Quote:
Originally Posted by Enoch Root
Definitely 'more physically ready', no question about it.
IMO, not quite as high a level of talent. But that is offset by the fact that he is playing an easier position in which to make the jump.
All else equal, I think Tkachuk is in a better position to make the team than Bennett was. The one (large) caveat however, is that the lineup he's trying to crack is deeper.
|
I agree with this, apart from the depth remark. What does Calgary's LW look like past JG? Ferland, Bouma, Shinkaruk, Mangiapane, Higgins?
There is not much there. For a guy with an NHLe of 55, it would almost be a disgrace if he couldn't outplay most of those guys. His NHLe is fairly inflated from playing on the best line in juniors, but there is definitely room for a player of his type and skill level. In fact, it's wide open.
I could see a scenario where Higgins earns a contract, and the Flames stuff all 3 of Shink, Mangiapane, and Tkachuk back into the A/O. Hopefully this doesn't happen, as I believe that each of these 3 players should be able to comfortably outperform Higgins (and probably Bouma, and possibly Ferland) in camp.