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Originally Posted by 868904
How can you be so sure though? Hudler was a small skilled player and worked well with Gaudreau and Monahan.
You never know until you give it a try and what does it hurt to try?
From listening and reading Flames management, the reason they are taking their slow development time with Phillips is because he is small and they do want his body to fully and physically mature as much as possible before bringing him into the NHL. I don't think it's a case where they don't believe he can play or survive in the NHL.
The guys who watch the AHL regularly can probably comment on this, but I'm sure Phillips is targeted and has taken big hits in the AHL too. It's not like there's a "no hit the small players rule" there. He seems to be surviving that league from a physical standpoint.
My biggest concern with Phillips is not so much his size, it's more his speed. He didn't seem particularly fast when I watched him in junior and in training camp, but maybe he's improved that aspect now. It doesn't matter what size you are, if you can't separate or evade a backchecker, you won't accomplish much in the NHL.
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Hudler was pretty heavy for his height at 190 (he was 5’10”). 50 pounds heavier than Phillips. A lot of the shorter players who survive are fireplugs. Fleury was 5’6” and 180 pounds. For context, Kylington weighs 183, and is 6 feet tall.