[News] Kulak and Poirier returned to Stockton. Poirier recalled again?

[Enoch Root]

Originally Posted by KootenayFlamesFan

I don't think he was good nor bad. He looked okay, showed a bit of hustle at times but looked like a player that still needs a year or so to put it all together. Probably doesn't help that he's under the microscope too when called up for a game here and there, like Ortio he may need to be called up and played for an extended time to get some confidence and relax.

And that's the thing... he AND Shinkaruk are still waiver exempt through next season. All those contracts that end after next season will open spots on the roster before these guys become waiver eligible.

Lots of time for them.

[saillias]

From what I saw of him (which was brief because I it's too painful to sit through 60 min of Flames hockey lately) he seems to have tunnel vision.

[sinceAtlanta]

same here, I, too, thought he looked a lot better than his previous stint with the club ... more consistent in the short game, better positioning, bigger, stronger ... speed and forechecking remain strengths with him ... had a few scoring chances, too ...

was only held back by a certain hesitancy (at times), which is usually solved by playing more than just a handful of games (and acquiring greater awareness of the NHL's quicker-to-execute pace -- somewhat like Bennett at the start of the year) ... it looks like it's only a matter of (short) time for him -- once he wins his spot and has the time to assert himself more, he should grow into a solid, offense-contributor ...

and he's got a sniper's-like shot, which we've yet to see, really, so bodes well, imo ... yes, agreed, just a bit more patience.

[tvp2003]

We've been spoiled by guys like Monahan and Gaudreau (and even Bennett) who have made the jump from junior/NCAA to the NHL and have achieved some/good/great success by giving them sheltered minutes/responsibility to start and having them develop here instead of the AHL.

Excluding these outliers, I'm happy to let these guys "simmer" in the AHL (i.e. the Detroit model)... especially the higher upside forwards (like Poirier and Klimchuk) and the defencemen (Wotherspoon, Kulak, Culkin), as they usually take longer to develop. Then, when some of the dead weight comes off the books in the next couple of years, hopefully 1-2 of them are knocking on the door ready to fill that spot.

In contrast, guys like Hathaway can step in now and make an impact because they play a simple crash and bang style of game; any offence is just gravy (i.e. Jooris last year).

Shinkaruk is an interesting prospect because he's probably the closest of the "skilled" guys ready to make the jump. He's produced at the AHL level, although he still has a ways to go though before he slots into the starting lineup as a top 6 forward (which is where he will hopefully end up).

[Benched]

wasn't overly impressed with Poirier. Still seems very overrated to me.

but as you guys say, it's still early and time will tell.

[Lanny_McDonald]

I loved Poirier's game. He did exactly what the team demanded of him and worked to be a good player away from the puck. I thought me was excellent in his play without the puck and made some really smart subtle plays by taking away open ice. Huge improvement and a nice display of dedication to improving his game.

[Steve Bozek]

Thought Kulak looked good.

[Alberta_Beef]

I think people are forgetting how young Poirier is. The same goes for Klimchuk & Shinkaruk (when he eventually has a bad game) these are guys that were taken in the final 3rd of 1st round in 2012 and are in the first year of their ELCs and late first round picks are rarely impact players in the first year of their ELCs. In fact they are often in the AHL for a couple years and take a couple more developing in the NHL. Sure some will get it more quickly than others, but they need time and patience.

[genetic_phreek]

Originally Posted by Toonage

Really wanted to see Poirier with Gaudreau & Monahan. Still time for a regular call up I suppose.

Originally Posted by Enoch Root

Yeah me too.

Shinkaruk deserved the bump to the top line last night, but I didn't think he fit at all. Poirier is more what they need.

I totally agree with both. I don't think Shinkaruk has looked that great in my opinion other than his first game and he looked average although scoring in Anaheim.

Obviously there is the factor of him not having any chemistry due to not playing with 23 and 13 so maybe he gets better but I still think Poirier is getting sold a bit short by people because of his 0 points.

[Strange Brew]

I thought this year's camp was going to be huge for Drew Shore and he really needed to impress. He didn't and has all the makings of a career AHLer. Very far down the list for callus.

I don't think Poirier is quite at that stage but he really, really needs to impress at next year's camp if the dream of being an impact NHLer is still alive. He is still relatively young but at some point, he needs to move to top of the list for a call up. I suspect his year end meeting with management will be the proverbial kick in the rear.

[dissentowner]

Originally Posted by Flames Draft Watcher

I think his pestiness has been overrated by some of the fan base. I don't think it's a huge part of his game.

If that is the case I don't see him making this team. The Flames could really use a pest, if he can't transfer it to his pro game I don't see enough from his other tools to make me think he will be anything special.

[stone hands]

He's young and I'm not writing him off, but poirier really didn't empress me at all. It might be because Hathaway(albeit a totally different role) completely blew me away during his callup that poirier seems lacklustre in comparison

[albertGQ]

Pat Steinberg says Poirier is still with the Flames.

[Bingo]

which says to me someone else went down. I know Monahan left and came back last night. Gaudreau took another whack

[Toonage]

AHL transaction page says he was recalled today. Another injury for the Flames or a regular recall? Interesting.

[Fan in Exile]

I thought Poirier was much more noticeable against Anaheim at least than at any time last season. He was in hard on the forecheck and created some turnovers. Played smart positionally. He looked like a more complete player to me than Shinkaruk despite not getting any points. I think Poirier's confidence in his offensive abilities has slipped but hopefully that comes back at the beginning of next season.

[Ozy_Flame]

I think Gaudreau is out again. he was favoring his wrist last night.

[CalgaryFan1988]

Originally Posted by Ozy_Flame

I think Gaudreau is out again. he was favoring his wrist last night.

The amount of slashes Gaudreau takes to the wrists has me concerned.

[djsFlames]

Poirier has to step it up next season if he wants a chance at the NHL.

Shinkaruk could very well slot in on Backlund's wing next season consider Backs is more reliable defensively.

[northcrunk]

Originally Posted by CalgaryFan1988

The amount of slashes Gaudreau takes to the wrists has me concerned.

Someone needs to step up and take a 2 min penalty to puch the guys who do that to Gaudreau in the face. 2 minutes worth it imo.