Sutter: Time running out for PTOs

[sa226]

Given the coach, I wonder if Milano is taking more of an approach of "don't cheat, be in the right position, have the right attitude and work hard and finish checks" rather than dangle, skate and score, defense and checking be damned. He's new to the team and the system and probably doesn't want to eff it up.

We'll see how it works out for him.

[midniteowl]

Originally Posted by CGY12

He was brought in because he was told their is a spot in the top 9. I'm not against Sutter making him work his way up throughout training camp but still feel he needs to be given at least one opportunity with one of our top three centres before camp is over.

Expecting him to be a world beater playing with kids and predominantly 4th line guys seems pointless to me. Milano isn't the kind of player that can run his own line, hes a skilled complimentary piece playing with a good centre. Its why he played with Zegras last year. To not give him even a small look with those guys doesn't make sense to me.

The is a top 9 spot, and he has to go grab it. Not expecting him to be a world beater, but expect him to hustle a little bit more.

[Savvy27]

I just don't see how linemates could be the issue for Milano when Zary has outplayed him every game.

I'd be shocked if he makes this team.

[ComixZone]

Originally Posted by Savvy27

I just don't see how linemates could be the issue for Milano when Zary has outplayed him every game.

I'd be shocked if he makes this team.

I agree. A big concern is no one on the right side has really grabbed the opportunity…including Toffoli.

Right now I think we lack a top-line RW, and then have two solid middle-six RW’ers in Coleman and (hopefully) Toffoli.

It’s a problem.

[FlamesAddiction]

Originally Posted by ComixZone

I agree. A big concern is no one on the right side has really grabbed the opportunity…including Toffoli.

Right now I think we lack a top-line RW, and then have two solid middle-six RW’ers in Coleman and (hopefully) Toffoli.

It’s a problem.

It could be the thing that sparks a trade though. I wouldn't be surprised if Treliving has something in the cooker and was just waiting to see how camp played out first.

[CGY12]

Originally Posted by midniteowl

The is a top 9 spot, and he has to go grab it. Not expecting him to be a world beater, but expect him to hustle a little bit more.

I watched tonight and the Seattle game. Hustle doesn't seem to be an issue in my opinion. He looks rusty for sure, heavy legs in his stride. I'd like to see him play with one of our top 3 centres for 1 game. I'll leave it at that.

[FlamesAddiction]

If I was Treliving, I might offer Milano a contract with the understanding that he starts the season with the Wranglers and gets first call-up if he does well there. Someone may pick him up on waivers, which I am sure would be fine with Milano. If not, at least he would have a spot somewhere.

[Number 39]

I have no idea what the market is for Milano but if what you suggest is conceivably on the table I would assume he would be looking for a 1 way contact at the least.

[Savvy27]

After watching these PTO's a few games, the best outcome in my mind would be a trade to bring in either a proven top 9 winger or an up and coming player. Are there any PTO's around the league showing well? Daniel Sprong in Seattle comes to mind.

There is a surplus of defencemen without much to choose from and a chance one of them may be lost on waivers. I wonder if there is trade partner out there with a similar situation on forward?

[Goriders]

Originally Posted by Savvy27

After watching these PTO's a few games, the best outcome in my mind would be a trade to bring in either a proven top 9 winger or an up and coming player. Are there any PTO's around the league showing well? Daniel Sprong in Seattle comes to mind.

There is a surplus of defencemen without much to choose from and a chance one of them may be lost on waivers. I wonder if there is trade partner out there with a similar situation on forward?

You are correct. We have a ton of 6-7 type dmen and zero RWs. Problem is you’re not getting a top line RW for Valimaki.

[dissentowner]

Originally Posted by TheScorpion

I think Phillips has staked his claim to a spot more effectively than Milano.

I highly disagree with this. If there is one thing I have taken from seeing Phillips play against NHL calibre players is his size really hampers him. I know you like the guy Scorp but i just don't see an NHL player there. He is smaller than Gaudreau was and not nearly as talented.

[TheScorpion]

Right but the goal isn't for him to be Gaudreau. It's just to be better than Sonny Milano. And Milano hasn't done much at all ... Phillips has looked dangerous offensively in both his games.

