Quote:
Originally Posted by GioforPM
Backlund's pretty cemented as the third line C for a long time IMO. Bouma is so versatile he will be around - he made a decent choice with a one year extension. I think he commands a much higher ticket this off season.
I see your point about Colborne - how he needs to figure out his role. Of course, he's only a 2nd year guy at a full time level, despite his age. His stats are pretty good this year and his faceoffs sure have improved. I have liked his down low offensive play lately.
Shore has already been more useful than Corbin Knight, so that trade was a win IMO. I think they will qualify him. I could see him as an eventual Stajan replacement.
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I think Backlund's development is pretty close to being done, but we've seen really strange things happen with players and they fall off the map. I don't see that happening with Backlund in particular, but just thought it was a point to consider.
Bouma will last in the NHL for as long as his body will let him. I could see him done by 30 though with how hard he bangs and crashes, but he does have Wolverine blood in him, so who knows how long he'll go for.
Colborne has made a lot of progress since he was first acquired last year, but he'll need to work on things this off-season if he wants to have a defined role with the team. That'll be up to management and coaching to help him decide what he is going forward. I have no doubt he's an NHLer, but I'm not sure how he'll fit on this team just yet. He could still be a 2nd line power forward who can pass and set up others for goals, kinda similar to what Bertuzzi brought in the 2nd half of his career. the problem is I don't know if he'll be good enough in that role to make this team a cup contender, and that's where I have reservations about retaining him long term.
Shore's sample size is simply too small with the Flames to make a determination yet. I'd like to see what he can do with a full training camp and an off-season program from the coaches.
I also think Jooris has a lot of potential still as this is his rookie season in the NHL and just his 2nd pro season. He's got a lot of skill and plays the game the right way, especially defensively. I think he could be an ideal bottom 6 RWer who can fill in at center when injuries occur. I'm hesitant to not consider him long term...he brings a lot of little things to the team on a regular basis, but he still has room to improve. Consistency is still something he needs to work on, but what young player doesn't need to do that?