[News] Ben Street called up. Backlund out 4-6 weeks MCL. Babchuk activated

[Dienasty]

Originally Posted by Alberta_Beef

no one said they were premier players, you said they should put Backlund with finishers, which all 3 of them are. And why on earth would you put Backlund with "premiere talent" when he has yet to show he is more than a 2nd liner (and even that's a bit if a stretch)

Again how many times as cammalerri finished this year? I think you are confusing him with the guy we had 4 years ago. He was useless on the BBC line.

Again stempniak is garbage. Yes he will burry a couple nice goals here and there, but there is a reason why he has bounced around the league. Good depth player but not valuable enough to retain.

Why would you put backlund with premiere talent... Well that is easy to answer, considering he is one of three guys on the team with any upside, I would like to see him reach his potential.

[Roof-Daddy]

The more I think about it, I'm fairly certain Backlund will be just fine. He's an athlete, and has NHL talent. His biggest problem is confidence, and I think we have the right coaching staff now to keep his head right when he returns.

[Dienasty]

Originally Posted by cznTiburon

Guy just turned 26 and has played 3 years in the ahl and he is a career minor leaguer? We didn't call up keith aucoin or quentin laing here, he is a young guy who played a full college career. Justin schultz played in minors this year did that make him a career minor leaguer?

26 year old with 0 NHL games... Not to mention he was signed as a minor league free agent. Would you like to see the success rates of guys that follow that path?

Your Schultz comparison is an embarrassment, you should probably edit that out because it implies that you don't have a clue what you are talking about. Schultz was a 2nd round pick, developed into an elite prospect in college, and found a loop hole in the system to become a free agent (wheeler did the same thing). Because of this he had offers from over half the league to get max entry level contract. Street was not re upped by his franchise, and was available to everyone, and could not get a 1 way deal. Schultz played in the ahl because of something called a lockout. Do you remember that? He is also 3 years younger... So yeah... Not really comparable.

[Dienasty]

Originally Posted by Pierre "Monster" McGuire

Couldn't be further from the truth.

We're talking about guy that was the best centre on the team in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton and may have been playing for the Pens by now if it weren't for a few guys named Crosby, Malkin and Brandon Sutter (at the time Jordan Staal).

Believe me, the guy's got all the tools to be a good top 9 player in the NHL. He just needs a shot - something he was never ever going to get in Pittsburgh.

He couldn't play on the wing? Not to mention crosby and Malkin have missed a couple of games in the last couple of years...

I hope you are right and he proves me wrong, however if he stays in the NHL, it will be because he took over Blair jones' role not a top 6 forward spot.

Let's just hope your scouting is right and he is a late bloomer, but I am not going to get my hopes up that a 26 year old career minor leaguer. Hopefully he is the next Patrick sharp and not the next hnat domenichelli.

[calgary2220]

Didn't Babchuk play a couple of games on thw wing last year as well?

[Dienasty]

Originally Posted by Roof-Daddy

The more I think about it, I'm fairly certain Backlund will be just fine. He's an athlete, and has NHL talent. His biggest problem is confidence, and I think we have the right coaching staff now to keep his head right when he returns.

Backlund has slick hands, great vision and composure with the puck, has a great stick and positioning in his own end and is an unbelievable skater.

The knock on him is that he needs to put put on some muscle so he doesn't get man handled, needs to work on getting more power behind his shot. These are things that improve as he becomes a man. Barring this string of bad luck injuries, this guy is going to be a stud top 6 forward.

Backlund has 4 years until he reaches his prime (27) just wait...

[Bertuzzied]

Originally Posted by Yoho

Yeah you're right 23 is pretty old

Can't wait for Street to be teamed up with Sven and Granlund so we can call them the Kid Street line.

[FlamingLonghorn]

Originally Posted by Dienasty

Again how many times as cammalerri finished this year? I think you are confusing him with the guy we had 4 years ago. He was useless on the BBC line.

Or maybe you didn't see Cammalleri score 11 goals, 8 assists in 28 games (a 33 goal pace) last year after he came to the Flames? Writing him off this early in the season is ridiculous.

[Dienasty]

Originally Posted by FlamingLonghorn

Or maybe you didn't see Cammalleri score 11 goals, 8 assists in 28 games (a 33 goal pace) last year after he came to the Flames? Writing him off this early in the season is ridiculous.

And yet he only had 20 goals, and 41 points, and hasn't had a 30 goal season since he last played for Calgary 4 years ago.

If you compare the tap and watch him play you will see that he has lost a step since we saw him last and he doesn't seem to get off his shot as quickly and accurately as he used to.

Not saying he won't have a decent statistical year considering they force feed him first line time, and 1st unit pp. I am just saying he isn't what he used to be.

