[News] Flames recall Markus Granlund. UPD: Assigned back to Stockton Oct 20.

[Itse]

I think he could do really well on a line with Bennett and Frolik.

[ComixZone]

Bennett as a winger is a failure on Hartley's behalf in my opinion. As a comparison - Galchenyuk is now just starting to get around to playing centre, he should have been developed as one from the start. You win championships through the centre of the ice, and a Monahan/Bennett 1-2 punch would be a strength for years.

I am not a fan of Bennett on LW.

[Cali Panthers Fan]

Originally Posted by calgaryblood

Will help the defensive side of our game. Bouma is all heart but his defensive game isn't as good as Granlund's defensive game.

You're just so, so, so wrong on this. I'm a Granlund fan, but Bouma has always been a very good defensive player, and is often on the penalty kill. Bouma is the better defensive player.

Granlund is solid defensively, but can get overmatched physically in his own zone. His asset has always been on the offensive side, but he hasn't quite clicked regularly in the NHL...yet.

[calgaryblood]

Originally Posted by Cali Flames Fan

You're just so, so, so wrong on this. I'm a Granlund fan, but Bouma has always been a very good defensive player, and is often on the penalty kill. Bouma is the better defensive player.

Granlund is solid defensively, but can get overmatched physically in his own zone. His asset has always been on the offensive side, but he hasn't quite clicked regularly in the NHL...yet.

Strongly disagree. Bouma is on the PK a lot and that's because he will block a shot with his face no questions asked. Bouma is a great player for the Flames just think he's vastly over rated on the defensive side. He runs around a lot and is caught out of position.

This is not me "hating" on Bouma, I love the guy and was happy we got him signed it's just I think he has a lot to learn on positioning when he doesn't have the puck.

I wonder what the Corsi stats say about Bouma and Granlund (not that it's the only thing that matters I'm just curious how they match what I see).

[Cali Panthers Fan]

Originally Posted by calgaryblood

Strongly disagree. Bouma is on the PK a lot and that's because he will block a shot with his face no questions asked. Bouma is a great player for the Flames just think he's vastly over rated on the defensive side. He runs around a lot and is caught out of position.

This is not me "hating" on Bouma, I love the guy and was happy we got him signed it's just I think he has a lot to learn on positioning when he doesn't have the puck.

I wonder what the Corsi stats say about Bouma and Granlund (not that it's the only thing that matters I'm just curious how they match what I see).

That's exactly what makes him an excellent defensive forward. The willingness to do what it takes including sacrificing the body. Not everyone can play like Datsyuk. Some guys have lesser skill sets, but it's about what you do with it that matters.

I don't know what you're talking about with regards to Bouma "running around out of position". He's one of our key PK forwards for a reason.

[calumniate]

Originally Posted by ComixZone

Bennett as a winger is a failure on Hartley's behalf in my opinion. As a comparison - Galchenyuk is now just starting to get around to playing centre, he should have been developed as one from the start. You win championships through the centre of the ice, and a Monahan/Bennett 1-2 punch would be a strength for years.

I am not a fan of Bennett on LW.

You're right that galchenyuk started off on the wing, but he's turned out to be a really good player. So I'm not sure where your argument is coming from. Bennett has plenty of time to move into a full time centre role.

[Super-Rye]

Originally Posted by ComixZone

Bennett as a winger is a failure on Hartley's behalf in my opinion. As a comparison - Galchenyuk is now just starting to get around to playing centre, he should have been developed as one from the start. You win championships through the centre of the ice, and a Monahan/Bennett 1-2 punch would be a strength for years.

I am not a fan of Bennett on LW.

This gets blown out of proportion. It is an argument I haven't seen until before this season started and I think it is a rather silly one.

Galchenyuk started on the wing, is now playing center. Looks like the real deal.

Seguin developed on the wing and is a top tier center in the league now.

The only reason Monahan played center exclusively in his first year is the fact Calgary had about 2 legit NHL centers at the time.

Fact of the matter is the center position is an extremely tough position to play in this league, and it's a lot to ask out of an 19 year old.

Bennett will get time at center this year, I have no doubts about it. In fact I think he has looked very good at center to start the year and his move to the wing probably has more to do with trying to get Backlund going and finding a center position for Granlund, who had a heck if a training camp and it looks like he is going to get his chance to stick.

