I think Klapka isn't ready for the NHL, but I don't think he will ever get to the NHL by trying to police. I think Klapka should be developed into a defensive player first. I think looking back at some historical players for the Flames, a few names stand out:
More recently, Ferland. Different types of players in some ways, with Ferland having a better shot IMO, but he ended up having a shortened NHL career thanks to concussions, and I fear that Klapka will be following him even quicker with some of the fights that I have seen him in.
Peplinski - he has that fire that Pepper had for sure, that 'ranginess' with his stick, and his ability to play the puck while still being hard to play against, but I would be surprised if Klapka ever develops into as good of a point producer that Peplinski was (one 30 goal season, and two 20 goal seasons, for instance).
One player really stands out to me in how I wish the Flames would develop him, and I think he COULD develop into an even better version of him. Remember who Badger Bob got to shadow Gretzky as part of that plan to beat the Oilers? It wasn't Peplinski. It wasn't even Otto (although I am sure they did this as a team). It was Neil Sheehy. He could skate well and he just got Gretzky off his game. I think Klapka has the strength and range to EVENTUALLY (with proper coaching and development) to be a really elite defensive player. I do believe defence is something that can be taught.
I think Klapka can be really smothering if he can take a couple of steps in that direction. I then think with his hands, he can also end up being a decent bottom 6 contributor on the offensive side as well. i just don't think his offensive game and his 'deterrent' game are going to get him into the NHL. I do think turning him into a larger Frolik, or a modern-day Peplinski (but bigger and a better skater, but less offensive ability) will get him there. He has the disposition for that role in my opinion, though I do not think shadows are really used much. I do think that Calgary uses Backlund as McDavid's shadow (and it works very well, last time I saw McDavid's stats sheets with Backlund on the ice and the sheets with him off the ice). Maybe Klapka can focus on Draisaitl (who the Flames seem to have trouble with as well with his size).
Just a thought anyway. I just see an overall package that in my mind, would make for a very effective PK'er/defensive forward who will also probably chip-in offensively in time. I think it would be an absolute waste to try and make him strictly into an 'energy' guy, and I see zero NHL potential trying to make him into an enforcer who can take a regular shift.
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