Quote:
Originally Posted by New Era
Flames depth on defense is something to consider, but if I'm Fox I'm more concerned about opportunity to show I can play, period. The Flames are proud of their "over cook prospects" strategy. I'm sure Fox is aware of it too. I'm also sure that he agency (currently known as advisors) is aware of this and will be telling his client to look at the treatment of the many college players that signed with the Flames of late, like Kenney Morrison and Spencer Foo, just as a couple of examples. It doesn't take a Harvard economist to figure out the difference between earning a minor league salary and earning a NHL salary, and how that money will never be recouped. Opportunity will be a big driver, and the Flames are a team that have a history of not providing opportunity until their hand is forced. I hope Fox signs with the Flames, but because of this loophole, I'm not certain that is going to happen. This is one of the few times where players can control their destiny from the get-go. There is no benefit to the player in not going to free agency.
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I actually disagree here. There have been lots of prospects that have received an opportunity, especially when they show well. Jankowski was the only one in recent memory that got sent down for a stretch after training camp/preseason that showed really well, and it was only for a stretch. The list of players who have received opportunities is actually pretty exhaustive. I would even say that many players who may not even have deserved a look got one over the last few years.
I just think that based on how good Calgary's defence is, that wouldn't be necessarily the case.