[GDT] NCAA Finals; Providence (Jankowski, Gillies, Gilmour) vs Boston (Hickey) 5:30 - TSN2

[Wedge]

With Monahan, Bennett, and Backlund as our top three centres, how flexible is Jankowski at moving to wing? There are obviously assumptions being made towards Jankowski's development here, but would we look at sliding Backlund over to wing if centre is solely where Jankowski excels?

[devo22]

Originally Posted by Wedge

With Monahan, Bennett, and Backlund as our top three centres, how flexible is Jankowski at moving to wing? There are obviously assumptions being made towards Jankowski's development here, but would we look at sliding Backlund over to wing if centre is solely where Jankowski excels?

he spent most of his freshman season on the wing, so I guess it'd be an option if necessary.

[flambers]

Originally Posted by Wedge

With Monahan, Bennett, and Backlund as our top three centres, how flexible is Jankowski at moving to wing? There are obviously assumptions being made towards Jankowski's development here, but would we look at sliding Backlund over to wing if centre is solely where Jankowski excels?

I expect Jankowski is still a couple years away, another one in college.

Lots of time before that type of decision is made.

Backlund is the guy that will be moved in my opinion.... when Bennett is ready to take over 2nd line Center (ie the Flames have lots of options with the 3rd line Center)

[868904]

Originally Posted by Wedge

With Monahan, Bennett, and Backlund as our top three centres, how flexible is Jankowski at moving to wing? There are obviously assumptions being made towards Jankowski's development here, but would we look at sliding Backlund over to wing if centre is solely where Jankowski excels?

I think by the time Jankowski is ready, they'd probably have to move Backlund as he'd be a significant cap hit which they would need to re-sign Monahan, Gaudreau, and Bennett.

I have a feeling Backlund could be moved sooner rather than later. I think Jooris could probably fill his role at a cheaper price, and Arnold is probably one more AHL season away from seriously challenging for a spot.

I could see Backlund getting moved this summer in a package for a top 4 defenceman. Jooris, Colborne, Granlund, and Stajan could all fill those minutes and role. I'm not saying those guys are as good as Backlund, but they are getting closer.

Interesting to see what his contract demands are this summer.

[Scornfire]

I think Janko likely stays at center, seems like he's being molded for the third line. Hard to say how his skills will transfer to the NHL level, but his faceoff dominance and defensive acumen make it hard to imagine him on the wing

[Anduril]

Originally Posted by 868904

I think by the time Jankowski is ready, they'd probably have to move Backlund as he'd be a significant cap hit which they would need to re-sign Monahan, Gaudreau, and Bennett.

I have a feeling Backlund could be moved sooner rather than later. I think Jooris could probably fill his role at a cheaper price, and Arnold is probably one more AHL season away from seriously challenging for a spot.

I could see Backlund getting moved this summer in a package for a top 4 defenceman. Jooris, Colborne, Granlund, and Stajan could all fill those minutes and role. I'm not saying those guys are as good as Backlund, but they are getting closer.

Interesting to see what his contract demands are this summer.

I'm biased towards keeping Backlund but even when somebody like Jankowski, Arnold or Granlund steps up to the plate, I'd like to convert Backlund to wing and let him be a little more free offensively. Any injuries and now you have a natural center in place.

Only thing is you've got Bouma, Ferland and probably Colborne competing on that side of the ice.

[Calgary4LIfe]

If Jankowski continues to progress, I think he can definitely grab that 3rd line center position. What about Backlund? I can't imagine any scenario where keeping Backlund and moving him to the wing would be a bad move. I think Backlund is the type of player that you keep around anyways. Backlund is incredibly good at the defensive side of the game. They could make for 2/3rds of a very good shut-down line that can score.

Really glad so many posters here managed to watch a couple of Jankowski's games. There will always be definitive statements about that draft like: "Should have drafted Maatta, Teravainen, 'x', ...". There is only one definitive statement at this point - it is too early to call that draft a mistake, or who the best player is. Jankowski may still develop into the best player out of all the available players at 14.

Though nothing is guaranteed yet, I think he has erased his bust-risk. I think that given his size, IQ, defensive acumen and his face-off abilities that he will at least turn into a utilitarian player. However, I really believe with his hands that he will become much more than that. I still think he has loads of offensive potential left in him, and hopefully if he stays in Providence next year, we will see more of it.

I would absolutely love to see him paired with another higher IQ player with decent hands and scoring ability. Jankowski can make such sick passes, and when he does get set-up, he can finish very well himself. I don't really think he has that at the moment at Providence.

I wouldn't hate it if he left Providence and signed with the Flames. I think the Flames can help him work on his over-all game a bit more in the AHL and provide him with much better line mates. Having Arnold there (very likely anyways) will allow the Flames to use him as the 2nd line center (or even third line with Reinhart on the 2nd). However, I see huge value in him staying for an extra 'free development year' in the NCAA and getting even more confidence and learning to be the leader on that team. I don't think you can go wrong in either way at the moment.

[Blarg]

Should not move centers until they are absolutely replaceable. Otherwise you get what happens to the oilers this year. Sam Gagner was moved because they thought draisatl was their new #2 C.
Automatically slotting Bennett at #2 without playing more than 1 game in the NHL and moving Backlund out is a recipe for disaster.

[Bootsy]

Originally Posted by Scornfire

I think Janko likely stays at center, seems like he's being molded for the third line. Hard to say how his skills will transfer to the NHL level, but his faceoff dominance and defensive acumen make it hard to imagine him on the wing

Agreed I see him as this Flames era's Joel Otto

[sureLoss]

Mark Jankowski @Janko61
No words describe the feeling right now. This team is something special. Wouldn't wanna share this with anyone else

[Steve Bozek]

Wondered if there was any significance to the 61 in his signature. 1961 was the year his grandfather was MVP in the old WHL (roughly equivalent to the AHL), scoring a record 57 goals for the Calgary Stampeders.