Quote:
Originally Posted by Bingo
No but you're defusing your own point.
It's not a lack of opportunity because you agree
1) they traded away too many picks
2) nobody that wasn't given an opportunity has really gone on to do anything
So it's down to trading picks and whether or not that was a good idea. Last year they were in a position where if they didn't add you'd be choked as they had a legitimate chance to win and added what should have been a solid veteran forward that could play the wing or the middle.
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There is no argument that Phillips, Pelletier, Ruzicka, and even Gawdin to a lesser extent deserved an opportunity sooner.
Why were Josh Leivo, Joakim Nordstrom playing more games than guys like Glenn Gawdin, Adam Ruzicka, and Matthew Phillips during the 20-21 season?
Kent Wilson and others always coin the term "No Upside Veterans vs Young Developing Players". NHL management in Calgary always seems to prefer no upside veterans, and honestly it doesn't work, Flames results speak for themselves.
I disagree with the sentiment that there is no such thing as "too much time in the AHL". At some point in order to take the next step in your development you need to be playing with / against NHLers, and I think it's hurting our prospect development. It's what makes our training camp so frustrating too - these guys don't even get a chance to share the ice with NHL talent in pre-season anymore.
Maybe if they gave Phillips or Pelletier a chance last year prior to the Jarnkork trade then they don't need to make the Jarnkrok trade.
If they give Phillips or Ruzicka more of a look in 20-21 down the stretch maybe they don't go trade picks for Tyler Pitlick that offseason.
Maybe you still make those deals, but maybe they wouldn't always be in a pick deficit if they give these guys a look to start with.
The Colorado Avalanche were the best team in the league last year. Alex Newhook and Jakob Pelletier's size and pedigree isn't that different - they found a way to play him for 96 NHL games since he was drafted even though he's only played 18 AHL games. Pelletier can't get one.
Phillips and Pelletier have both earned a look, and Zary is getting close but at this point it's clearly just the coaches stubbornness that has prevented an opportunity. Last year Brad Richardson, Tyler Pitlick, Brett Ritchie, & Ryan Carpenter combined for 101 GP. Ruzicka got 28, Gawdin 2, Phillips 0, and Pelletier 0. That's ridiculous.