The #7 D spot discussion - Kulak, Wotherspoon or Morrison?

[djsFlames]

Thought since we have a #1 RW discussion, we could also discuss the #7D position now that we know the final candidates for the position. Has Kulak surpassed Wotherspoon in his development? Or is it better for him to be playing top minutes in Stockton this season and be a later call up given his potential? Do people see enough upside in Wotherspoon still that he can slot in and be a mainstay with the team? Does Morrison leap them both?

I've been a Wotherspoon fan in the past but I like what we've seen from Kulak. Quiet and steady presence with some definite offensive upside, which is something Wortherspoon doesn't bring a lot of.

[Roof-Daddy]

Kulak for me.

TJ Brodie lite who may develop into TJ Brodie V2.0 over time.

[You Need a Thneed]

Those three could easily be fighting for #6 spot, with one of engelland, wideman sitting out most nights.

[bax]

I've said this in multiple threads already, but I really like how Morrison has performed thus far. I think he's right there with Kulak and Wotherspoon

[albertGQ]

My vote goes to Kulak

[shotinthebacklund]

kulak for me as well

[Bandwagon In Flames]

It's Kulaks to lose at this point.

[mrdonkey]

Kulak, pretty convincingly.

[saillias]

I don't think Morrison is in that conversation really. Both Kulak and Spoon would be perfectly adequate as a 6

[Toonage]

Which one doesn't need waivers?

Cause you know they're being demoted when the Flames sign Russell.

But seriously, the one who doesn't need to go through waivers.

[GranteedEV]

In terms of prospect preseason performance:

1) Kulak
2) Morrisson
3) Wotherspoon

In terms of Press-box filleryness/waivablilityness
1) Engelland
2) Wotherspoon

[sureLoss]

Originally Posted by Toonage

Which one doesn't need waivers?

Morrison and Kulak are exempt from waivers.

Wotherspoon will need to clear waivers before he is sent down.

Question is if Morrison and Kulak have strong enough camps that it forces Treliving to risk Wotherspoon on waivers.

[getbak]

[btimbit]

Kulak for the #6 spot, Wideman or Engelland for the #7

[gvitaly]

I think it highly depends on the veteran D pairings Gulutzan has planned. It depends on them even more than the prospect himself.
Scenario 1- Play all veterans in the top 6 - Wotherspoon.
Scenario 2- Play as Engelland's partner - Kulak.
Scenario 3- Play as Wideman's partner - Wotherspoon.
Scenario 4- Brodie plays on the left side and a veteran sits - Morrison*.

*I think Morrison stays to balance the pairings at practice a little more, as I think the Flames want a LD as the 7th defenseman.

[Enoch Root]

I don't see how Morrison is in that discussion, personally.

Kulak has been playing well, but he showed that in pre-season last year as well, and then faded as the games got more real.

Waiver eligibility might be the deciding factor in the short term

[Erick Estrada]

I imagine Wotherspoon would get picked up if put on waivers because he has a bit of notoriety playing in the WJHC and he's been pretty decent in the AHL. Probably worth a look for a team that's thin on blue line talent.

[TheIronMaiden]

Is it a legitimate concern for Wortherspoon to be claimed off waivers?

If so, I can imagine he will get the start based on this, however, he wont last the season unless he proves worthy.

If Wortherspoon is not suitable for the role after a few games, the likelihood of him being claimed off waivers lowers.

Also in this scenario Kulak and Morrison get top 2 minutes in the AHL. Helping them develop for a larger roll in the 2017 season when free agency clears a few roster spots.

[GranteedEV]

Originally Posted by TheIronMaiden

Is it a legitimate concern for Wortherspoon to be claimed off waivers?

His advanced stats last year were through the roof. It's not uncommon for a team to take a flier on advanced stats darlings since that's a lot easier to reference than having a fleshed out scouting report on a kid with 9-10 games played. Teams do scout the AHL but value NHL contributions more, to avoid Granlund types that can't take the next step.

[djsFlames]

Yeah. I can see Kulak as being the most deserving and getting a long look to help prepare him for potentially the upcoming season, but Spoon being the guy given waiver eligibility and that he's shown to be adequate already over some short stints.