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Originally Posted by JiriHrdina
^How would one say that Klimchuk is close to making it? He hasn't shown an ability to be productive at the AHL level.
I'm not writing him off, but if the evaluation is how close they are to being NHL ready - I don't see how Klimchuk applies.
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While I wouldnt say he's a lock to make the big team this year, I think he will go back to stockton unless he tears up the preseason. I also dont think its preposterous to say a WHL socring sensation going into his second professional season can potentially be NHL ready. I think the organization has told him he can earn a job if he plays well. Meaning they arent going to hold him back or force him down for development, so maybe he is close to ready. A player doesnt need to dominate in the AHL to be ready. Remember when Poirier dominated in his rookie season and played in the AHL all-star game...did that mean he was ready?
I want to say I think between his injuries and how he was utilized, on top of the fact it was his very first professional season playing against grown men with lots of size and experience on him - its not really fair to say he wasnt productive. Sure he didnt put up tons of points, but he actually did play a role for the team and was productive in it, which is impressive if you consider the role he played and the fact he was trusted to play it in his rookie season, albeit on a very bad and under-aged team.
I think this is something a lot of people cant factor into Morgans development. He's had injury problems, hes been used in a defensive shutdown role and he was a rookie in the AHL last season. I dont think that his low point total is something to look into and be able to say he absolutely isnt ready for the NHL. He could just come in and tear up Penticton, the pre-season and push for a spot along with Tkachuk. I wouldnt be surprised because I know hes got lethal offensive weapons and if he is utilized correctly he will put up points. There is a reason he played on a line with McDavid and Reinhart at the u18s.
I think Huska just decided to use him in a defensive role which speaks volumes about his versatility and leadership qualities. He never whined or complained but got on with his job and played mostly defensive starts against the other teams best players. I think that year of developing the defensive side of his game will be super valuable. He has already shown he can score at an elite level in the WHL and I'm convinced he could do it in an offensive role in the AHL. I dont need to see him put up 50pts in the AHL to believe he can score, or think he is NHL ready. Just like people dont need to see Tkachuk put up 50pts in the AHL to know he could probably keep up and put the puck in the net in the NHL as soon as this season.
According to him
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“Early I kind of struggled a bit,” he said. “That was pretty evident. You get into a role or a mindset where you’re playing safe and try to stay in the lineup and be a reliable guy instead of what got you there. For me it was scoring.
“I was playing a lot of situations last year where I was playing against other team’s top guys and top lines. That’s where I fit in last year. We had a lot of guys who could score, and being a first-year pro that’s where (coach Ryan Huska) saw I would be best utilized.
“This year I’m looking to add onto that … keep all that in my game but play in different situations, offensive situations, and show I can play there. I’m not too worried about it. I know I can do it. I’m looking forward to this year to prove I can play that side of the game.”
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NSFW!
CALGARY, AB -- Morgan Klimchuk got his feet wet in his first season of professional hockey.
He plans to dive right into his second go-round.
And make the most of the opportunity.
“Going into this year it’s remembering what got me there and taking a bit of risk … putting that into your game so you can produce,” the Calgary Flames prospect said.
“For me, it’s making sure I’m remembering that and bringing that into my game and that’s what I’m focusing on this summer. Honestly, it’s playing the game and having fun and scoring. That’s what I did very well at the junior level and that’s what I’m going to do very well this year at the pro level.”
After a standout junior career that saw him amass 118 goals and 267 points in 261 games over parts of five seasons in the Western Hockey League, Klimchuk struggled to replicate similar numbers in his first season with Stockton of the American Hockey League.
Klimchuk, selected in the first round (No. 28) of the 2013 NHL Draft, had three goals and nine points in 55 games as a first-year pro.
“Early I kind of struggled a bit,” he said. “That was pretty evident. You get into a role or a mindset where you’re playing safe and try to stay in the lineup and be a reliable guy instead of what got you there. For me it was scoring.
“I was playing a lot of situations last year where I was playing against other team’s top guys and top lines. That’s where I fit in last year. We had a lot of guys who could score, and being a first-year pro that’s where (coach Ryan Huska) saw I would be best utilized.
“This year I’m looking to add onto that … keep all that in my game but play in different situations, offensive situations, and show I can play there. I’m not too worried about it. I know I can do it. I’m looking forward to this year to prove I can play that side of the game.”
Klimchuk will be provided an opportunity to do so.
The Flames didn’t qualify pending restricted free agent forwards Kenny Agostino, Drew Shore, Bill Arnold and Turner Elson. Forward Derek Grant also departed the team as an unrestricted free agent.
The five were among Stockton’s seven leading scorers a year ago.
The roster space screams opportunity to Klimchuk.
And he's looking to deliver.
“For a young guy like myself I see it as an opportunity,” he said. “There were a lot of guys that were go-to guys on our team that aren’t back. That’s why I’m making sure I have a good summer. If I’m back down there, I’ll be ready to fill those shoes and take over a role that some of those guys would’ve had.
“It’s an opportunity. You want to come here and do as well as you can, but you know if you go down there (to Stockton) you’re going to get an opportunity because those guys are no longer there.
“At the end of the day, it’s pro hockey and you have to earn everything you get. It’s cliché but you have to earn it, like I earned everything this year. I fully expect it, and it’s something I’m excited for if I do end up there.”