The Flames need size and skill. Jankowski fits that need to a tee.
I really like Markus Granlund, and would like to see him as a winger on this team, but in the long term I don't see him as a fit with the direction the western conference is going. I think he has a shorter shelf life in Calgary than he might have elsewhere, because of the lack of size we have up front. I think this might dog him as he tries to find his place in the NHL where ever he goes. He's got the skill, but is lacking the size and speed to be ranked this high.
Hickey is an exciting prospect that the Flames have very high hopes for. I think he needs to follow up last season's performance with another good one. He kind of came out of no where, which means I try and temper my enthusiasm and wait to see some consistency in performance. I think he will have another great year, but I have to see it before slotting him above Jankowski.
I could easily see Jankowski playing on a line with Joe Colborne and Hunter Smith that can shut down the opposition's best line and chip in some offense from that third line slot. He could also slot in nicely in the number two center role, but with Monahan and Bennett in front of him, that third line slot might be perfect for him. The kid just has so many possibilities because of his skill and ability to play in any situation. Seems like a natural here.
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