Ferland discussion

[Flames Draft Watcher]

Ferland is a big, strong boy who likes to finish his checks. He also doesnt put up many points yet. This makes people who don't watch him closely think all he can be is a grinder.

If you watch him closer you see he's actually a very good puckhandler for his size who has the potential to beat players with his stickhandling. This allows him to gain the zone quite regularly when he has the puck in the neutral zone. He's deceptively fast for his size, gets in fast on the forecheck. Shows good on ice awareness and vision, often making the smart simple pass. Backchecks hard and is capable of forcing turnovers defensively. His size and strength help him win board battles. He doesn't hesitate to crash the net, something important for young powerforwards.

IMO when you watch him closely he does everything you want from a top two line powerforward except his actual finishing ability hasn't been great this year. He rushes shots and shoots at the goalie instead of picking the corner. But he did score a ton in junior so that could come around. He's also not looked out of place at all for the most part playing with more skilled players like Johnny and Mony.

As another poster said, he just needs confidence. I still think he's on track to develop into a solid 2nd line powerforward, something this organization badly needs.

[Southside]

I think Hartley coached him right out of his element.

[Hackey]

Despite a realatively tough season I still seen flashes of the player he could be so I'm not giving up on him by any means. Definitely has the tools to be an effective player. Hopefully he can be a bit more cosistent next year and find his groove.

[JiriHrdina]

I understand that this is his rookie season, but I don't see the 2nd line power forward potential that others do. He shows flashes, but not enough to make me believe he will be much more than he is now.

[Cleveland Steam Whistle]

Originally Posted by Southside

I think Hartley coached him right out of his element.

Expand?

[GranteedEV]

Originally Posted by JiriHrdina

I understand that this is his rookie season, but I don't see the 2nd line power forward potential that others do. He shows flashes, but not enough to make me believe he will be much more than he is now.

Way I see it, most elite top 6s have 4 dominant guys. Think:


Lucic-Kopitar-X
X-Carter-Toffoli

I think Ferland could be a successful 'X' on one of those lines, but that doesn't mean I think he's a natural 2nd liner.

So if our 2nd line were

Ferland-Bennett-Dubois

That would be Ferland being an 'X'. The players you cycle through for chemistry reasons. It's something I'm comfortable with. I'm also comfortable with Gaudreau-Monahan-Ferland.

Originally Posted by Flames Draft Watcher

If you watch him closer you see he's actually a very good puckhandler for his size who has the potential to beat players with his stickhandling. This allows him to gain the zone quite regularly when he has the puck in the neutral zone. He's deceptively fast for his size, gets in fast on the forecheck. Shows good on ice awareness and vision, often making the smart simple pass. Backchecks hard and is capable of forcing turnovers defensively.

All if it, exemplified (skip to 0:22 for better camera angle):

[Galakanokis]

I'm a big fan and think there is a lot of potential in Ferland. I think he is an underrated passer and has great on ice awareness. Where he gets into trouble is when he tries to do to much with the puck. I think he needs to work a little more on his play away from the puck on offense but it's coming. For a rookie his defensive position and awareness is great, breaks up a number of plays.

He's got two more years to really see what we have but if he takes a step forward offensively next year the Flames are in excellent shape.

[Illuminaughty]

I think he just needs more time to figure out how to score in the NHL. Skaters are bigger, stronger, faster, compete harder, better coached and more defensively aware. He's still figuring out NHL timing, that's why he looks so rushed when he has a chance to shoot.

He's a unique mix of a wrecking a ball and a skilled power forward. He has way too many tools to just be a 4th line energy guy. When and I suppose if, he puts it together, I think the sky is the limit. He could be a top line power forward in a couple years.

[AltaGuy]

I don't see the natural offensive instincts he needs to play in the top-6. I think he would be ideal as a third line guy, and I hope he can continue to work on his defensive game because he does have good wheels and size.

I also wish that he was naturally more of a pest (seems a little quiet). Even if he didn't score, I wish he were taking some attention away from Gaudreau more often when he plays there. Some jawing, slashes, hacks, hits, whatever just to get the opposition to think about something other than whacking Gaudreau's wrists.

[Fire]

I think it's only a matter of time before Ferland figures out how to score on a more regular basis. I don't think his hockey IQ is that high with the puck, but he has the speed, physicality, and shot to be a good middle six guy in the future.

[CalgaryFan1988]

Originally Posted by Dion

I would like to Ferland use his physical side of his game on a more consistant basis. For awhile there Hathaway displayed better physical presence on the ice.

Agree, but with the drastic change in his physical game lately, makes me wonder if he doesn't have a nagging injury or something. He sure turned away from a lot of hits the last couple weeks.

[DeluxeMoustache]

Originally Posted by GranteedEV

Way I see it, most elite top 6s have 4 dominant guys. Think:


Lucic-Kopitar-X
X-Carter-Toffoli

I think Ferland could be a successful 'X' on one of those lines, but that doesn't mean I think he's a natural 2nd liner.

