Quote:
Originally Posted by FlameZilla
The more I watch and read about this pick the more I think he could have an outside shot of cracking the lineup.
As a Dman he had a PPG pace in the WHL, in his draft year. For someone who plays a 'simple, high hockey IQ' style that is a lot of points. Sounds like he's outgrown the WHL already and would benefit from taking the next step. I've seen him referred to as a 'Finnish T.J. Brodie', and if that's his style who better to apprentice under than the man himself?
He could step right in and play sheltered minutes with a vet like Stone or Hamonic straight away. Am I getting carried away or does anyone else think he could step right in?
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Looking at it logically, the only way the Flames keep him up this season is if he earns a top 6 D spot out of camp. Can't be the 7d as the Flames will likely want him playing games rather than scratched for most of the season.
Looking at the Flames LD safe to say it is very unlikely he will be better than Giordano or Brodie.
Which means he needs to beat out Kulak, Wotherspoon, Bartkowski, Kylington for the projected bottom pairing bottom LD spot (barring the Flames adding any more LD from now until camp).
The odds on Valimaki making the team depends on your opinions of the above 4 d-men and Valimaki.
I won't rule out the possibility, as sometimes these kids surprise at camp.