Flames meeting with Dan Dekeyser Camp

[icarus]

Luckily he wears #5... I was worried about uncomfortable pause when he asked if #12 was available.

[sureLoss]

Apparently Ray Shero and the Pens are doing a face to face meeting today as well.

[Ozy_Flame]

Originally Posted by sureLoss

Apparently Ray Shero and the Pens are doing a face to face meeting today as well.

I don't think I can handle it if he signs with Pittsburgh . . .

[bubbsy]

Flames aren't changing. They have been after every big Ufa in the past few years and didn't get any. I think 19 gms are said to have meetings with this kid.

[keenan87]

I don't know too much about this guy, can someone help me out please.

[kipperfan]

Unless Dekeyser's has had some sort of frontal lobotamy performed on him in the last few days he will not choose Calgary.

[Cheerio]

I thought that the Flames were close last year with Detroit leading the way and Tampa Bay and Calgary right behind

[kyuss275]

Only way the flames have a chance is if they write the biggest cheque.

[SportsJunky]

Eric Francis was just on NHL radio and said the only attractive thing for the kid might be that when he is due his next contract in three years time, Calgary should have lots of money to give him.

[kipperfan]

Originally Posted by kyuss275

Only way the flames have a chance is if they write the biggest cheque.

Can't, he will be subject the the standard 3 year ELC. So yeah, no chance.

[sureLoss]

Originally Posted by keenan87

I don't know too much about this guy, can someone help me out please.

DeKeyser was considered the top college free agent last year but decided to stay in school another year. Reportedly had 26 teams give him contract offers last year.

From Hockeysfuture:

DeKeyser's combination of size (6'3, 190 lbs), great feet and terrific shot has made NHL teams take notice. His skating is very good, but it is his footwork that separates DeKeyser from many collegiate defensemen and it's really something to marvel at. He moves exceedingly well both in the defensive and offensive zones. The 10 or so pounds that he added over the summer has simply enhanced that attribute, making DeKeyser not only a stronger skater, but also heightening his fundamentally sound positional play as well. Where this is particularly evident is in his ability to contain players and limiting spaces on the ice.

Another attribute that has gotten the attention of NHL teams is DeKeyser's shot. He possesses a very powerful and remarkably accurate shot. It isn't often that his shots miss the net. While he can score goals himself, DeKeyser's shots aren't always to score but rather to create rebounds that can be difficult to control.

DeKeyser can be seen playing on the Broncos' top defensive pairing, alongside junior Luke Witkowski (TB). He logs upwards of 25-30 minutes per game, playing in all situations. He has played in all 36 games for Western Michigan to date, posting 13 points (five goals, eight assists). DeKeyser's plus-11 currently ranks third on the Broncos roster.

DeKeyser projects to be more of a two-way defenseman due to his great offensive ability and equally stellar defensive ability.

[Muffins]

Originally Posted by kyuss275

Only way the flames have a chance is if they write the biggest cheque.

rookie max? pretty sure every team serious about him will offer that.

[kyuss275]

Thanks for the info on rookie max contracts. My hopes of Calgary getting Dekeyser lasted 4 minutes.

[AC]

Yup, I can't think of any reason Dekeyser would choose us.

Antoine Laganiere is a 6'4", 197 lbs forward who plays with Agostino at Yale... so there's that slime glimmer of hope at least.

[SuperMatt18]

Originally Posted by AC

Yup, I can't think of any reason Dekeyser would choose us.

Antoine Laganiere is a 6'4", 197 lbs forward who plays with Agostino at Yale... so there's that slime glimmer of hope at least.

Walker also mentioned that Hanowski plays on a line with another highly coveted NCAA Free Agent Drew LeBlanc.

Flames might be pushing the connections to try and get an inside track on these guys.

[Parallex]

Originally Posted by Roof-Daddy

Pretty sure he will be a Red Wing, but give it your best shot Jay.

Yeah pretty much, gotta at least do some due dilligence and give it the ol' college try. So go Jay and Bob make your pitch and hope for the best. Gotta think that if the Flames have been doing so much college scouting that there's at least a chance that there's a relationship. Not as much as the Wings obviously but still.

[The Swedish Flame]

From the sound of it, this guy is out of our league considering the competition there is for him.

But one can dream, right?

[neo45]

Originally Posted by sureLoss

Apparently Ray Shero and the Pens are doing a face to face meeting today as well.

Signing with Pitt would be so questionable for this kid to do.

"Hey come join our other 10 great D prospects and compete for one spot!"

If Shero signs this kid, he has had the best GM week in hockey history

[sureLoss]

Detroit is considered to be the heavy favorites.

He has been to previous Detroit development camps, his favourite team growing up in Michigan was the Red Wings. Apparently Red Wings management and players reguarly meet and watch his games in college.

[FlamesAddiction]

Originally Posted by neo45

Signing with Pitt would be so questionable for this kid to do.

"Hey come join our other 10 great D prospects and compete for one spot!"

If Shero signs this kid, he has had the best GM week in hockey history

At this point, Pittsburgh sells itself. Feaster could walk in and make these types of moves.

A huge part of managing a team isn't simply the robotic motions of moving and flipping assets. It is building up image, reputation and developing relationships with other GMs.

Shero has played a part in getting the Pens to that point though of course.