[Pierre "Monster" McGuire]

Guys, PTOs mean they'll be playing in the AHL for a minimum of 25 games. That's what the PTO guarantees.

So if they did in fact sign actual PTOs (and aren't merely camp invites), Yonkman and Gillies would effectively members of Adirondack as of now. They will not make the Calgary Flames.

As to their abilities. Gillies is alright as a person. The reason he didn't play more last season is because Ftorek took one look at him and told him he's too fat and won't play a game until he loses some weight. So every day, while the players were on the ice practicing, Gillies ran the stairs in the arena. Sure enough, he lost a ton of weight and got in some games. When he did play, he didn't hurt the team. He was just... there. But Gillies has a reputation and I know for a fact there are people in this organization that saw ice open up for other players when he was on the ice.

Like I said in another thread, Yonkman has carved out a nice AHL career for himself and that didn't happen because he's a plug. Just because the guy is a monster and can punch faces doesn't mean he can't play. He's very serviceable as an AHL defender. If you look at Addy's defense, they're young, extremely inexperienced and, frankly, if the Penticton tournament is any indication, they're going to need some help in a 76 game season. Also, don't be surprised if Yonkman becomes the team captain. He's that kind of guy.