The Flames are deep at center. This is a good problem to have.

[GranteedEV]

Originally Posted by ComixZone

Bennett as a winger is a failure on Hartley's behalf in my opinion. As a comparison - Galchenyuk is now just starting to get around to playing centre, he should have been developed as one from the start. You win championships through the centre of the ice, and a Monahan/Bennett 1-2 punch would be a strength for years.

I am not a fan of Bennett on LW.

You're right but it might be nice to get a bit of a cushion in the standings and play our best line, then worry about the rest later on in the season, and don't forget there's a third center we drafted that was supposed to also be our #1 center once upon a time... he still exists

[Bandwagon In Flames]

There are a lot of misinformed posts in this thread. Not going to single one out, but you know who you are.

[Conroy4Mayor]

Originally Posted by Hockey-and_stuff

I'm hoping that he is inserted into the lineup quickly. I'm a Jooris fan but I believe Granlund has more to offer on both the offensive and defensive side of the puck.

I think I am overdue for a "Bollig should be in the pressbox" post.

In my skill-over-size perfect world, Granlund and Jooris are better hockey players, and should BOTH be suiting up. If we need a bit more toughness (debatable), then call up Hathaway.

[GreenLantern]

Originally Posted by ComixZone

Bennett as a winger is a failure on Hartley's behalf in my opinion. As a comparison - Galchenyuk is now just starting to get around to playing centre, he should have been developed as one from the start. You win championships through the centre of the ice, and a Monahan/Bennett 1-2 punch would be a strength for years.

I am not a fan of Bennett on LW.

Agreed.

Monahan
Bennett
Backlund
Stajan

Is exactly what the Flames should be rocking each night. Bennett/Backlund can be interchangeable as the 'second' line center until Bennett grows into his role. Him on the wing is just a total waste of a potentially elite level center.

[sureLoss]

Looks like Granlund won't draw in yet:

Pat Steinberg @Fan960Steinberg
#Flames lines today:
Gaudreau-Monahan-Hudler;
Bennett-Backlund-Frolik;
Ferland-Stajan-Jones;
Bollig-Jooris-Raymond.
Granlund extra.

[Locke]

I really want to see Granlund stick on the big club.

[Benched]

Originally Posted by sureLoss

Looks like Granlund won't draw in yet:

Pat Steinberg @Fan960Steinberg
#Flames lines today:
Gaudreau-Monahan-Hudler;
Bennett-Backlund-Frolik;
Ferland-Stajan-Jones;
Bollig-Jooris-Raymond.
Granlund extra.

Is it wrong that I'm actually pretty excited about these lines?

[sureLoss]

Pat Steinberg @Fan960Steinberg
Hartley confirms Jooris back in tomorrow. Also confirms Granlund sits. #Flames

[flamesfan55]

Originally Posted by Benched

Is it wrong that I'm actually pretty excited about these lines?

I actually felt the same way.

[FBI]

Yeah bennett on LW just seems to sound like more offense. We'll see I guess.

[Calgary4LIfe]

Good for Granlund. I think most on this board feel he is just about ready to stick permanently on the roster. Even with all the new talent since acquired since the 2011 draft, I still think he has one of the more lethal shots on the team, though we haven't seen much of it in his call-ups. May just be an adjustment thing or a confidence thing, but I still think he can be quite the sniper.

Makes me wonder who the next in line is. Everyone thinks Hathaway, but I am betting it is Arnold. Really hoping to see him get a few decent looks throughout the season up on the team. I still have him pegged as the heir apparent to Stajan long-term, and with 3rd line upside. Should be a very valuable 4th line center if down the road if there is ever such a thing. I like his game so much more than Shore's, for instance. Just seems like such a smart player on the ice.

[GioforPM]

Bollig/Jooris/Raymond, eh? On a good night Jooris and Raymond are speed demons who can pot a few, and Jooris and Bollig are effective down low. On a bad night, defensive trainwreck and stuck in their own zone.

[442scotty]

I think Granlund gets one more good crack at making the team and if he doesn't blow the boss away he's done and they move on. He's a smaller guy who plays small IMO so he needs to be a scorer or setup guy... If not then move on... Better options coming on the farm... Time waits for no one