Quote:
Originally Posted by SuperMatt18
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.
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This is one of the reasons I think the Flames should look at bringing guys up this season and allowing them some time to develop and grow into the NHL game. I have felt this season we just don't have the horses to go all the way. Let's just say that Calgary doesn't make the playoffs this season then what, we have to wait until next season to trade for or add more players who then will have to find chemistry and learn the system. Why would we want to do that during next season?
Does this team as it stands seem like a potential SC team? I have a hard time believing the guys we have now and along with those who are struggling will suddenly come together and take us all the way. In my opinion bringing in some hungry young guys now to push Eat bread and Dube to play harder would create some positive challenges, and who knows maybe the addition of young guys surprises us makes the playoffs! Are the Flames afraid to take risks and grow, the lack of an opportunity at this point for Phillips makes it seem so.