Quote:
Originally Posted by Flames Draft Watcher
The chances of that happening are slim to none IMO. He might steal the #7 spot. I'd bet a large sum of money that he has no chance at a top 4 role out of training camp unless we have injuries to every single member of our top 4. It's kind of crazy talk frankly. He hasn't even played an NHL game and you think he can beat out multiple guys who played top 4 on one of the better defences in the NHL last year? Crazy talk.
|
Having watched Morrison multiple times in the past few months since the Flames acquired him, he is very very close to being ready for full time NHL action. If he doesn't start with the Flames, he'll likely take a spot by January or be the first callup if injuries strike before hand. Very similar style of D-man as Brodie.
There is a good reason why you would slot him as the #4 and it has nothing to do with Morrison. Keeping Russell and Wideman together. That is a pairing that worked rather effectively together last year. Morrison in that scenario would be the #4, but would be the 6th best defenseman and would be paired with a #1 defenseman (Calgary has 3 of them) allowing there to be balance and sheltering him to an extent. If he does have significant growing pains you could always sub Engelland into the #4 spot instead, but that wouldn't likely even be a problem because he probably wouldn't make the team out of the gate if he does struggle.
If you split Russell and Wideman, that might create more problems as Russell was effective at covering for Wideman and the new partner for Wideman might not be as able to cover his defensive lapses. If you partner Wideman and Engelland, the current 5th and 6th best defenders, that would be terrible due to their lack of combined foot speed. Chemistry does matter. Having 3 left shooters with 3 right shooters is a formation that would be beneficial as well.