Quote:
Originally Posted by Calgary4LIfe
I think if he has a strong camp, they will try him out as a winger on Bennett's line. Will be tricky if Tkachuk makes the team as well, however.
Gaudreau - Monahan - X
X - Bennett - X
Colborne - Backlund - Frolik
Ferland - Stajan - Bouma
Still have Bollig, Raymond, and Jooris as vets (well, sort of a vet with Jooris).
Tkachuk, Poirier, Shinkaruk, Agostino and Grant as possible 'impressive camp' possibilities. Klimchuk I think will need another year.
I think there is enough room for Jankowski to make it, especially if he can play RW. I expect the Flames to bounce a few guys through the top line - Ferland especially - with Poirier, Shinkaruk, Tkachuk and Jankowski perhaps rotating through to see if something clicks. RW spot open on Bennett's line as well - you can't keep putting non-skilled players with Bennett all year long again.
Will Jankowski make it? I think it is 50/50. The kid is roughly NHL-sized now, has NHL speed and is defensively responsible. I don't see why he can't have an impressive camp and get a prolonged look. I do think if he gets sent down, he will be getting a few looks throughout the season. I don't think he will push Bennett to the wing - not unless he looks really strong at center during the preseason. I think the Flames really want Bennett at center moving forward. Jankowski will get his shot at center when one of Monahan, Bennett or Backlund miss some time with an injury. Don't think they will place him at center with those 3 healthy.
I think at this point, it will really depend on if Jankowski has a really good camp relative to the other prospects, and how active the Flames are in the UFA market.
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Something was recently said about Stajan having a larger role IIRC. I have a feeling that means one of a few things, first possibility and most likely is Stajan being used as a winger, second would be Bennett going back to the wing and Stajan centering the third line or third and least likely (and completely out of left field) with the comments about playing the top forwards against other teams top lines Gulutzan could try Backlund on the wing with Gaudreau and Monahan and play Stajan as the third line center.
Gaudreau / Monahan / Backlund
Colborne / Bennett / Frolik
??? / Stajan / ???
Bouma / ??? / Ferland
Crazy I know