Quote:
Originally Posted by Caged Great
If the Flames signed Yevenko and Kenny Morrison I would be over the moon.
It would help take part of the edge off of the lack of depth in the defensive prospect pool.
|
I thought we had plenty of "depth" in the defense prospect pool, the problem was probably a lack of high end "sure fire" defense prospects.
Starting next season:
1.
Wotherspoon - 3rd year ELC, hopefully makes the Flames
2.
Sieloff - 2nd year ELC
3.
Culkin - 2nd year ELC
4.
Kulak - 2nd year ELC
5. Acolaste - RFA
6. Cundari - RFA
7. Ramage - RFA
8.
Kanzig - Already signed, 4 years junior, will turn pro
9. Roy - Due to turn pro, I think he won't be signed due to the high number of D prospects
10. Billins - RFA, played in Europe this season, could come back
11. Rafikov - Likely to come over in the next two years
12. Gilmour - 3 years college, will turn pro in the next two years
13. Hickey - Only one year college, but could turn pro in the next couple years
14. Ollas-Mattsson - Probably stays in Europe, but who knows?
So 4 D committed to AHL already: (Sieloff, Kulak, Culkin, Kanzig)
...and you know the Flames will want a veteran or two to supplement the three sophomores and one rookie listed above.
That's assuming:
1. They don't re-sign any of the RFA's (Acolatse, Cundari, Ramage)
2. Don't sign Roy to an ELC
3. Billins doesn't come back
4. Wotherspoon makes the NHL
5. OAM and Rafikov stay in Europe
6. The college guys stay in college for another year
Not a lot of spots to go hunting for UFA college guys really. I mean, I love the idea of a free prospect, but are any of these guys THAT good? Is there a Sustr or Dekeyser in there that can go straight to the NHL?
Also, let's remember we do have 6 NHL defenseman already signed for next season too. (although I'm hoping Smid gets dealt, but doubtful as his value is at an all time low due to injuries)
TLDR;
Lots of "depth", need more "high end"...........any of these college UFA's legitimately "high end"?