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Calgary4LIfe · 07-20-2017, 04:26 PM

I voted Rittich, but I think Poirier is really great here as well.

Rittich seems to have starter material. His adjustment to the AHL has been practically flawless. There isn't a guarantee that he will make the jump and translate just as flawlessly to the NHL of course, but he has had a damn good start that can't be ignored.

Poirier is a legitimately strong prospect as well. Yes, he had two poor seasons, but when you are under the influence and have that demon on your shoulders every night, it is going to impact you on and off the ice. Now that the burden has been lifted, there is no reason as to why he can't return to form. I thought he was a can't miss top 6 prospect that could provide the Flames with tonnes of things that makes organizations successful - speed, defensive acumen, skill, tenacity, grit and versatility. Had Poirier not gone for help (and without knowing what he has been going through in the last two years) I would have ranked him lower. I do believe that people can overcome their addictions and continue with their lives.

I also believe that the last two seasons were not 'lost' and impaired his development. Though his performance was obviously impaired, he was still developing and learning how to play against men, how to be effective in all zones, how to play a certain system, etc. Huska has been working on his defensive game (which I thought was pretty good in junior to begin with).

I voted Rittich as I think he has the ceiling of a starter in the NHL, and feel he can attain the level where a team can be confident with him as a backup (though with goalies, I absolutely find it difficult to identify a 'floor'). For me, it is Rittich by a hair, but in no way would it be undeserving of Poirier to go here.

07-20-2017, 04:26 PM	#31
Calgary4LIfe Franchise Player Join Date: Jun 2010 Exp:	I voted Rittich, but I think Poirier is really great here as well. Rittich seems to have starter material. His adjustment to the AHL has been practically flawless. There isn't a guarantee that he will make the jump and translate just as flawlessly to the NHL of course, but he has had a damn good start that can't be ignored. Poirier is a legitimately strong prospect as well. Yes, he had two poor seasons, but when you are under the influence and have that demon on your shoulders every night, it is going to impact you on and off the ice. Now that the burden has been lifted, there is no reason as to why he can't return to form. I thought he was a can't miss top 6 prospect that could provide the Flames with tonnes of things that makes organizations successful - speed, defensive acumen, skill, tenacity, grit and versatility. Had Poirier not gone for help (and without knowing what he has been going through in the last two years) I would have ranked him lower. I do believe that people can overcome their addictions and continue with their lives. I also believe that the last two seasons were not 'lost' and impaired his development. Though his performance was obviously impaired, he was still developing and learning how to play against men, how to be effective in all zones, how to play a certain system, etc. Huska has been working on his defensive game (which I thought was pretty good in junior to begin with). I voted Rittich as I think he has the ceiling of a starter in the NHL, and feel he can attain the level where a team can be confident with him as a backup (though with goalies, I absolutely find it difficult to identify a 'floor'). For me, it is Rittich by a hair, but in no way would it be undeserving of Poirier to go here.