[Cali Panthers Fan]

Based on the pre-season action so far, this is what I would project for an opening night lineup:

Huberdeau-Lindholm-Toffoli
Mangiapane-Kadri-Dube
Coleman-Backlund-Phillips
Lucic-Rooney-Lewis
Ritchie/Eakin

To me, Eakin has earned a league minimum contract and will be the backup center should anyone go down. As advertised: good defensively, wins faceoffs, not much offense, but doesn't hurt you either...low event player. Ritchie the other extra forward for more muscle/skating on the 4th line.

As of now, I'd pencil in Phillips on that 3rd line and see what he can do once the regular season starts. He's proved himself for a while now in the AHL. Ruzicka just hasn't shown enough consistency (what else is new), and Milano has a very incomplete game to bother with a contract. Milano coasts a lot, and doesn't seem concerned enough with his own end, which I know drives Sutter crazy. Time is running out for Ruzicka to figure out how to bring a consistent effort. The tools are all there, but there's just not enough drive to be an NHLer. Phillips is undersized, but he battles hard, plays defense, and has been good at creating offense when given a chance with the puck. He's done enough to earn a shot, but part of me wonders if the Flames make a trade for another winger as the year goes along. I'm just not convinced that Phillips is the long-term answer, but I could be wrong.

Zary has been very good in these pre-season tilts, but I think he needs at least another year in the AHL to develop his game after an up and down first year. Give him the top line with the Wranglers and let him become the player he should be.

[Lanny_McDonald]

Our RW depth is atrocious. Treliving is going to have to make a trade for a proven scorer. I just don't see enough goals on the roster the way the team is built. If Toffoli is your top RW, you have problems. If Phillips is on your roster at all, you have problems. We need another body to push Toffoli and Dube down the lineup and Phillips off the roster. I just don't see this team being successful with that lineup or combination of players on the RW.

[FormerPresJamesTaylor]

Originally Posted by TheScorpion

Right but the goal isn't for him to be Gaudreau. It's just to be better than Sonny Milano. And Milano hasn't done much at all ... Phillips has looked dangerous offensively in both his games.

Phillips needs to show he's an NHL player, not just be better than Sonny Milano. Treliving and Sutter aren't going to keep him just because he's better than bad. They'll sign or trade for a vet if Phillips can't secure a spot on his own merit.

[Flamesfan05]

Originally Posted by Lanny_McDonald

Our RW depth is atrocious. Treliving is going to have to make a trade for a proven scorer. I just don't see enough goals on the roster the way the team is built. If Toffoli is your top RW, you have problems. If Phillips is on your roster at all, you have problems. We need another body to push Toffoli and Dube down the lineup and Phillips off the roster. I just don't see this team being successful with that lineup or combination of players on the RW.

Agreed but you must be an Oilers fan for saying such thing

[Goriders]

Originally Posted by Lanny_McDonald

Our RW depth is atrocious. Treliving is going to have to make a trade for a proven scorer. I just don't see enough goals on the roster the way the team is built. If Toffoli is your top RW, you have problems. If Phillips is on your roster at all, you have problems. We need another body to push Toffoli and Dube down the lineup and Phillips off the roster. I just don't see this team being successful with that lineup or combination of players on the RW.

Totally agree with you. But who do you trade for a decent RW? We have a surplus of goaltenders and D.

Doubt Markstrom or Wolf are moving.

Valimaki, Mackey, Vlader?

I can’t see anything happening for at least 20 games until they tinker with the current roster.

[flambers]

Originally Posted by Goriders

Totally agree with you. But who do you trade for a decent RW? We have a surplus of goaltenders and D.

Doubt Markstrom or Wolf are moving.

Valimaki, Mackey, Vlader?

I can’t see anything happening for at least 20 games until they tinker with the current roster.

Flames would move defense, not sure Valimaki has much value...

However, I agree with the above posts Flames require a right winger....

[Flames1217]

Originally Posted by Goriders

Totally agree with you. But who do you trade for a decent RW? We have a surplus of goaltenders and D.

Doubt Markstrom or Wolf are moving.

Valimaki, Mackey, Vlader?

I can’t see anything happening for at least 20 games until they tinker with the current roster.

Our first and any prospect other than Pelletier, Wolf, Zary and Conorato.

The farm is not important at the moment, we are trying to win in the NHL not the AHL.

[Heavy Jack]

I’m hoping they give Phillips the same shot they gave Ruzicka to see how he lines up with Huby and Lindy.