Quote:
Originally Posted by Lanny_McDonald
I'm looking at this from the view that the team is trying to fill the lineup with capable NHL players and doing so with Sutter coaching the team. I recognize the reliance on size and speed that made the team successful last season. I don't see that changing in any way this year. Unless Phillips turns into an immediate offensive dynamo at the NHL level, they aren't going to give him the rope he needs to prove himself. There is the biggest knock against him. The top six needs a proven scorer and play in a Sutter system. I'm not sure Phillips is that guy, and if the Flames believed he was they would have inked him to deal that is not set to make him an UFA at the end of this season. The Flames have better options in camp, so Phillips will have to blow some doors off to earn a spot. There is a spot there to be earned, but he has to crawl over a number of players, all of which have other characteristics that make them a better fit for the team.
|
The Flames have 8 clear cut top nine forwards and maybes after that.
Phillips is a maybe because he hasn't had great camps in the past and lacks size.
Pelletier is a maybe because he hasn't proven he's ready to take on this level.
Ruzicka is a maybe because he plays the wrong position and suffers from inconsistency.
Milano is a maybe because he doesn't have a contract, has had concussion issues, and had his last season tail off.
All four guys are maybes, not just Phillips. The Flames don't have that other top nine guy ready.
Phillips can beat the other three out if he proves he's better than the other three.