My observations on new(ish) players from the home game:
Hamilton - you can tell why he's so hyped up. Amazing skating for a guy of his size. HE was rusty, but it's game #1 on his new team... He is going be a good defeseman right away, but in 1 - 3 years he is going to be incredible.
Shore - I put Shore as one of my "busts" for this year, but he was the hardest skating player on the Flames last night. He won a lot of battles and created some opportunities. It's good to see how hungry he is to make the team.
Nakladal - I was impressed considering it's his first NHL-type game. He is no more than a #5/6, but he may become an effective one. I'm excited to see how his game develops each game.
Poirier - I thought he was the worst guy out there. I hate to say it but I've never been impressed by any of his games at the NHL level. He plays smaller than he is, and he seems so anxious out there.
Smith - It's nice to see him drop the mitts, but he's not a great fighter, and he needs a ton of work on his hands and skating. He's certainly a project, but he might develop in a few years.
Ferland - He looks like an NHL vet out there, not a rookie. I would be completely shocked if he wasn't an everyday player this season.
Frolik - He was very effective with his body positioning in the defensive zone, and his puck carrying ability in the offensive zone. He adds a lot of depth to this team up front.
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