Weisbrod: Flames may sign Gillies as soon as next summer

[Robbob]

I don't see the problem with him signing after this year to play in the AHL. It probably would be better for his development to get a sense of a professional hockey season.

Ryan Miller came out of college after 3, Quick after 2. I don't see any difference in him playing in the AHL as a 20 year old as it matches the progression of any goalie drafted from the CHL (just like John Gibson who Gilles backed up last year at the WJC).

[AC]

Originally Posted by fotze

He kinda looks, dare I say, like Luongo.

But Gillies can actually catch the puck.

[kirant]

Originally Posted by fotze

He kinda looks, dare I say, like Luongo.

I seemed to have a bit of the opposite feeling. Since being drafted, he has reminded a lot of JS Giguere in his mentality and style. He comes out with the decision to block the puck first and foremost. Where Luongo is the traditional butterfly goalie personified, Gillies doesn't stick to that method purely. He sometimes has that "wall" mentality that was exhibited by Karlsson, where he'll go to stop the puck with no regard to where the rebound goes.

That being said, he got better over the year, so there's no doubt that his coach is trying to get him to settle down into a more traditional style. If he fully changes over to butterfly, he would be very similar to Luongo in style.

(Actually, having been pumping Gillies' tires since the 2012 draft, I'd love to see him develop in that direction)

[Husky]

Gilles is a top notch goalie prospect. With a great season and US tourny hell finally be considered a top end goalie prospect.

His postioning and movement is great....like most goalies he just needs to work on controlling rebounds.

[MrMastodonFarm]

Originally Posted by kirant

I seemed to have a bit of the opposite feeling. Since being drafted, he has reminded a lot of JS Giguere in his mentality and style. He comes out with the decision to block the puck first and foremost. Where Luongo is the traditional butterfly goalie personified, Gillies doesn't stick to that method purely. He sometimes has that "wall" mentality that was exhibited by Karlsson, where he'll go to stop the puck with no regard to where the rebound goes.

That being said, he got better over the year, so there's no doubt that his coach is trying to get him to settle down into a more traditional style. If he fully changes over to butterfly, he would be very similar to Luongo in style.

(Actually, having been pumping Gillies' tires since the 2012 draft, I'd love to see him develop in that direction)

Big guy, athletic, butterfly. I could see either Luongo or JS Giguere comparisons.

[Flames_F.T.W]

I have high hopes for Gillies... with the rebuild likely to be a few years at least, I'm hoping the Flames take their time with him and let him develop.

[cannon7]

I think singing him next summer depends heavily on how well Ramo does this upcoming season. Or if Berra surprises, which I think is unlikely.

Gillies is arguably our best goalie prospect right now. I hope there's no need to rush him into the pros next year.

[Fire]

Originally Posted by cannon7

Gillies is arguably our best goalie prospect right now. I hope there's no need to rush him into the pros next year.

If he has another dominating year in the NCAA and World Juniors he will be pretty much tapped out on his development at that level. It would be time to move him to the AHL so his development doesn't stall.

[Enoch Root]

Originally Posted by Fire

If he has another dominating year in the NCAA and World Juniors he will be pretty much tapped out on his development at that level. It would be time to move him to the AHL so his development doesn't stall.

Agreed.

If he has another dominant season is in the NCAA what possible benefit would there be to leave him there for another year?

If he dominates again this year, bump him up to the A and give him a new challenge.

[SeanCharles]

I dont understand anyone who says even if the player is ready we should hold him back because we will suck.

What if that player contributes to us not sucking?

Anyway Gillies is definately one of our top 4 prospects, along with Baertschi, Guadreau and Monahan.

I feel like all 4 of those guys arent that far away from making a big impact on this team. Sven will already almost surely next season.

If a prospect is ready I see no reason to hold them back.

I know everyone is an expert and points to the obvious in that we lack elite players hence we will suck. But we have good support players and some prospects that have the potential for greatness so at least we have the the ability to shelter our youngsters to let them develop properly.

The Flames management group will make the right decision weather it be sign Gillies next year or not.

I like it that they are giving prospects every opportunity to make this team better.

[PaperBagger'14]

7uongo...
8illies...

[Jay Random]

Originally Posted by PaperBagger'14

7uongo...
8illies...

OK, I'm missing something here. Why the 8?