My thoughts on the players so far after two games:
Two guys on this team look close to contending for a spot in the lineup and those are Tkachuk and Jankowski.
Tkachuk - Agitator, power forward, skilled forward. He competes hard, he's strong on the puck, he's always driving the net, he's in the face of the opposition. This is the type of player we've lacked for years. This is the type of player that would compliment Monahan-Gaudreau or Bennett super well. His skating doesn't look like it'll hold him back IMO. He's got NHL size, NHL skill and he plays a style of game that excels in the NHL. I think he'd improve our team this year. He'll definitely get a long look.
Jankowski - He's really developing nicely. Gotta disagree with the media that he's NHL ready. IMO he could still use some work filling out, getting stronger. IMO he can get a lot from learning the pro game and having some confidence rise while playing at the minor league level. He's a playmaking centre through and through. The suggestions that he makes the Flames on the wing are nonsensical to me. He's good on face-offs, he's got good vision and passing. Prototypical playmaking centre. I think CP was spot on to rank him as highly as we did this summer in the prospect poll. That said I think the best move for him is to start in the AHL and then come up when injuries hit our centre ice position. He's right on track.
The rest of the players aren't really in contention for a spot this year IMO.
Defensemen
Kylington - The skill and skating are undeniable. But so is the fact that he takes risky chances, is still super skinny and is an adventure in his own end. He's got NHL skill and skating for sure and his upside is large but he's nowhere near polished enough for the NHL. Probably a couple years away IMO.
Andersson - Like what I see from him. Pro will be a good step up for him and hopefully he gets his conditioning issues sorted. Very high upside.
Culkin - Looked the most veteran of the d as he should. Makes the best decision of the group IMO.
Falkovsky - Very nice puck skills and skating for such a big man. Long term project but he's got intriguing upside.
Kanzig - Didn't stand out much in the positive or the negative way to me. Long term project and hopefully he advances this year in pro.
Morrison - Looks more polished than I've seen him look before. He's decent with the puck has good size. Not sure he really has much NHL potential though, I think he'll be buried behind other better prospects. Hopefully can play a veteran role in the AHL as we have several young guys.
Forwards
Mangiapane - Not close to NHL ready IMO. He's showed a few flashes mostly with his shot but doesn't consistently make an impact on the game. He needs to learn pro and continue to gain strength. Intriguing offensive upside.
Carroll - Liked what I've seen from him. Plays that power forward style but has some hands. Hopefully he can have a breakout year in the AHL this year.
Dube - Very good skating. He's elusive, skilled and smart. I'm liking this pick so far.
Phillips - Showed a few flashes but he's a long term project at his size. Intriguing upside but we'll have to be patient.
Tuulola - Liked what I've seen of him too. Has skill, size and physicality. Always a tantalizing combo. Very excited to see what he can do in the WHL this year.
Smith - I'm not as down on him as some. He's huge and can get even stronger. He'd make a very scary grinding 4th liner if he can continue to develop. Hits hard, uses his size and doesn't embarrass himself with the puck. He's a bit of a project and hopefully we see him take a step forward in the AHL this year.
Pollock - Maybe the biggest disappointment for me as he hasn't shown much IMO. Expected a bit more but its still early in his career. Hard to write him off based off a few exhibition games.
Out of the tryouts I've been most impressed with Aagard. I'd consider giving him a contract.
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