So if our 2nd line were

Ferland-Bennett-Dubois

That would be Ferland being an 'X'. The players you cycle through for chemistry reasons. It's something I'm comfortable with. I'm also comfortable with Gaudreau-Monahan-Ferland.



All if it, exemplified (skip to 0:22 for better camera angle):

Barrie had a very unimpressive shift. Terrible pass. What was he doing running partway at Ferland then stopping short and blowing a tire?

I think Ferland has yet to prove he has enough production on a consistent basis to justify more than a bottom 6 slot.

If the example of him putting it all together is Barrie gifting him the puck, then getting out of his way to create an odd man rush, I think we need a new example.

[Cleveland Steam Whistle]

Originally Posted by Flames Draft Watcher

Ferland is a big, strong boy who likes to finish his checks. He also doesnt put up many points yet. This makes people who don't watch him closely think all he can be is a grinder.

If you watch him closer you see he's actually a very good puckhandler for his size who has the potential to beat players with his stickhandling. This allows him to gain the zone quite regularly when he has the puck in the neutral zone. He's deceptively fast for his size, gets in fast on the forecheck. Shows good on ice awareness and vision, often making the smart simple pass. Backchecks hard and is capable of forcing turnovers defensively. His size and strength help him win board battles. He doesn't hesitate to crash the net, something important for young powerforwards.

IMO when you watch him closely he does everything you want from a top two line powerforward except his actual finishing ability hasn't been great this year. He rushes shots and shoots at the goalie instead of picking the corner. But he did score a ton in junior so that could come around. He's also not looked out of place at all for the most part playing with more skilled players like Johnny and Mony.

As another poster said, he just needs confidence. I still think he's on track to develop into a solid 2nd line powerforward, something this organization badly needs.

I think you hit the nail on the head......confidence. Very specifically, confidence when he has the puck. The guy has hands, can skate, is big and physicall and actually has a great hockey IQ. But when he gets the puck on his stick, and has time to think about it or has time for a play to develop, he gets rid of the puck way too quickly. This is especially true when he gets his stints on the top lines. It's almost like he thinks someone better than me should have the puck right now. So he passes to quickly, or in instances where he's alone or shot is the right call, he fires too soon, when he actually had time to drive the net or even skate into a better spot.

All of that is what hurts his numbers right now, but is also something not too shocking from a rookie season. Hopefully they are working with him on it, and if so, it's likely just a matter of time.

[TheOnlyBilko]

Love Ferland! This season was basically his rookie year (although not officially). He's still young and learning the NHL game. Give him another year or two. I could see him developing into a 15-25 goals and 45-55 point player.

[btimbit]

Originally Posted by JiriHrdina

I understand that this is his rookie season, but I don't see the 2nd line power forward potential that others do. He shows flashes, but not enough to make me believe he will be much more than he is now.

I've seen the potential but at this point I doubt he gets there. He's a bottom 6 player. Like others have mentioned, I wish he'd bring the snarl back to his game

[DeluxeMoustache]

Originally Posted by Cleveland Steam Whistle

I think you hit the nail on the head......confidence. Very specifically, confidence when he has the puck. The guy has hands, can skate, is big and physicall and actually has a great hockey IQ. But when he gets the puck on his stick, and has time to think about it or has time for a play to develop, he gets rid of the puck way too quickly. This is especially true when he gets his stints on the top lines. It's almost like he thinks someone better than me should have the puck right now. So he passes to quickly, or in instances where he's alone or shot is the right call, he fires too soon, when he actually had time to drive the net or even skate into a better spot.

All of that is what hurts his numbers right now, but is also something not too shocking from a rookie season. Hopefully they are working with him on it, and if so, it's likely just a matter of time.

Doesn't your first paragraph pretty much describe not having a great hockey IQ? You know, everything after you say he has a great hockey IQ?

[CalgaryFan1988]

Originally Posted by DeluxeMoustache

Doesn't your first paragraph pretty much describe not having a great hockey IQ? You know, everything after you say he has a great hockey IQ?

I think it describes someone with a lack of confidence.

[FBI]

6 assists in the last 7 games of season. Nice.

[OzSome]

Originally Posted by Roof-Daddy

He's got decent size
He's strong
He skates well
He hits and plays physical
He's tough and not intimidated
He has decent hands, doesn't handle the puck like a grenade
He's a good fore checker
He has a good shot
He's signed for $825k next season
He's just 23 and only has 96 NHL games so far

What's not to like unless your expectations are out of whack?

I think the fans expect too much of Ferland after that awesome playoff run. They expect him to play the way he played against the Canucks every game. Ferland had tons of potential and like you said the guy can skate, handle the puck well and also had a good shot. He is still learning how to play in the NHL. I didn't expect him to be in the top 6 forward anyways. Yes I am hoping he can contribute more in offense but maybe in the next season or so.

[BACKCHECK!!!]

Rene Bourque.