[Poe969]

I'm extremely surprised at the lack of David Jones in people's line up.

As for rookies playing top 6 minutes, some people are acting like a rookie has never stepped in and done well. Saying ignorant crap like "well since he's not first in his league, is there league better than the NHL" is just mind bottling. Panarin is lighting in up, and he's playing a top 6 spot. I'm actually surprised that there aren't more rookies in peoples line ups, this is supposed to be about the Flames STARTING LINEUP not how they will play their lines every game. I'm sure some guys will be injured or things will come up and some rookies will come out and grab a spot for a few games at least. I don't think it's crazy to think that Matthews, Laine or Pull-an-RV would end up on an opening night roster next year...doesn't mean they'll stay there but they could. Rookies make teams every year, draft picks make teams every year. Those players don't always stay but they make the STARTING LINEUP because teams want to see what they really have with those guys. The way the league is changing it's playing style and under the salary cap, more and more teams are going to have to rely on rookies coming in on ELC's and making a difference, successful teams have a good mix of high paid guys and ELC's all contributing and to think the Flames won't do that is more than foolish.

I'm willing to bet a rookie makes the team next year and if we get a top 3 pick, I don't think it's cray to think one of this year's draft picks makes the team either.