Quote:
Originally Posted by ForeverFlameFan
Just like other prospects were given time to play in the NHL when other Flames players were injured, we also got the luxury of seeing Johnny and Bill play during the last game of the season. And imo, he was the best player on the ice. Every shift that he took out there, he tried to make something happen. I know I shouldn't just slot him in our lineup right away (probably would wait until we see what happens in the tourney and preseason), but Johnny looks like the most NHL ready prospect.
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I think you are guilty of over watching Gaudreau that game (understandably). There were flashes of his skill set no doubt, and he was in the right place to score a goal, but he struggled for most of the game.
It was also a meaningless game. We saw Baertschi score 3 goals in 4 games in similar circumstances. He also finished off the next season on point terror when nothing was on the line.
Meanwhile Granlund, Reinhart, and a few others are arguably much closer to NHL ready and the coaches need to see them in the NHL. The roster can only tolerate so many rookies. Gaudreau is going to have to be much better than those guys to make the team in his first NHL main camp.
He might do it. But it's not a bad thing if he doesn't.