[Signing] Flames sign Honzek to 3 year ELC

[FlamesAddiction]

Originally Posted by sureLoss

There is a loophole for Honzek to play in the AHL this year, but it only available if his Euro team loaned him to the Giants, which hasn't been reported.

Interesting. Can you think of any examples where a team took advantage of this? Junior might still be the best place for him to develop, I have no clue.

Could or would a junior team just relinquish his rights if the Flames really wanted him in the AHL? They may not agree to it because they are still running a hockey team and he is an important piece of that, but just wondering if that sort of thing ever happens.

[sureLoss]

Originally Posted by FlamesAddiction

Interesting. Can you think of any examples where a team took advantage of this? Junior might still be the best place for him to develop, I have no clue.

Could or would a junior team just relinquish his rights if the Flames really wanted him in the AHL? They may not agree to it because they are still running a hockey team and he is an important piece of that, but just wondering if that sort of thing ever happens.

The first case of it happening is with Julius Honka and the Stars.

https://www.statesman.com/story/news...er/9830026007/


And a junior team can't relinquish WHL rights without the player going trough waivers first. A player like Honzek would be picked up.

[FanIn80]

I was just thinking in terms of his development, I would rather he start playing against larger opponents earlier.

I feel that's one of the reasons power forwards develop slower. They get so used to always being bigger than most of their opponents, then they get to the NHL and realize they can't just rely on "I'm big for my age" anymore. Unless you're Lucic, Neely, Chara sized (all Bruins, weird hey?), it takes a few years in the NHL before you can push people around again.

[Reggie Dunlop]

Honzek will go back to the dub.

While there'll be openings for young forwards, presumably those go to Pelletier and Coronato.

[Freeway]

Honzek signed a standard WHL deal, he wasn't loaned.


https://vancouvergiants.com/article/honzeksigned

[topfiverecords]

Guaranteed floor of Getzlaf for this guy.

[Reggie Dunlop]

Originally Posted by topfiverecords

Guaranteed floor of Getzlaf for this guy.

600 goals, 1300 pts by the time all is said and done

[Hockey_Ninja]

Wonder if we’ll see him towards the end of next season on the Flames

[FanIn80]

I still think we're gonna see 18 year-old Sam Honzek at the begining of season (at least for a few games).

[Bingo]

Saw some suggesting NHL games ... I'd be surprised, but thought a poll would be interesting.

[kipperiggy]

Given he is a mid 1st rounder and the number of guys we will probably have fighting for spots I'm thinking he goes straight to the Dub but will be happy to eat crow later!

[Rick M.]

I hope they develop him as a centre.

[Fighting Banana Slug]

I would be shocked if it was anything but the WHL this year. Captain the team, rip it up points wise and turn pro next year.

[fotze2]

Originally Posted by Fighting Banana Slug

I would be shocked if it was anything but the WHL this year. Captain the team, rip it up points wise and turn pro next year.

Might play with Getzlaf's nephew Hudson.

I think Vancouver is known as kinda of a meh org for developing studs. Byram is the only one that comes too mind. Pretty dismal record forever.

Not sure if the ownership group sucks, even though it includes Michael Buble and Bruce Allan?

[Robbob]

I hope he gets a few games as it means he is having a strong camp. I really just don't know enough about him to predict or jump on that train yet. Will wait till Penticton until before I can anoint him as a potential NHLer this season. I will say, it will not surprise me since he already has an NHL frame, which will help.

[Macho0978]

I think he is going to put in the work in the off season and make the team and stick. I like our other prospects, but his size puts him #1 on my list.

[Bingo]

Colour me surprised that playing games is 37%.

Didn't see that coming!

[blankall]

Originally Posted by fotze2

Might play with Getzlaf's nephew Hudson.

I think Vancouver is known as kinda of a meh org for developing studs. Byram is the only one that comes too mind. Pretty dismal record forever.

Not sure if the ownership group sucks, even though it includes Michael Buble and Bruce Allan?

Think you're forgetting about Flames greats...Lance Bouma and Brett Kulak:

https://vancouvergiants.com/team_alumni

Other notables are Gallagher, E. Kane, and M. Lucic.

[FanIn80]

Originally Posted by Bingo

Colour me surprised that playing games is 37%.

Didn't see that coming!

I mean, a lot of my brain is telling me he's not playing in the NHL this year. But I can't shake the thought that he's in the same spot that Bennett was in: too good to get anymore value out of competing against WHLers, but ineligible to play in the AHL - so NHL seems like it makes sense.

I'm not saying that Honzek is as skilled as Bennett was, with Honzek it's more of a size + skill thing. Bennett manhandled the OHL on the scoreboard and Honzek is manhandling the WHL on the ice (and also on the scoreboard - though not to the crazy extent that Bennett did).

So, I'm landing on "starts in the NHL but then goes back to the Giants after getting a reminder of what it's like when you're not the biggest guy on the ice."

[Monahammer]

I hope they give Honzek 9 games, especially if we end up trading Lindy. Our center core is not strong and our franchise and fan base could use the excitement. Of course, he has to be ready.