Quote:
Originally Posted by Flames Draft Watcher
Underrated long term or short term? I think he could end up our #2 centre long term in some circumstances but I think the best thing for him and the Flames is to learn playing centre in pro playing huge minutes in the AHL in the short term. It isn't underrating him IMO to think he's still a skinny kid with limited pro experience who could use growing and dominating at a lower level with some of our other prospects.
As for winger vs centre it seems to me he's even more of a natural centre than Bennett is. Seems playmaking is one of his strengths and I don't think he's as hard in board puck battles as Bennett is. Faceoffs has grown into one of his strengths in college and the Flames could dearly use a big, skilled centre who can win face-offs.
If Jankowski pans out I think he may centre Bennett one day, not the other way around. I really think Jankowski projects more as a centre than a winger. I'm not sure where he fits long term because of that but having an extra 6'4 top two line centre isn't going to be a problem.
|
This will be the first summer where Flames trainers can really get Jankowski on a bulking up program and spend some time with him. Have to consider him coming up in training camp at a potential 6'3 and 210-215 lbs which is very doable as he's already at 205 from his initial 175 lbs when drafted. With that size, he's able to fit in to the roster without being a total pushover. He has good speed and playmaking, which are two of the factors which will help him. He's bulked up quite a bit and has actually gained speed.
At his current size, no he might not make the team come training camp, but a strong camp and some extra size will get him a spot.