[Mightyfire89]

Originally Posted by kehatch

I updated my prospect rankings for the new off season (linked in my signature). Top 5 (or 4 since Monahan isn't on this list) below.

1. Monahan: (Plays like: Ryan O’Reilly, Type: Top six 2-way centre) Monahan is a mature prospect whose greatest asset may be his elite level intelligence. He lacks elite offensive skills but has good playmaking ability and is an opportunistic scorer. He should be able to produce as a top 6 forward. He has high end defensive skills that need to mature at the NHL level. He does not initiate contact or play a physical game, but he has a large frame and doesn’t shy away from contact. Monahan had a mixed NHL debut starting with a strong offensive start (benefited by a high shooting percentage) that tapered off as the season progressed. He finished his season with decent offensive numbers but needs to improve his overall game at the NHL level.
   
2. Bennett: (Plays like: Doug Gilmour, Type: Top line offensive forward) Bennett is sure to be a career fan favorite due to his firecracker style of play and his never quit attitude. He has an elite but straight forward offensive skill set complimented by good speed and great hockey sense. Possesses an average frame but plays a physical high energy game. May project as a winger instead of a forward, though the Flames are hoping he sticks at centre.
   
3. Gaudreau: (Plays like: Patrick Kane, Type: Small top line offensive winger) He is the Flames most dynamic prospects with elite skill and offensive ability. In fact, he is one of the most dynamic prospects in hockey. He has only average foot speed but owns high end agility. Has a very small frame but is able to slip contact most of the time. Gaudreau looked a little out of place but still managed to score a goal in his single game NHL debut. He is likely AHL bound next season, but if he continues to perform he may make the Flames out of camp.
   
4. Baertschi: (Plays like: Alex Tanguay, Type: Top 6 offensive winger) After a stellar 5 game NHL call up a couple of seasons ago Baertschi was the Flames can’t miss prospect. Since then he has struggled to find consistency in the NHL or in the AHL. He is an average sized skill winger with a high level of creativity and good 2-way ability. Baertschi has high end hockey sense and projects as a playmaking winger in the NHL. He has good skating, elite offensive skills, and he has an underrated two-way game. Although his attitude has been in question that past two seasons He is previously notable for his love of the game and his overall work ethic. Baertschi is not a physical player and his creative game can suffer from a lack of confidence.
   
5. Poirier: (Plays like: Phill Kessel, Type: Top 6 offensive winger) Explosive is the most common description applied to Poirier. Despite an awkward skating style Poirier has high end acceleration and top end speed. He is also able to make plays at top speeds, has a strong shot, and has generally good offensive skills. Despite his left handed shot Poirier plays at right wing making him one of the Flames few prospects at that position. He has the frame and ability to play a physical game and does occasionally. His play could benefit from a more consistent physical game. Poirier has success when he drives the net. He needs to work on his defensive game, though he isn’t a liability defensively. Poirier had a very strong pro debut playing a few games in the AHL to end his season.

I'm not so sure about the bolded. Seems to me, albeit from limited viewings, that Poirier plays with much more of a physical edge than Kessel.