Quote:
Originally Posted by bigrangy
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.
|
Ferland is the best defensive winger on this roster. Tkachuk won't be unseating his role. As important as offense is, you need a guy who can bring that polished shutdown element to your top nine.
Bouma will likely play fourth line. Tkachuk won't play fourth line otherwise he will be sent down. Teams don't want prospects grinding away in a limited minutes energy role, unless they're Garnet Hathaway - grinder prospects.
Mangiapane and Tkachuk put up almost identical stats in the same league last year, except Mangiapane was a better goal scorer. Size may be an issue, but it also may not be. Both players are likely raw as two-way players though, regardless of "size". We want to send Mangiapane down to Stockton to develop his all-around game yet we are applying a double standard to Tkachuk because he is a higher draft pick. Even if Tkachuk is expected to be long term better, that doesn't mean he wouldn't benefit from developing in the minors.
And Shinkaruk is the most polished among the higher ceiling prospects. He's a third year pro who will probably come into camp as quick and strong as he has ever been. We subtracted a winger who gave us a prorated 53pts (lockout season), 54, 76, and a prorated 54 points (deadline trade) the last three seasons. If you're betting on someone in the system to fill the hole left by losing a 54+ point winger, 22 year old Shinkaruk, not 19YO Tkachuk, is your best bet short term.
I certainly don't think there is necessarily a spot just waiting for Tkachuk. He will have to prove he can outscore Jankowski, Pribyl, Shinkaruk and Mangiapane.