Quote:
Originally Posted by Hot_Flatus
I feel as though it would be somewhat foolish of the Flames to put Jankowski into the NHL lineup at this point. They've already patiently invested years in his development at the collegiate level , so there's little harm in him spending an entire season in the AHL. I've never seen him as a guy that will have the offensive ability to play in the top 6 but you might as well throw him into the fire in Stockton as a go to guy and see what happens.
Plunking him down on the 4th line with Stajan at this point would pretty much be waving the white flag saying this is all we expect you to be.
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When all is said and done he probably does start the year and spend most of it in Stockton but if he pushes in camp I doubt the Flames will hold him (or anyone in a similar situation) back.
Really disagree with the whole white flag part, injuries will happen guys who move up and down the line up, maybe Jankowski plays 10 minutes one night on the 4th line, maybe the next he moves up, sees some PK or PP time and his minutes increase. Whatever role a player is in day one hardly dictates his role a month a week or a day after that.
Crumpy-Gunt also mentioned the defensive assignments Backlund's line would get but we're really not sure how Gulutzan will role those out either. Will the middle 6 go up against the other teams top line, or will it be top line vs top line.