2021-2022 CHL prospects general discussion thread

[KootenayFlamesFan]

Okay, makes sense. Thanks boogerz

[Sandman]

May.20:

Blazers go up 1-0 in the Western Conference Finals against Seattle, with a 5-2 win. Ciona had no points,-1, and a game-high 7 shots. 12gp/6g/2a/8pts,+5, 14 PIM.

[Sandman]

May.21st:

Seattle ties up the Western Conference Final series against Kamloops, with a 4-1 win. Ciona was 3rd star, with 1g,1a,+2. 13gp/7g/3a/10pts,+7, 16 PIM.

[Sandman]

May.24th:

Kamloops goes up 2-1 in the series with Seattle, with a 6-3 victory. Ciona had no points,-1. 14gp/7g/3a/10pts,+6, 18 PIM.

[1qqaaz]

Out of all the forward prospects in the Flames system, who would you say is the best defensively for their age?

[Sandman]

Originally Posted by 1qqaaz

Out of all the forward prospects in the Flames system, who would you say is the best defensively for their age?

IMO, while Zary, Francis, and Kerins were drafted as quality 200-ft players, and Ciona seems to have some defensive IQ, I would easily give it to Nikolaev. He reminds me a bit of Backlund-same size, good skater, and known for his defensive game. Both play with a chip on their shoulder, both play C, and both sacrifice some of their offence to be sound defensively. Nik was 10th in USHL scoring, but 4th in plus/minus, and was 1st in plus/minus in the playoffs (+6 in 5 games) before his team was eliminated. Last year, he was an impressive plus 16 in 21 MHL games back in Russia.

What are your thoughts?

[1qqaaz]

Originally Posted by Sandman

IMO, while Zary, Francis, and Kerins were drafted as quality 200-ft players, and Ciona seems to have some defensive IQ, I would easily give it to Nikolaev. He reminds me a bit of Backlund-same size, good skater, and known for his defensive game. Both play with a chip on their shoulder, both play C, and both sacrifice some of their offence to be sound defensively. Nik was 10th in USHL scoring, but 4th in plus/minus, and was 1st in plus/minus in the playoffs (+6 in 5 games) before his team was eliminated. Last year, he was an impressive plus 16 in 21 MHL games back in Russia.

What are your thoughts?

I had forgotten about Nikolaev's defensive prowess. Perhaps he's a little closer than many think.

It does seem like many of the forward prospects throughout the organization are at least responsible defensively. Even guys like Coronato and Pelletier put forth strong efforts with forechecking and backchecking.

[Sandman]

May.25th (forgot to post):

Kamloops and Seattle are tied 2-2, as the Thunderbirds won 2-1 in OT. Ciona gets the primary assists on both goals. 15gp/7g/5a/12pts,+7, 18 PIM.

[Sandman]

Originally Posted by 1qqaaz

I had forgotten about Nikolaev's defensive prowess. Perhaps he's a little closer than many think.

It does seem like many of the forward prospects throughout the organization are at least responsible defensively. Even guys like Coronato and Pelletier put forth strong efforts with forechecking and backchecking.

Pelletier might be second on the list in terms of defensive ability. There was a lot of talk about how he gave up points in junior to be an asset in his own zone. This year, Pelletier was tied for 11th in the AHL in plus/minus at plus-22 (Philp was 7th!). He gives me faith that he can make a Darryl Sutter squad, despite his stature. Very tenacious on the forecheck, and backcheck, as you said. Plays the right way, and doesn't cheat the game.

[Sandman]

May.27th:

Kamloops goes up 3-2 in the series over Seattle, with a 4-3 OT win. Ciona had no points,-1. 16gp/7g/5a/12pts,+6, 18 PIM.

[Sandman]

May.29th:

Series is tied 3-3, as Seattle beats Kamloops, 2-1. Ciona had no points. 17gp/7g/5a/12pts,+6, 20 PIM.

[Sandman]

May.31st:

Seattle beats Kamloops 3-2 to advance to the WHL Finals, against Edmonton. No points for Ciona. 18gp/7g/5a/12pts,+6, 20 PIM.

[Cheese]

so which Flames prospects are still left in CHL playoffs?

[Flames1217]

Does Francis re-enter the draft if not signed today ?

[cral12]

Ryan Pike mentioned on 960 yesterday he thinks he is a free agent if he doesn't sign

[getbak]

The CBA has odd wording around draft eligibility, but if I'm reading it correctly, I believe he will be eligible to be drafted again:

8.4 Eligibility for Claim.

(a) All Players age 18 or older are eligible for claim in the Entry Draft, except:

(i) a Player on the Reserve List of a Club, other than as a try-out;
(ii) a Player who has been claimed in two prior Entry Drafts;
(iii) a Player who previously played in the League and became a Free Agent pursuant to this Agreement;
(iv) a Player age 21 or older who: (A) has not been selected in a previous Entry Draft and (B) played hockey for at least one season in North America when he was age 18, 19, or 20 and shall be eligible to enter the League as an Unrestricted Free Agent pursuant to Article 10.1(d); and
(v) a Player age 22 or older who has not been selected in a previous Entry Draft and shall be eligible to enter the League as an Unrestricted Free Agent pursuant to Article 10.1(d).

Francis has an early-December birthday, so he will be 21 before the end of the year. If he were to qualify for free agency, it would be under clause iv, but because he was previously drafted, he doesn't meet the criteria for sub-clause A. Since both conditions A and B need to be met, I don't think he qualifies.

[Reggie Dunlop]

Francis goes unsigned, and back into the draft.

https://flamesnation.ca/2022/06/01/r...-stockton-heat

https://twitter.com/user/status/1532109749763706880

[DoubleK]

Originally Posted by Reggie Dunlop

Francis goes unsigned, and back into the draft.

https://flamesnation.ca/2022/06/01/r...-stockton-heat

Future Norris Trophy winner.

[getbak]

Originally Posted by DoubleK

Future Norris Trophy winner.

He's an undersized forward. He would really need to reinvent his game to win the Norris.

[Roof-Daddy]

Not really surprising, very pedestrian numbers for a 20 year old junior player.

And he's so small on top of it all. For a guy his size to earn an ELC he would have had be pushing 2.0 points per game in junior this season.