Every post I see with: "Freddie Hamilton made it but Jankowski got demoted!" gets passed over by me. This is a silly argument. Freddie has been a pro at not playing. 26 games played last year. Just over 1/4 of the games. In what world would it make sense to have Jankowski take his spot? Why are people crying about not demoting a Freddie Hamilton so that Jankowski can take his spot on the roster? FFS, that is an absurd argument, and one that is both illogical and borne out of sheer impatience. It is like some people want to see Jankowski's name on the roster just to see it, even if it is as the 13th forward who never plays.
Just because there is a player at a certain spot on the roster doesn't mean that player is more important to the Flames or is more deserving of that spot. Players slot differently. People are freaking out because they don't see Jankowski named to the opening night roster, even if it is on the 4th line (or worse!).
Is Jankowski's upside a 4th liner or even a third liner? I argue that he isn't. You aren't going to see Klimchuk, Poirier, Shinkaruk, Mangiapane or Phillips in that spot, are you? Monahan, Bennett, Gaudreau, etc., never had to play 4th line - why does Jankowski? Who is he going to be playing against on that line? Guys like Dorsett in Vancouver...
IMO, Jankowski made the team. He made it. Now it is up to Treliving to make room for him, or wait for an injury (that almost always happens). If the Flames' organization didn't like Jankowski, including Gulutzan, then you would NOT have seen him line up at center with Bennett on his wing for a period or so. The organization is keen to see what he can do, and just like everyone else, was probably fairly impressed with it.
Being named to the opening night roster doesn't mean you 'made it'. FFS, Grossman was named to the opening night roster, and how many fricken games did he play last year?
How about looking back at last year. This was the opening night roster for last year:
https://www.nhl.com/flames/news/flam...er/c-282561834
Look how many guys didn't play the full season. Look at how many were traded away. This with the Flames actually being fairly healthy. What are the chances that the Flames experience another fairly healthy season?
The fact of the matter is that Jankowski didn't make it this year right off the bat for a variety of reasons, including:
- This is a more difficult team to make this season. Flames are a deeper and more talented squad than last year.
- Flames are smart not to leave spots wide open for prospects. These prospects we have so much angst over often don't pan out (see Boyd, Dustin, who is now plying his trade in the KHL).
- Just because a prospect makes it, doesn't mean he should immediately be placed on the team. There is a lot of behind the scenes asset management that needs to take place. Flames need time to make room for him.
- Depth is so critical - it is nice knowing that Jankowski can go down and kill it in the AHL in all situations, and be ready to jump back in to help when needed.
- I suspect that Gulutzan has somewhat learned a lesson from last season, and wants to show up in Edmonton with a more veteran lineup that knows the system better, and more than likely wants to show up with some toughness. That Edmonton line up has the potential to steamroll Calgary physically.
Jankowski not starting on day one doesn't mean he hasn't earned it. What it probably means is that the Flames are high on him, and want him competing in real games until they can make room for him on the roster. This is coming from a huge "Jankowski fan boy" who has been defending him from day one (especially on the back-burner) for years now. Yes he is ready, but Treliving isn't a guy (nor should he be) to leave a spot wide-open for someone to take it, knowing that a prospect sometimes falters and suddenly doesn't pan out. That would be asinine. With Jankowski's performance, he is now tasked with trying to do his job - proper asset management - in trying to make room for a prospect that deserves a spot. This was probably something that was told to Jankowski today I would bet.