Who is More Likely to Make the Team Opening Day?

[3rd line Grinder]

Was talking about this with my buddy the other day and I feel like this is a valid point of discussion and thought I would share it and we could pass this summer discussing it.

Who is more likely to make the opening day roster? Mark Jankowski or Matthew Tkachuk?

I personally think Jankowski is more physically developed and better skill level at the moment, but Tkachuk fills a positional need better.

[TheScorpion]

Tkachuk, rather easily. I don't think Janko will start in the NHL, I think he'll first be called up in January.

[calgaryblood]

I think will make the team.

[getbak]

Tkachuk just because it's either NHL or OHL for him, so once he's sent down, he's down for the whole season. Jankowski can be sent to the AHL initially and called up as needed.

[chockfullofgoodness]

Originally Posted by calgaryblood

I think will make the team.

Well said.

[Wolfman]

Originally Posted by chockfullofgoodness

Well said.

Read the thread title carefully. Lol

[3rd line Grinder]

Originally Posted by Wolfman

Read the thread title carefully. Lol

well thats awkward....ninja edit!

[Caged Great]

Jankowski by a hair.

I think they both make it.

[Monahan For Mayor]

Tkachuk. Jankowski has to beat out Backlund or Bennett at centre. No point playing him 4th line minutes. If the plan is to convert him to wing could be pretty even.

[DeluxeMoustache]

The threads spawned by this offseason include many that range from desperate to terrible.

[chockfullofgoodness]

Originally Posted by Wolfman

Read the thread title carefully. Lol

I think I missed the joke. Not the first time!

[getbak]

Originally Posted by chockfullofgoodness

I think I missed the joke. Not the first time!

The title has been edited. It was originally missing a word.

[djsFlames]

Danny Pribyl.

[Tinordi]

Please make a feasible argument of why you think Jankowski will supplant one of Backlund, Bennett or Stajan out of camp. Further, please make a feasible argument as to why you think management would think it's a better idea for him to play a season in the NHL as opposed to the AHL for his first year of pro hockey.

[FlameZilla]

Originally Posted by Tinordi

Please make a feasible argument of why you think Jankowski will supplant one of Backlund, Bennett or Stajan out of camp. Further, please make a feasible argument as to why you think management would think it's a better idea for him to play a season in the NHL as opposed to the AHL for his first year of pro hockey.

There are at least 2 feasible scenarios where Jankowski could make the team:

1) If Jankowski outplays Stajan he could supplant him on the centre depth list. Stajan either sits in the press box, converts to wing, goes to Stockton or is traded for peanuts. Jankowski begins his Flames career as 4th line C, gradually earning more responsibilities as he learns the system. (Most likely, but possibly least beneficial to Jankowski's development)

2) Jankowski outplays one of Tkachuk, Shinkaruk, Klimchuk (the 3 Uks), Poirier, Mangiapane or Chiasson and lands a spot as a middle 6 winger. Arguably the safest way for him to transition to the NHL, in a sheltered role with veteran presence on his line. (Good for his development, but less likely to outplay natural wingers)

3) Monahan negotiations drag on into the regular season and he sits out the first few games. (Least likely because Mony should sign)

Now that Colborne is gone it's slightly more likely that Jankowski makes the team than before. He would have to play the best hockey of his life in training camp, but if the new coaching staff think he's a better option for the team then he'll be there. There's no questioning this kid's work ethic and attitude. He could be indispensable in the near future. However, I think it's best for his development if he at least starts the season in the AHL.

[Samonadreau]

Even if Tkachuck makes opening day roster he could get sent down before the 9 game mark.

Tkachuk will get at least a few NHL games in whereas Janko will start in the AHL.

[Vinny01]

Tkachuk easily. Janko will likey get some games this year but I think he starts out in the AHL.

[flambers]

In my view, Jankowski will start the season in AHL.

Tkachuk will also be cut and he will start the season in OHL.

Neither player will be on the opening day lineup.

Jankowski will be recalled couple months into the season....

Edit, my answer is neither

[MrMastodonFarm]

Originally Posted by Tinordi

Please make a feasible argument of why you think Jankowski will supplant one of Backlund, Bennett or Stajan out of camp. Further, please make a feasible argument as to why you think management would think it's a better idea for him to play a season in the NHL as opposed to the AHL for his first year of pro hockey.

A) Jankowski could start on the wing or Stajan can be moved over.
B) It's a better idea if he has a fantastic training camp and shows he's ready. Earning a spot in camp doesn't mean you're up all season, nor does getting sent down mean you're down all year.

[Enoch Root]

Tkachuk because of the OHL factor, and because there are more spots up for grabs on the wing.

The only way I see Jankowski on the opening day roster is due to an injury down the middle.