Quote:
Originally Posted by New Era
On the surface, it looks like a good signing. Adds some immediate depth to the organization in an area of need. A little concerned about the player’s size.
In the big picture I wonder if this type of signing is going to hurt long term. One of the biggest knocks against the Calgary Flames is opportunity for young players. Save the comments about how the Flames have worked in Monahan, Tkachuk, Bennett, or Gaudreau, as that is not applicable. These young guys never saw any time in the minors or were exposed to the Flames development system. I’m talking about guys who have taken a similar road to the NHL, guys like Mangipane, Foo, Klimchuk, etc. This signing has to be somewhat bitter for them, as they are at similar points in their careers and are looking for that opportunity to show what they can do. Now another free agent player will take that opportunity away from them, and they will likely have to see the buses again in the minors.
I feel good for Czarnik and the contract he was given, but at the same time I can’t help but think of our prospects who were hoping this was the year they would get a fair shake and an opportunity to play their way onto the team permanently. This must be a pretty tough signing for those players. Might also explain why we’ve seen two of our highly touted college players refuse to sign with the Flames, and instead be willing to roll the dice and go to free agency.
Anyways, I hope Czarnik brings something missing to the table and improves the team. We really need him to live up to his potential.
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Don't see that at all.
Any time you can add a free asset that beats out your next in line prospects you're ahead. This isn't a touchy feely business.
If they signed Jay Beagle I think I'd see what you're saying to some degree, but not a 25 year old that lit up the AHL last year and is a free asset acquisition.
If players play well enough they come up ... we saw it with Jankowski last year, and we will see it again with good camps or good starts from any of Foo, Mangiapane or Dube.
This suggestion/argument is as old as this website and it's never held water for me.