Should the Flames take a flyer on Mitch Holmberg?

[sureLoss]

At least one NHL team is going to offer him a contract hoping he is a late bloomer.

But given that Burke wants a particular type of player, highly unlikely the Flames are interested in Holmberg unless someone in the organization convinces Burke that he is something special.

[PaperBagger'14]

Quick profile on holmberg:

Right Wing -- shoots R
Born Mar 9 1993 -- Sherwood Park, ALTA
[20 yrs. ago]
Height 5.10 -- Weight 165 [178 cm/75 kg]

Now what team in the NHL would want a homegrown, small and skilled forward...

[N-E-B]

Originally Posted by DOOM

Really? He's the only one doing it..

Yeah, really. He's 20. I get that he is doing really good, even for a 20 year old, but there's a reason he's been passed up every time he's been draft eligible. If I'm wrong about him in the future I'll admit it, but until then I refuse to be fooled by those numbers.

[PlayfulGenius]

Why are 20 yr olds allowed to play in the WHL? ... What's the logic there?

The rule is 2 per team, correct?

[Enoch Root]

The Flames only have 45 contracts (net of the 3 sliders), but they also have Agostino and Arnold graduating in April, pplus the possibility of Gaudreau and Gillies, if they want to turn pro in April.

That's as many as 49 contracts.

If you really liked him, what might make sense is a camp invite in the summer (when some guys haven't been re-signed - assuming there would be more spots at that time).

If he proves worthy, then you can look at a contract. But as many have said, small 20 year olds are a longshot at best.

[UKflames]

Shouldn't we all just stop reading as soon as we hit the height section of his profile.

God, sorry B Burke, doesn't accept anyone that short no matter how good they may or may not be, move on.

[FlamesAddiction]

He's a long shot, but I don't see why it would hurt. We've certainly wasted contracts on worse.

[Iniggywetrust]

Came for the Mitch Hedberg reference. Left satisfied.

[Rerun]

Just thought I'd resurrect this thread..



62 goals in 71 games.. leads the WHL in goals and points this year.

[Resolute 14]

And he'll be a fine scorer for some European team, no doubt.

[sureLoss]

Read on HF that the Director of Amateur Free Agent Scouting for the Oilers is his stepdad.

[PeteMoss]

Anyone could have signed him at any point this year.... its not a college player where you have to wait for seasons end. At this point i'd doubt that he's going to get an NHL contract.

[RyZ]

Looks like a Brendan Shinnimin situation. Pass.

[Cali Panthers Fan]

Originally Posted by Rerun

Just thought I'd resurrect this thread..



62 goals in 71 games.. leads the WHL in goals and points this year.

Why have I only heard of 3-4 of those kids? Are they all undrafted 20 year olds lighting up the league?

[devo22]

Originally Posted by Cali Flames Fan

Why have I only heard of 3-4 of those kids? Are they all undrafted 20 year olds lighting up the league?

not really. Petan, Bjorkstrand an Leipsic have all been drafted in the 2nd/3rd/4th round and they've been lighting up the WHL for a couple years now. Samuelsson was a 1st rounder. Point and De Leo are safe bets to be at least 2nd rounders in the upcoming draft. Draisaitl and Reinhart arw obviously top 5 picks this year. Descheneau is Reinharts undrafted 19 yr old linemate.

[Cali Panthers Fan]

Originally Posted by devo22

not really. Petan, Bjorkstrand an Leipsic have all been drafted in the 2nd/3rd/4th round and they've been lighting up the WHL for a couple years now. Samuelsson was a 1st rounder. Point and De Leo are safe bets to be at least 2nd rounders in the upcoming draft. Draisaitl and Reinhart arw obviously top 5 picks this year. Descheneau is Reinharts undrafted 19 yr old linemate.

Thanks for this. I knew of Bjorkstrand, Petan, Draisatl, and Reinhart but forgot about Samuelsson. Still quite a few undrafted guys on that list as of now, so kind of surprising.

[Sylvanfan]

Very strong odds that he will never do anything in the NHL, but might prove to be a decent AHL player. Could be worth trying a AHL contract on. Len Barrie is a guy who comes to my mind as having a great 20 year old season in the dub. He did play 180 NHL games and scored some points in the minors. Every NHL GM knows their AHL team does not have 22 future players for their NHL teams.

[BACKCHECK!!!]

Forget it.

I hear his stepdad works for the Oilers.

Thanks but no thanks.

[Rerun]

Here's a few NHL players who were never drafted :

Martin St. Louis
Dan Boyle
Dan Girardi
Alex Burrows
Mark Giordano
Chris Kunitz
Rene Bourque
Andy McDonald
Jason Garrison
Tyler Bozak

... and the list goes on and on....

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of...re_not_drafted

Just goes to prove that NHL teams make mistakes all the time and their scouting staffs aren't infallible.


I think the Flames would be making a mistake if they don't offer this Alberta kid a contract.... or at the least... a try-out.

[dammage79]

Originally Posted by BACKCHECK!!!

Forget it.

I hear his stepdad works for the Oilers.

Thanks but no thanks.

Maybe it's a Step-dad not liked by a Step-son scenario and a perfect opportunity to stick it to the guy who's sticking it to your mom.