[FlamesAddiction]

Originally Posted by Dienasty

26 year old with 0 NHL games... Not to mention he was signed as a minor league free agent. Would you like to see the success rates of guys that follow that path?

I actually agree a little that it sounds like a few people are overhyping him, but I want to see what he can do before judging.

Here are some NHL players that have followed a similar path:



Kevin Westgarth - full university career, and 3 years in the minors before getting an NHL shot (26 years old).

Rich Peverey - full university career, 3 years in the minors, before getting an NHL shot (25 years old - played 13 games that year).

Martin St. Louis - full university career, played mostly in the minors until he was 25 (played 13 NHL games before that age nd then 56 as a 25 year old, so basically a "career minor leaguer until that point).

Mark Letestu - Played a full career of junior B, one year of university, 4 years in the minors and 10 NHL games before the age of 26 (like Street, another one from the deep Pens prospect pool).

Drew Miller - Maybe more of a stretch. Full univesitry career, mostly in the minors until he was 26,but played 53 NHL games before then.

Jarred Smithson - Played in the WHL, then in the minors. Played 30 NHL games before the age of 26.

PA Parenteau - Played in junior, then the minors - 5 NHL games before the age of 27.

Joey Crabb - Full university career, then minors. First crack at the NHL as a 25 year old - played 29 games.




Obviously most of these guys aren't stars in the NHL, but it just goes to show you that the road can be long for some. I also don't think anyone can deny that getting an NHL shot is often a function of luck, team depth, and internal politics. Players seeing the rare call-up before the age of 26 isn't necessary a sign that they are better than a player who hasn't.

I'm not saying that Street will be a regular, but the thought of him becoming NHL roster filler isn't out of the question at his age either.

[EddyBeers]

Originally Posted by FlamesAddiction

I actually agree a little that it sounds like a few people are overhyping him, but I want to see what he can do before judging.

Here are some NHL players that have followed a similar path:



Kevin Westgarth - full university career, and 3 years in the minors before getting an NHL shot (26 years old).

Rich Peverey - full university career, 3 years in the minors, before getting an NHL shot (25 years old - played 13 games that year).

Martin St. Louis - full university career, played mostly in the minors until he was 25 (played 13 NHL games before that age nd then 56 as a 25 year old, so basically a "career minor leaguer until that point).

Mark Letestu - Played a full career of junior B, one year of university, 4 years in the minors and 10 NHL games before the age of 26 (like Street, another one from the deep Pens prospect pool).

Drew Miller - Maybe more of a stretch. Full univesitry career, mostly in the minors until he was 26,but played 53 NHL games before then.

Jarred Smithson - Played in the WHL, then in the minors. Played 30 NHL games before the age of 26.

PA Parenteau - Played in junior, then the minors - 5 NHL games before the age of 27.

Joey Crabb - Full university career, then minors. First crack at the NHL as a 25 year old - played 29 games.




Obviously most of these guys aren't stars in the NHL, but it just goes to show you that the road can be long for some. I also don't think anyone can deny that getting an NHL shot is often a function of luck, team depth, and internal politics. Players seeing the rare call-up before the age of 26 isn't necessary a sign that they are better than a player who hasn't.

I'm not saying that Street will be a regular, but the thought of him becoming NHL roster filler isn't out of the question at his age either.

I am almost positive that Letestu did not play a single season of junior b hockey.

[Bingo]

Originally Posted by bubbsy

not saying he doesn't show promise. Am saying if i'm backlund, i definitely don't sign anything over 2-3 years unless i'm getting 2-3 million/year..

at best, i think we'll see another 1 year deal around 1.5 million with backlund hoping to stay healthy and show he's a 3-3.5 million dollar guy.

not saying he hasn't shown a lot when healthy over the past 2 years+preseason or that i don't want to se the flames sign him. However, flames fans don't have to look too far to see skilled players that have a history of being oft-injured having difficulty bucking the trend.

i do find it curious that for a guy we all have been relatively impressed with, the only forwards with less avg ice time per game are:
- baertchi
- comeau
- begin
- jones
- jackman

maybe i'm alone here, but i think backlund still had to show more to be viewed as a bonafide top 6 player on this team.

To me if you want to find a silver lining, the Backlund injury likely gives the Flames a chance to get him signed to a three year deal at very reasonable money because the injury derailed what was shaping up to be a 15 goal 30 point 48 game season (25 goal, 50 point pace for 82)

He was on a one year deal looking to prove himself, and I'm guessing he and his agent won't look for the moon to get a longer term deal

opportunity

[FlamesAddiction]

Originally Posted by EddyBeers

I am almost positive that Letestu did not play a single season of junior b hockey.

Sorry, junior A.

