[News] With the 105th pick Flames select D Brett Kulak

[Flaming Choy]

Originally Posted by ignite09

Ato?

Amateur try-out?

[kermitology]

Yes, amateur try out

[agulati]

That is good. Hopefully he sees some playing time with the Heat down the stretch.

[ignite09]

Ok, so my understanding is that we still have another year to sign him before we lose his rights correct? So is this just a move to get him into the AHL for developement reasons without him counting against our 50 contract limit?

[MrMastodonFarm]

Originally Posted by ignite09

Ok, so my understanding is that we still have another year to sign him before we lose his rights correct? So is this just a move to get him into the AHL for developement reasons without him counting against our 50 contract limit?

Pretty much, yup. Turned 19 in January, could be pretty good for him.

[agulati]

Originally Posted by MrMastodonFarm

Pretty much, yup. Turned 19 in January, could be pretty good for him.

Will he be considered an overager if he returns to the WHL next year?

According to those familiar with his game, would he benefit playing another year in Vancouver or playing with the Heat? From what I have gathered the Giants are not necessarily a team that will build a "winning" mentality.

[868904]

Originally Posted by agulati

Will he be considered an overager if he returns to the WHL next year?

According to those familiar with his game, would he benefit playing another year in Vancouver or playing with the Heat? From what I have gathered the Giants are not necessarily a team that will build a "winning" mentality.

I don't think he'll be an overager next year, in fact, if i'm not mistaken, I think he still qualifies for the WJC.

[Pierre "Monster" McGuire]

Originally Posted by ignite09

Ato?

Amateur Try-Out.

It's essentially for CHL or college players whose season is finished. They can join an AHL club on a try-out basis.

As opposed to a PTO (professional try-out), which is a contract designated for professional players from the AHL and ECHL.

Kulak is basically in Abbotsford to learn the pro lifestyle. This will be huge for his development. He'll likely spend a couple of weeks learning Ward's systems and getting to know teammates. Then maybe he'll get some game time, but I have my doubts. The Heat will need to win 9 or 10 of their remaining 11 games to have a shot at getting into the playoffs. So throwing an inexperienced, wide-eyed rookie into the mix may not be the best for the club, but we'll see.

When Reinhart, Lamb and Elson got into the last game of the year, it was because they had already clinched a spot.

[Freeway]

That said, Kulak is a guy the Flames are quite high on and I'm sure they're hoping he gets his feet wet for a game or two.