Quote:
Originally Posted by Lanny_McDonald
The Flames are missing a piece. It is as obvious as the nose on Tim Hunter's face. They obviously are in no position to make a deal, so the only solution is to call up a player. The big question is who deserves the call?
#1 - Matthew Phillips. The guy is hot, plays RW, and has both the skills and smarts to be effective in the top six. Give the kid a chance. It's now or never. The problem is I don't see Sutter trusting him with the responsibility of winning puck battles along the boards, even if that's the last thing we need right now.
#2 - Radim Zahorna. Last guy cut usually gets the look-see, especially if he's producing. Is a key player on the first line for the Wranglers and has the size Sutter likes. Is he going to be the finisher we need? Not sure.
#3 - Connor Zary. Had a rough start but has turned it around. The exact type of player that Huberdeau seems to excel with. Smart, skilled, but plays a solid north-south game when called for. Reminds me of Duclair, so may be the best fit.
#4 - Jacob Pelletier. A smallish forward that plays a smart game and sports a non-stop motor. Seems like a guy that Huberdeau flourished with last year too.
Those are the candidates IMO. The Flames need a kick in the ass and a call-up may be the tonic this team needs. We are definitely short another skilled player, so it's time to make this happen. Who should it be?
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It's very cool to see Phillips on your list after you said "he was never going to be an NHL player and it was obvious early on." Being one of the best in the AHL is realistically the only shot he has at forcing the Flames to give him a chance. Also, it becomes painfully obvious that the guy deserves an extended look of at least a few games, when even the posters who are critical of his chances start viewing him as a possible call-up. Call him up.
I don't think Matthew will be close to a Gaudreau, but I do think he has the chance of becoming a well liked player on the Flames if given the opportunity he deserves.