Burkes Comments on Johnny G on Flames site

[Duke43]

Burke spoke about Gaudreau's size as being not small but tiny on the NHL/Flames site today. It's true that he is a diminutive prospect, that many of us are hoping he gets the opportunity asap to show his wares. What I was reading into Burke's statement due to my "glass half empty" outlook caused me a bit of concern.

Calgary has a history of trading off its smallish players' - i.e. Mark Savard, Brett Hull, and Martin St. Louis because they are too small, only to have two of them become Hart Trophy candidates. Johnny will never be one expected to stand in front of the oppositions net. A trade due to his lack of pro experience would like garnish no more than a third round pick.

Johnny is small, maybe tiny, but Paul Byron is roughly the same size and he at times has proven a small man can survive.

[HerbalMagic]

Originally Posted by Duke43

Burke spoke about Gaudreau's size as being not small but tiny on the NHL/Flames site today. It's true that he is a diminutive prospect, that many of us are hoping he gets the opportunity asap to show his wares. What I was reading into Burke's statement due to my "glass half empty" outlook caused me a bit of concern.

Calgary has a history of trading off its smallish players' - i.e. Mark Savard, Brett Hull, and Martin St. Louis because they are too small, only to have two of them become Hart Trophy candidates. Johnny will never be one expected to stand in front of the oppositions net. A trade due to his lack of pro experience would like garnish no more than a third round pick.

Johnny is small, maybe tiny, but Paul Byron is roughly the same size and he at times has proven a small man can survive.

Or he's just doing his best to temper expectations...

[GreenLantern2814]

Burke said Joe Colborne's upside was David Steckel. He is tempering our expectations. I'm sure he sees the greatness in Johnny Hockey, he has eyes.

[Badgers Nose]

If someone wants to over pay for him, I am fine with that.

But IMO he is a top 3 offensive prospect in the Flames system, and the return would have to reflect his potential. IMO he has answered every questions posed of him at every level and its hard to believe he won't at the NHL too. Seems almost a certainty he'll be a Ronning calibre player but his upside maybe even Mullen level.

I know its possible he won't ever crack the NHL, but I just don't see how that happens. Barring injuries, at worst he will be an NHL player fondly remembered by fans, at best his jersey is retired some day.

[Canada 02]

not one of Marc Savard, Brett Hull nor Martin St. Louis were traded because of their size

[rollie619]

Originally Posted by Canada 02

not one of Marc Savard, Brett Hull nor Martin St. Louis were traded because of their size

You don't think it played a factor?

[Canada 02]

Originally Posted by rollie619

You don't think it played a factor?

no

[Ashasx]

Well, I'd say St. Louis' potential (or ability to reach his potential) was certainly questioned because of his size.

[MrMastodonFarm]

Originally Posted by Ashasx

Well, I'd say St. Louis' potential (or ability to reach his potential) was certainly questioned because of his size.

Sure, maybe. St. Louis might be the only one of the three you can point to.

Hell even if all three were moved because they were small, trades from 1988, 2000 and 2002 have nothing to do with what the Flames are doing now. I'm fairly certain Burke and Treliving had nothing to do with any of those moves.

[sureLoss]

I think Burke sending a private jet with Craig Conroy and Peter Hanlon to secure the signing of Johnny Hockey signifies his importance to the Calgary Flames.

They are not going through all that just to flip Gaudreau for a 3rd round pick.

[getbak]

Let's not forget what he says right after talking about Johnny being tiny...

"That being said, no one is prepared to write off Johnny Gaudreau because he is exceptional and he is a great kid. If any player his size is going to make it, it's going to be Johnny Gaudreau because he's got that character and is a great guy." -- Brian Burke


Doesn't sound like someone they're planning to ship out any time soon.

[SoulOfTheFlame]

Btw.. The Flames didn't trade Marty St. Louis. They bought him out. They paid him NOT to play with us.

*Slow clap*

[Badgers Nose]

Originally Posted by Ashasx

Well, I'd say St. Louis' potential (or ability to reach his potential) was certainly questioned because of his size.

Partly. Like 15%. His lack of work ethic in NHL was the rest. His exile from Calgary was the wakeup call he needed.

JG has no character issues. Based on accomplishments so far, JG is better than 2/3 of the first round players his draft year.

[Badgers Nose]

Originally Posted by getbak

Let's not forget what he says right after talking about Johnny being tiny...

"That being said, no one is prepared to write off Johnny Gaudreau because he is exceptional and he is a great kid. If any player his size is going to make it, it's going to be Johnny Gaudreau because he's got that character and is a great guy." -- Brian Burke


Doesn't sound like someone they're planning to ship out any time soon.

Holy crap OP completely missed the context there.

OP <<<<< Reading

[killer_carlson]

Brett Hull was traded for an all star veteran defenceman who could play the PP and drop the gloves, as well as a high quality veteran backup goalie. Calgary had 4 young players to choose from: Hull, Nieuwendyk, Roberts, and Fleury (who had minimal value at the time). Had to give up assets to get the calibre of player coming back

[Completely]

Burke wants SKILL complemented by SIZE, he doesn't hate small players just wants to surround them with bigger guys. They would only trade him, if they didn't think he could make it in the nhl. But i mean he was beating defenders at the world championships, so i don't think that's a concern.

[Point Blank]

Originally Posted by getbak

Let's not forget what he says right after talking about Johnny being tiny...

"That being said, no one is prepared to write off Johnny Gaudreau because he is exceptional and he is a great kid. If any player his size is going to make it, it's going to be Johnny Gaudreau because he's got that character and is a great guy." -- Brian Burke


Doesn't sound like someone they're planning to ship out any time soon.

Interesting how people have always focused on the negative things Burke has said about Gaudreau and seemingly forgot all the positives, ex. this comment above and the private jet.

[DeluxeMoustache]

Originally Posted by Point Blank

Interesting how people have always focused on the negative things Burke has said about Gaudreau and seemingly forgot all the positives, ex. this comment above and the private jet.

Small minded?

[Badgers Nose]

Originally Posted by killer_carlson

Brett Hull was traded for an all star veteran defenceman who could play the PP and drop the gloves, as well as a high quality veteran backup goalie. Calgary had 4 young players to choose from: Hull, Nieuwendyk, Roberts, and Fleury (who had minimal value at the time). Had to give up assets to get the calibre of player coming back

...and they won the Cup.

Pretty crazy that some folks think the Flames lost the Hull trade. Flames Cup celebration was worth almost any price IMO.

I could give a flying ###### about Hull. He was a lazy fatso when Flames traded him.

Kinda like Savard.

Flames are going to be the class of the league in a few years when it comes to ripening players (of all shapes and sizes). The cupboards will be full. There will be tons of competition for roster spots. I know this because the Flames have been that in the past. They can do it again.

Flames have patiently developed JG. No pressure, finish school, downplay significance. I bet unless he dominates training camp, he will go to AHL to apply maximum ownage on that league until mid season trades or deadline deals.

[nik-]

I'm just not sure the point of him saying it over and over. Yeah, we get it Burke, he's really small ... everyone knows at this point. So why keep saying it?