What are your thoughts on Joe Colborne so far?

[Rerun]

As someone else said on here... "For someone who's 6'5" he's been relatively invisible out there" (I'm paraphrasing as I couldn't find the actual quote)

He's played 19 minutes (25 shifts) and has had 0 goals, 0 assists, and 0 shots on goal. Not overly impressed so far. Hopefully he'll change my mind in the upcoming Mtl game.

[Stupid]

Uh.

Sample size.

[codynw]

Meh.

If he doesn't improve in the next game or two I'd rather see Reinhart or Horak in the lineup.

[MisterJoji]

I can see the reasoning as to why he was acquired, however I think Knight or Reinhart could've filled the role just as good, if not better. But it's only been 2 games. I'll give him a few more before I'm ready to put him in the pressbox and bring up one of the aforementioned players from Abbotsford.

Edit: throw Horak in the mix as well.

[Robbob]

His first game he was noticeably tentative and said himself he is thinking the game instead of playing. I think he is still learning the system and needs to be given more time. I think you have seen flashes using his size to protect the puck.

[Buff]

He needs to get into the game for me to notice him.

[Drury18]

I think he's taking up Horak's spot.

[mrdonkey]

Pretty much matches the MO we were hearing from Leafs fans prior to the trade. Really not noticeable at all.

I'd be ok if he were put on waivers. Heck, he'd probably clear at this point.

[Bandwagon In Flames]

He did have 4+ hits in his first game and I do recall mention that they are trying to turn Colborne into a bottom six energy/checking forward, not a scoring power forward. I would of liked to see him on the first or second line for one game to see what his offensive capabilities are.

It's kind of a win/win for the flames though. Either he stays in the NHL and plays well, or he plays bad, gets sent through waivers and nobody will bother claiming him. He can then hopefully work on his game some more in the AHL.

[Cole436]

I'd rather have Horak up instead.

[Huntingwhale]

Large players like him who don't use their size RGMG. I wish I could understand the mentality of that. You are blessed with being one of the taller players in the league. You play an important position in center. You are young and close to your physical peak. Why oh why do you not use your size to bully others around and create space for yourself?? Large players like him who don't use their size are seriously the most frustrating people in all of sports.

[Ice_Weasel]

For a hometown kid making his debut, he seemed pretty uninspired in the Van game. Will give him a few games before commenting further to be fair, but initial impression was not the best.

[JT45]

Think he has been fine so far. It's early in the season and he didn't get as much time as other players learning the system etc. Still have somewhat high hopes for the guy.

He hasn't been real noticeable but hasn't hurt us either from what I have seen. I think when he gets more comfortable out there his offensive upside will present itself a little better.

He has a +/- of 0 and have seen a couple sites list him as having 6 hits. The hits would put him second on the team with 1 less than Shane O'Brien in 1 less game. For a player that was criticized for not using his size, this is at least somewhat encouraging.

[moon]

Seems like what I would have expected from him coming over and considering the minutes he has got.

He hasn't been impressive enough that I would be upset if he were replaced or bad enough to think he should be taken out for someone in the farm.

If we are replacing someone in line-up I would much rather see Street sent down and Colborne given his minutes.

[Wolven]

I noticed him at the Van game as being a big body and he looked to be playing a safe game. He might not have any goals, assists or even shots so far but he was also playing on the 4th line with guys like McGrattan. So I don't know what more to expect from him after a couple of games.

Considering how new he is to the team, he missed learning the system along with everyone else throughout the preseason, and the fact that he is a young NHL rookie in general, I would keep him in the lineup and give him a lot more time to adjust. Perhaps try to push him into a bigger role every once in a while and see how he takes to it.

[Brando]

I was definitely hoping to see more offense and skill to his game but considering where he is playing (4th line) and his linemates I will say he has done decent at best. Would like to see him playing on a higher skilled line but he hasn't exactly proven he deserves that. Kinda reminds me of the Sven situation at the beginning of last year.

[FlamesAddiction]

My impression so far is that we could have just kept Neimisz up instead of burning a 4th. Horak despite being smaller, would be a better option as well.

Colborne was brought in as a project though, so early impressions don't mean a lot.

[OzSome]

The guy only played 2 games and mostly on the 4th line. Kind of early to get the good read on the guy's play, don't you think? He was not here during the training camp and still learning the Calgary Flames' playbook. We are dealing with a young player not a veteran player. Even a veteran player have a hard time picking his new team's playbook.

At least give the guy 10 games before you declare him busted.

[SuperMatt18]

Too early to say anything one way or another but he has been more physical then expected.

Dished out a couple of decent checks in the Canucks game, and led the team in hits during the Columbus game. Actually leads all Flames forwards in hits even though he has only played 20 minutes.

[calumniate]

Hmm.. shouldn't the thread title be 'Joe Fricken' Colborne'?