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Originally Posted by Flames Draft Watcher
Same.
I think some people expect Ferland to be something else for some reason. But even when he's not throwing highlight reel hits I love the little plays he makes. His decisions about when to dump it in, when to carry it in, when to pass, when to drive the net, etc. He makes a lot of smart decisions. He has the hands to play with skilled players but doesn't mind doing the dirty work. Even when he doesn't finish his checks his forecheck forces the opposition into making poor passes. Against PIT he had a shift where he forechecked and forced them to ice the puck, they couldn't get it past him.
Ferland isn't a flashy guy, he isn't a fancy guy. If you aren't watching him closely you won't see the little things he does. But IMO he's playing well and developing. I still think he has top two line power forward upside. He isn't an agitator, and he isn't just a grinder.
Hathaway on the other hand is an agitator and grinder 1st class. Loved his game in the preseason and am still loving it.
Both useful players, both with slightly different roles. Both important for next year IMO.
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Ferland's has been invisible in 80% of the games the Flames have played this year. He's basically been Josh Jooris - which is fine but also completely replaceable.. He's 23 years old - not all that young in terms of developing. He needs to bring it much more often than he has this year or else his career highlight is going to be that one playoff series.