The Flames need to recall Matthew Phillips

[TheScorpion]

Originally Posted by ricosuave

Why Phillips and not Ruzicka? Or Pospisil? Gawdin?

Or maybe, just maybe, I’ll defer to the coaching staff on both teams that know a hell of a lot more about icing a team rather than a bunch of wannabe fanbois.

Ruzicka isn't really a play-driver. Phillips makes most things happen on that line. Ruzicka has many problems with gaining separation from defenders and most of his points have come as a result of plays created by his linemates (either Phillips, Pettersen, or Zary).

I wouldn't mind seeing Pospisil but he's been a fixture in the bottom-six for Stockton and has been primarily feasting against lower competition. He's been effective on the PP and is a better skater than I thought. But he's also two years younger than Phillips and doesn't even have 40 AHL games under his belt. He needs more time.

Gawdin has already gotten a look with the Flames this year and wasn't great. He's not the greatest skater and a lot of his production last year came off plays by Phillips.

The Heat love Phillips and give him plum deployments for a reason. Cail MacLean raves about him.

Also, don't be an ass.

[soulchoice]

What is the overall level of play/teams in the Canadian division compared to the other clubs in the AHL? I would like to see how Phillips does in the show as well, however, it may be hard to gauge, being they have such a few number of teams they are playing against.

[TheScorpion]

The Canadian Division isn't even the smallest division in the league. The Atlantic only has three teams!

I would say Belleville is the only really weak team in the Canadian.

[blender]

Was reading an article on the Athletic yesterday that has Phillips as a pre-expansion draft trade target.
I did not realize he was draft eligible.

I know he's currently a small AHL player, but is there any likelyhood the Flames actually lose him?

[Heavy Jack]

Vegas did grab a couple of player’s that hadn’t broken into the NHL yet but were playing stellar in the AHL. I could see Seattle taking a flyer on Matty because of his unique skill set... which would be devastating honestly. I have followed Phillips since he was drafted and have thought highly of the pick since the beginning. I think he’s an impact player in the top 6 of an NHL team when all is said and done I just hope that team is ours.

[blender]

Is his eligibility due to being a 3rd-year pro?

[Funkhouser]

That's weird, he is still on his ELC in his third pro year...I assumed that would keep him safe.