John Frickin Gaudreau!

[FBI]

Fingers crossed that Gaudreau = Fleury (without the drama)

[MissTeeks]

Since this was being discussed earlier:

http://www.cbc.ca/sports-content/hoc...ask-ahead.html

24. At this time of year, I always like to see what's out there regarding NCAA free agents, but it looks like there isn't as highly regarded a prospect as Danny DeKeyser or Justin Schultz this time around. James van Riemsdyk's brother, Trevor, a defenceman at New Hampshire, is a name I've heard a bit, as is Lake Superior State blue-liner (and broadcaster nightmare) Kevin Czuczman. van Riemsdyk attended a Flyers rookie camp, while Czuczman has skated with the Sabres.


25. Another name out there is Kevin Hayes, taken 24th overall by Chicago in 2010. He is the younger brother of Jimmy, just traded by the Blackhawks to Florida in the Kris Versteeg deal. Kevin has 35 points in 21 games as a senior at Boston College. He has yet to sign and others are curious to see what his plans are.

[Caged Great]

Originally Posted by MissTeeks

Since this was being discussed earlier:

http://www.cbc.ca/sports-content/hoc...ask-ahead.html

24. At this time of year, I always like to see what's out there regarding NCAA free agents, but it looks like there isn't as highly regarded a prospect as Danny DeKeyser or Justin Schultz this time around. James van Riemsdyk's brother, Trevor, a defenceman at New Hampshire, is a name I've heard a bit, as is Lake Superior State blue-liner (and broadcaster nightmare) Kevin Czuczman. van Riemsdyk attended a Flyers rookie camp, while Czuczman has skated with the Sabres.


25. Another name out there is Kevin Hayes, taken 24th overall by Chicago in 2010. He is the younger brother of Jimmy, just traded by the Blackhawks to Florida in the Kris Versteeg deal. Kevin has 35 points in 21 games as a senior at Boston College. He has yet to sign and others are curious to see what his plans are.

Have Johnny and Arnold campaign for him to join them with us.

Actually, I wouldn't be shocked if the Flames made a deal with the Hawks to get him.

[Muta]

I think Kevin Hayes would be a terrific target for Calgary. He may want to continue his career alongside Arnold and Gaudreau, given how much they're lighting it up. I wonder if there's any discussions between Calgary and Chicago - maybe a 'Corban Knight' type situation.

[getbak]

Originally Posted by MissTeeks

He has yet to sign and others are curious to see what his plans are.

He's in the NCAA. Of course he hasn't signed yet. No one in the NCAA has signed.

[devo22]

It'd be huge if the Flames could acquire Hayes. I know people are hesitant to relying on linemates from junior/amateur to continue their success in the NHL, but since Hayes is a former 1st with great NCAA stats, the risk isn't big. This wouldn't be like a move for Hnat Domenicelli ;-) I hope Johnny and Bill are trying to brainwash him :-D

[Caged Great]

A trade to acquire Hayes would likely cost Glencross, so it's not like he'd be cheap to acquire.

[devo22]

Originally Posted by Caged Great

A trade to acquire Hayes would likely cost Glencross, so it's not like he'd be cheap to acquire.

who knows ... it depends on Hayes, really. A year ago, everybody thought that acquiring Knight would cost a lot too ... maybe Chicago's depth and the fact that they have just traded his brother makes him think - one can always hope, right? In that case, I'm sure Burkie would come knocking immediately. Especially since we already have his two linemates.

[Canada 02]

Hayes has had an average college career. He hasn't really flourished until Gaudreau was put on his line. He would be Nemisz, Domenichelli, or Matt Hoffman all over again

[MrMastodonFarm]

The Flames should be going after players on their own merit not just because players are linemates of each other.

[Street Pharmacist]

Originally Posted by MrMastodonFarm

The Flames should be going after players on their own merit not just because players are linemates of each other.

Amen.

[DOOM]

Originally Posted by Canada 02

Hayes has had an average college career. He hasn't really flourished until Gaudreau was put on his line. He would be Nemisz, Domenichelli, or Matt Hoffman all over again

He could be, or he could become a solid player. Stating something like this as fact is useless.

Would I like the Flames to inquire about Hayes, sure. However, I don't want them to pay a stupid price to acquire him and unless Chicago feels like they cant sign him, they will be asking for lots.

[Textcritic]

Meh. Hayes is a pretty average player in my view. The Flames have other more intriguing forward prospects in their own system that seem to me to form fits with Gaudreau's game that are at minimum at least as good, if not better than with what Hayes would provide. I still think a Monahan - Gaudreau pairing is something that we will see in the future.

[MrMastodonFarm]

Originally Posted by Textcritic

Meh. Hayes is a pretty average player in my view. The Flames have other more intriguing forward prospects in their own system that seem to me to form fits with Gaudreau's game that are at minimum at least as good, if not better than with what Hayes would provide. I still think a Monahan - Gaudreau pairing is something that we will see in the future.

I'm not even a big Arnold fan (similar to Horak, jack of all trades type, going to be tough to find a spot for him, especially down the middle) but I much prefer him to Hayes.

[FlameZilla]

Here's a good article on Hayes:

http://www.collegehockeynews.com/new...yes_lifted.php

I find it worrisome that he's only started putting up points this season, and on a line with Gaudreau and Arnold. As he says in the article, 'anybody could put up points playing with those two'.

I didn't realise he was a 1st round pick. 23rd overall... Surely Chicago plans on signing him. He wouldn't be cheap to acquire & he's unlikely to test free agency.

[Flamesfan2010]

What about signing a guy like Mitch Holmberg? He is twenty years old and never got drafted. But he is now lighting it up in the whl. Also he is a right wing who shoots right, which we are lacking right now. http://whl.ca/roster/show/id/1026

[sureLoss]

Originally Posted by devo22

who knows ... it depends on Hayes, really. A year ago, everybody thought that acquiring Knight would cost a lot too ... maybe Chicago's depth and the fact that they have just traded his brother makes him think - one can always hope, right? In that case, I'm sure Burkie would come knocking immediately. Especially since we already have his two linemates.

Minimum asking price for Hayes will be a 2nd rounder better than the 54th overall pick.

As a former 1st rounder, the team holding his rights will get the 54th overall pick as compensation if Hayes does not sign an NHL contract before August 15.

[Lanny_McDonald]

Originally Posted by Flamesfan2010

What about signing a guy like Mitch Holmberg? He is twenty years old and never got drafted. But he is now lighting it up in the whl. Also he is a right wing who shoots right, which we are lacking right now. http://whl.ca/roster/show/id/1026

Undersized overagers who put up big numbers are usually bad investments. If the Flames cut loose one of the lesser lights from Abby, then maybe he'd be worth a minor league contract.

[BChockeyJunkie]

No insight on BArnold. But i would be uber suprised if he doesnt already have his bags packed for calgary. It is the ideal situation for mid-level prospect. Same franchise as teammate/linemate. On a rebuilding young system. He'd be stupid to pass that up.

[Calgary4LIfe]

Originally Posted by MrMastodonFarm

I'm not even a big Arnold fan (similar to Horak, jack of all trades type, going to be tough to find a spot for him, especially down the middle) but I much prefer him to Hayes.

Every season that passes, I grow a bit fonder of Arnold. I remember the Flames (or was it Arnold himself?) stating after the 2010 draft was over that Arnold had a bit of a mean streak. A jack of all trades like Horak, but much heavier and stronger. I think I would be a fan of that if it translates.

But yes, totally agree - Arnold is a much better prospect than Hayes I think.