Jones and Horak to Abbotsford; EDIT: And recall Aliu

[Flash Walken]

Originally Posted by Ashasx

But Horak is not a bottom 6 player and should not be played in that role.

Aliu isn't coming up to replace Horak. He's replacing Jones, Jackman, etc.

Let's not forget that Horak has something like 3 points in his last 20 games in the AHL.

let's not forget that he has 2 points in his last 6 games in the NHL.

[moon]

Originally Posted by Ashasx

Now, on Aliu, he made the most of his opportunity last year. He's not an offensive player, he hasn't been spectacular in the AHL this year, but what's the risk? Maybe he has an extra gear for a couple games with the Flames, maybe he draws a few penalties, throws a couple hits.

What's the worse that can happen?

I would that when bringing guys up more would be said about it than "whats the worse that can happen?"

Perhaps that is where we are with the team right now but considering outside of some outlandish expectations for the most part the positives about bringing Aliu up is well he likely won't make them any worse in the limited time he plays.

Originally Posted by Flash Walken

Yep, meritocracy this year and I for one really like it. No room for passengers on this Flames team. You're either contributing or you're not on the ice.

I may be missing some obvious green text here but meritocracy now includes bringing up a guy that Heat posters have said has struggled with consistency and doesn't deserve it?

[Joker]

Originally Posted by timbit

Wrong guy.

*foot in mouth*

[EddyBeers]

Originally Posted by Ashasx

But Horak is not a bottom 6 player and should not be played in that role.

Aliu isn't coming up to replace Horak. He's replacing Jones, Jackman, etc.

Let's not forget that Horak has something like 3 points in his last 20 games in the AHL.

Horak is a bottom six player on a good team. Nothing in his past suggests that he should play in the top six. He is a third or fourth line center on most teams, probably topping out with Stephane Yelle potential.

[The Original FFIV]

Originally Posted by Flash Walken

Really excited to see what Aliu can do for the Flames.

I think he'll look really good on the left wing of Begin and Jackman, stirring up trouble, getting charging penalties, being a punching bag.

Horak's time with the club was up. 2 points in 6 games playing less than 10 minutes of solid positional hockey?

That's just not good enough to stick on this Flames roster. You've gotta be producing if you want to make this club, not lolly-gagging around. If he was playing well, Hartley would play him, the ball is in Horak's court about whether he wants to be a Calgary Flame or not.

Hopefully Troy Ward can straighten him out down in the minors. Kid needs a lot of work if he's ever going to play in the NHL.

Yep, meritocracy this year and I for one really like it. No room for passengers on this Flames team. You're either contributing or you're not on the ice.

Looking forward to 2 minutes of Fury from Aliu next game.

GO FLAMES GO

Not producing and lolly gagging describes the Iggy-Tanguay-Cammy line, so you are wrong, but I agree with you in principle

[Ashasx]

Originally Posted by moon

I would that when bringing guys up more would be said about it than "whats the worse that can happen?"

Perhaps that is where we are with the team right now but considering outside of some outlandish expectations for the most part the positives about bringing Aliu up is well he likely won't make them any worse in the limited time he plays.

I don't know what you expect from any AHL call up, but you are completely off base.

[Phanuthier]

Originally Posted by Ashasx

But Horak is not a bottom 6 player and should not be played in that role.

Aliu isn't coming up to replace Horak. He's replacing Jones, Jackman, etc.

Let's not forget that Horak has something like 3 points in his last 20 games in the AHL.

Actually I think Horak played the 3rd line pretty well... not to mention Sven was played on the 4th line and he's not a 4th liner.

I get the motives of the move, just bizarre overall though.

[tvp2003]

Interested to see what Aliu can do -- I was actually wondering yesterday if he would get a shot as this team needs an energy player with some grit and the only young guy that fills that role (Bouma) is out for the year.

[Southside]

Understand Feaster had said Aliu wasn't popular on either bench in the Anaheim game last year because he forced both teams to play that game. Hartley said too many players took the option and Feaster knew what he had to do. Can't hurt. Has anything else worked?

