Quote:
Originally Posted by EldrickOnIce
It has nothing to do with Gaudreau's talent, it has to do with him learning to be a pro. Not handing him the keys to the kingdom, ala Oilers.
It's about developing properly.
and it's about McDavid 
I believe Gaudreau himself could be worth 6 wins, and quite frankly that's 12 points the Flames simply do not need next year.
Sorry - but it true.
Best for his development to play in the AHL, best for the Flames future
EDIT to add: I really thought the Flames opened the door for Gaudreau to play full time in Calgary (when they did not qualify Byron).
That door is now closed. |
Gaudreau is 21 year old. Monahan is 20. Does Monahan get a full year in the AHL for the same reasons as Gaudreau?
Is Bennett 3 years away from breaking into the Flames line-up?
If Gaudreau is 80% as good as he was at the world championship he is at the NHL on any team in the league.
Byron is not making the team as a small skilled player. He is making it as a 3/4 line energy guy. He is not competing with Gaudreau for a spot or ice time. Byron is competing with Bouma and Rienhart.
Gaudreau is a RFA in 2016. He would have been a UFA in 2015 and had his pick of teams had he played the year at BU. If he isn't given a chance to play at the NHL level and make the big bucks he would have to harbor some resentment to Flames management for leading him on to sign with them.
Glencross - Backlund - Hudler
Gaudreau - Monahon - Colbourne
Bouma - Stajan - Raymond
McG - Byron - Bollig
Jones rotating in for Colbourne / Raymond.....
I have no idea why they signed Raymond. Baertschi and Granlund 3 years out?
As for the McDavid "plan" .... totally messed that up signing Hillier.
Hillier and Rammo is 6 wins better than Rammo / Berra / Ortio and McDonald
If Gaudreau / Baertschi / Granlund not in the line up was Engelland and Bollig brought in to provide cover for Hudler/ Raymond / Stajan and Backlund??
There was a whole lot of justification on the Engelland signing as letting the young guys develop..... that kind of mean the young guys will be given a chance in the NHL.. Engelland isn't going to help them in the AHL.