Quote:
Originally Posted by getbak
I wonder if Pilon gave some indication in his pre-draft interviews that he was losing his passion for the game? That would explain why he dropped to the late 5th round when most rankings had him in the top 60.
Brandon still potentially has a problem with too many Euros. Rihards Bukarts can play one more year and Ivan Provorov is the same age as Kylington. They also have a young kid coming over from Austria looking to make the team.
Is Provorov expected to make the NHL? I know he was a top-10 pick, but the Flyers have a pretty crowded blue line and it's rare for d-men to make it right after their draft. If he doesn't make the Flyers, he has to go back to junior.
Bukarts was third on the team in points last season. He's also the absolute youngest an "overage" player can be this year with a December 31, 1995 birthday. He's attending the Oilers training camp, and could potentially get signed and sent to the AHL (since he'll turn 20 in 2015).
Found this breakdown of the Wheaties' Euro problems: http://www.brandonsun.com/sports/whe...322956521.html
So, if the Oilers, Flames, and Flyers keep their guys in the pros, Brandon could find themselves with only 1 European; but if all three teams send their players back to the WHL, Brandon could be forced to trade two of them. |
Brandon has plenty of answers to a limited problem.
I feel like when the time comes if they have to make a choice between an overager and an Austrian 2nd round pick or Kylington/Provorov, the answer is really straight forward.
Provorov is good enough IMO to make the leap to the NHL. Luke Schenn can easily be buried. If not, no way either of the other two players mentioned in that article even get thought of.
Kylington will have all camp to sort let it all sort out, and then I'm guessing a few pre season games if they need to buy some time. If brandon needs to make room, they will or they'll move him if they need the FW depth. I'm sure there's a few teams that can make room for him if needed.