[Cleveland Steam Whistle]

Originally Posted by Roof-Daddy

The more I think about it, I'm fairly certain Backlund will be just fine. He's an athlete, and has NHL talent. His biggest problem is confidence, and I think we have the right coaching staff now to keep his head right when he returns.

Backlund's biggest problem is he can't stay healthy. He misses way to much time and its impacting his effectiveness when he is playing and his development. It's unfortunate, but its taking a huge toll on home becoming an effective NHL player.

[Dienasty]

St Louis if I am correct was elite at every level and was greater then a point per game player at every level, his only issue was size.

But some of those guys are fairly serviceable. Basically best we can hope for is PA Paranteau which would be awesome.

I agree I am interested to see how this guy plays, but my posts were basically to make 2 points:
1) it would be way more exciting if we had some top prospects in the ahl, remember how exciting it was when baertschi was called up? Instead we have street, horak, and a bunch of re-treads (kolanos,nemisz, Byron) not a lot of exciting names.
2) is that guys who play until 26 years old have a small chance of becoming above average players at the NHL. Basically he is probably nothing special.

Can I hope he bucks the trend? Yes, but are the law of averages against him? Yes.

[Pierre "Monster" McGuire]

Originally Posted by Dienasty

St Louis if I am correct was elite at every level and was greater then a point per game player at every level, his only issue was size.

But some of those guys are fairly serviceable. Basically best we can hope for is PA Paranteau which would be awesome.

I agree I am interested to see how this guy plays, but my posts were basically to make 2 points:
1) it would be way more exciting if we had some top prospects in the ahl, remember how exciting it was when baertschi was called up? Instead we have street, horak, and a bunch of re-treads (kolanos,nemisz, Byron) not a lot of exciting names.
2) is that guys who play until 26 years old have a small chance of becoming above average players at the NHL. Basically he is probably nothing special.

Can I hope he bucks the trend? Yes, but are the law of averages against him? Yes.

I wouldn't be so quick to call Horak a re-tread.

He's very much a top prospect in this organization and he's only 21. He'll be a Flame in the future. The one thing I don't like about Horak though is he's turning out to be a very streaky player. He'll get points and goals in bunches and then he'll go weeks without getting either.

[Roof-Daddy]

Originally Posted by FlamesAddiction

Rich Peverey - full university career, 3 years in the minors, before getting an NHL shot (25 years old - played 13 games that year).

That would be awesome if Street turned out anything like Peverley, they seem to be very similar type players with similar career paths to this point (25).

Smart players, good skaters, strong defensively, good at face offs, and offensive potential.

Long shot, but sure would be nice.

[Alberta_Beef]

Originally Posted by Pierre "Monster" McGuire

I wouldn't be so quick to call Horak a re-tread.

He's very much a top prospect in this organization and he's only 21. He'll be a Flame in the future. The one thing I don't like about Horak though is he's turning out to be a very streaky player. He'll get points and goals in bunches and then he'll go weeks without getting either.

the fact he called Nemisz and Byron re-treads as well is just as ridiculous. Nemo is still on his ELC and Nyron 1 year removed from his. The is clearly out to lunch, he can't even differentiate between us being excited at Street getting an opportunity that we hope will pan out and us thinking he is definitely going to make an impact

[Dienasty]

Originally Posted by Pierre "Monster" McGuire

I wouldn't be so quick to call Horak a re-tread.

He's very much a top prospect in this organization and he's only 21. He'll be a Flame in the future. The one thing I don't like about Horak though is he's turning out to be a very streaky player. He'll get points and goals in bunches and then he'll go weeks without getting either.

I wasn't lumping Horak in as a re-tread I agree he is a decent prospect. I was referring to (Byron, Kolanos, and Nemisz as re-treads). I think you misinterpretted my sentence.

[Dienasty]

Originally Posted by Alberta_Beef

the fact he called Nemisz and Byron re-treads as well is just as ridiculous. Nemo is still on his ELC and Nyron 1 year removed from his. The is clearly out to lunch, he can't even differentiate between us being excited at Street getting an opportunity that we hope will pan out and us thinking he is definitely going to make an impact

Haha the fact that you haven't realized that Byron was put on WAIVERS, and no one claimed him should give you a hint that he isn't considered NHL quality. 5 foot nine forwards who don't score aren't considered useful. He is about a half a point a game player in 2 seasons with abbotsford, and has played 4 years total in the AHL.

As for Nemisz, he is a lost cause, he can't skate, is injury prone, and in three AHL seasons has yet to show any development and as such is burried on the fourth line if they even let him play. Nemisz is looking like the guy who put up points in junior because his linemate was good (Hall). He has 3 assists, -4 in 28 games this year, yeah I doubt the Flames re-sign that kid.

Keep spouting nonsense Alberta Beef.