing but summer school and weight training and he'll be ready to go come Fall.
Also, it's not like the AHL is a lightweight league. There are just as many goons and tons of bruising veteran players. Pro hockey is pro hockey.
You just can't hold this kid back.