I don't see why people still feel that the Flames don't give rookies a chance. There is a lot of youth on the team that we can say that will be on the team this upcoming season.
None of the Flames prospects in Stockton were 'deserving' of NHL time last season with the exception of Jankowski and Hathaway. However, Jankowski was a 1st year pro. Hathaway is a 4th liner - a 4th liner that creates a lot of chaos, and that I also feel should have had a full season last year, but a 4th liner nonetheless.
Flames were extremely lucky to have a rather healthy roster for the season. Will they be so lucky this season?
After Jankowski, I don't see another NHL-ready prospect. Poirier for me is probably the next closest, but that is assuming he returns to form. Pribyl is the other guy that I think may be ready sooner rather than later, but he hasn't had any luck with injuries.
I would rather have too much depth than not enough depth. You can never tell with injuries.
On top of this, is anyone on the farm BETTER than Jagr is right now? A valid and very solid argument can be made that having a prospect step up and further his development is a smart idea, and I can't argue with that. However, Jagr simply isn't just any old vet. He is Jaromir Fricken Jagr, who brings a tonne of experience and mentorship ability. I think by having him on the team for a season will also likely impact the existing youth for seasons to come.
At any rate, I simply don't think that an opening night roster is the same as the roster in November, or December, or January, etc. Flames were extremely fortunate to be so healthy. Anyone bank on that again this season? I wouldn't.
Also, I expect Lazar to be a fixture in the line-up this season. Flames will make room for him. He isn't going to ride the bench, and there is no way in the world that he will be sent down to the NHL - he would be claimed faster than you can you say 'crap!'. I know the Oilers would put in a claim on him right away. Lazar adds a lot of speed and grit to a line-up, plus he I do believe he possesses way more offensive ability than what he has showed thus far.
Like I said in my previous post, the season is a war of attrition, and so are the playoffs. Adding another body that can not only provide ~50 pts while also bringing in a tonne of intangibles is nothing to sneeze at, as long as the contract itself makes sense (cap hit + term).
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