[IamNotKenKing]

Originally Posted by Da_Chief

I liked what I saw from him in few games last year, he got hurt this year as well. consistency is always an issue with young players so he's no different.

Case of where at a lower level he's being asked to do more then he's capable of, bring him up here and he knows he's only playing 4-5 mins a game and this is the biggest stage so he better give it all every game. Just my opinion.

Fixed your post.

[SebC]

I don't get this team... offense goes down the drain, we're short on centres, and we send down Jones (centre) and Horak (decent producer)?

[killer_carlson]

Can we get confirmation about Sven being ready? I think the reports that he is are premature.

[Flash Walken]

Originally Posted by Phanuthier

Actually I think Horak played the 3rd line pretty well... not to mention Sven was played on the 4th line and he's not a 4th liner.

I get the motives of the move, just bizarre overall though.

Maybe this mean Sven is coming back to fill his old position of 4th line LW and Aliu is being called up to Centre the third line and alternate draws on the PK with Stajan?

[Vulcan]

Myself I'd waive Babchuk, we don't need him and his big shot with Wideman doing his thing. I'd call up Dman Chris Breen, this guy is big and tough and close to ready.

Not only calling up Aliu is a good move, I'd also claim McCormick because this team plays like last years Montreal Smurfs.

[Phanuthier]

Originally Posted by Vulcan

Myself I'd waive Babchuk, we don't need him and his big shot with Wideman doing his thing. I'd call up Dman Chris Breen, this guy is big and tough and close to ready.

Not only calling up Aliu is a good move, I'd also claim McCormick because this team plays like last years Montreal Smurfs.

Would be nice to shave his $2.5M salary and not park $4.5M of salary in the press box as healthy scratches

[moon]

Originally Posted by Ashasx

I don't know what you expect from any AHL call up, but you are completely off base.

I expect that the player will add something to the team and not be a sub-par AHL player.

[Aeneas]

Would like to see Breen come up. Only legit toughness in the organization.
Maybe he isn't as good as our 5-8 dmen, but he brings size and is willing to punch people.

Aliu, whatever. If he makes something happen out there great. This team is painful to watch. So small and passive.

Carter Bancks I would also like to see sometime. Really gives a great effort. Small but feisty.

If we are not going to score much, or win games; I would be happier seeing some physical play.

[moon]

Originally Posted by Southside

Understand Feaster had said Aliu wasn't popular on either bench in the Anaheim game last year because he forced both teams to play that game. Hartley said too many players took the option and Feaster knew what he had to do. Can't hurt. Has anything else worked?

Karlsson had an impressive .920 sv% and got the win in the Anaheim game at the end of the year. Since we are giving so much credence to what happened in meaningless end of the year games perhaps it is time to get him back to solve our goaltending issues.

[killer_carlson]

Id trade Jackman, even for McCormick if that is all we can get.

Im hoping Aliu coming up puts Jackman in the press box until he remembers he is there to respond when opponents run our goalie or key players.

[Stay Golden]

Finally Alui is getting the call up.
There were a handfull of us here that assumed he would be on the 4th line with Jackman to start the season off with.
Thank you Ward, Feaster, ect for finally coming around.

I don't care if Alui is not the best skater, or not good defensivly.
He is here to crush and smash the opponents into the boards.
To agitate to stand up for team mates. To face wash opponents in scrums ect.
A 6'3 225lb 23 yr old agitator and he was available from day 1.


He is here as a energy role player and should have been up from day 1.
I laughed when Feaster kept saying prior to the season we are looking for a 4th line grinder someone the other team doesn't like to play against.

I thought wtf Feaster you have 1 in the Heat do you not know what you have.
I have no doubt in my mind that Ward said Alui isn't ready for the NHL skill wise.
That is not and probably won't ever be his hockey strength. His hockey strength JMO is he is a prick that would rather have on your bench then on the opposition.
I'm glad Alui gets the call and for the love of physical hockey keep him here regardless of rookie mistakes he will make.