Poor Butler. Fans who haven't even seen Breen play for the most part are penciling him ahead of him lol. I'm all for giving these guys a chance but maybe Breen should...um....you know prove his worth against NHL talent first?
It's not that we think he's better than Butler. Just hope. I hope anyone is better than Butler. I don't care if its Breen, Ramage, or fricken Gilmore.
Some quotes I got from Breen this past season regarding developing his "mean" game:
Quote:
“It has its positives and negatives. It’s kind of a mental game just knowing when and when you shouldn’t [fight]. Obviously playing a lot, it’s a little tougher sometimes to get into some of those scraps when you feel like you should be on the ice, or you need to be on the ice. But we’ve got a lot of capable ‘D’ so when the time comes, I’m always there to answer the bell.
“I’m just kind of understanding it more and what it can bring to the game for me and my team, so I think just kind of understanding the game a little more and getting more confortable with it was huge.”
As he said, he took a huge huge step forward last season as a leader and defensive stalwart this season, so it meant not spending too much time in the box. If he ever made the Flames, obviously, he wouldn't be the go-to guy anymore, so he could initiate his "mean" game a lot more.
I sincerely believe that Breen is or is very near being NHL ready.
If you're questioning his speed, don't. It's his acceleration that could use some work, but once he gets to his top speed, it only takes a handful of strides to make it down the ice. Plus, he can't be beat in a fight. It's not possible.
EDIT - For example:
Last edited by Pierre "Monster" McGuire; 07-17-2013 at 08:03 PM.
Reason: Added video
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Some quotes I got from Breen this past season regarding developing his "mean" game:
As he said, he took a huge huge step forward last season as a leader and defensive stalwart this season, so it meant not spending too much time in the box. If he ever made the Flames, obviously, he wouldn't be the go-to guy anymore, so he could initiate his "mean" game a lot more.
I sincerely believe that Breen is or is very near being NHL ready.
If you're questioning his speed, don't. It's his acceleration that could use some work, but once he gets to his top speed, it only takes a handful of strides to make it down the ice. Plus, he can't be beat in a fight. It's not possible.
EDIT - For example:
You're enthusiasm for this kid over the past season has me excited. That fight... Holy cow.
This is why I'd like to see Breen and/or Cundari grab Butler and/or Russel's spot.
I'd love to see that, but I think they will not even consider Russel going down something tells me, especially when they gave him a 1.5 million dollar one way contract- that would be an expensive AHL'er. And Butler....well.. unfortunately, I think will also be with the Flames as he too is on a one way contract.
It may come down to Cundari and Breen fighting for the last spot.
Some quotes I got from Breen this past season regarding developing his "mean" game:
As he said, he took a huge huge step forward last season as a leader and defensive stalwart this season, so it meant not spending too much time in the box. If he ever made the Flames, obviously, he wouldn't be the go-to guy anymore, so he could initiate his "mean" game a lot more.
I sincerely believe that Breen is or is very near being NHL ready.
If you're questioning his speed, don't. It's his acceleration that could use some work, but once he gets to his top speed, it only takes a handful of strides to make it down the ice. Plus, he can't be beat in a fight. It's not possible.
EDIT - For example:
That is a concern though.
Acceleration and edge work are two of the most important factors for defensemen at the NHL level in terms of defending. What good is top end speed for a defenseman with very limited puck skills and poor offensive instincts? He will very rarely ever get the opportunity to get up to full speed at that level, so that part of his game will become inconsequential. If he had a better first step he would likely be an impact player at the NHL level by now.
With that said he still has the ability in him to succeed because of his mean streak, physicality, reach, and positioning. I think he can easily be a serviceable bottom pairing defender, but due to his foot speed with struggle playing significant minutes against the best players in the world.
Does anyone know if Breen or Cundari have to clear waivers to go to the AHL? __________________
Yeah they both need to clear. Big decision time for the Flames.
Russel better be good. I don't understand why they got another undersized defenceman. Maybe he was the consolation prize in the Okotoker sweepstakes.
That is a concern though.
Acceleration and edge work are two of the most important factors for defensemen at the NHL level in terms of defending. What good is top end speed for a defenseman with very limited puck skills and poor offensive instincts? He will very rarely ever get the opportunity to get up to full speed at that level, so that part of his game will become inconsequential. If he had a better first step he would likely be an impact player at the NHL level by now.
With that said he still has the ability in him to succeed because of his mean streak, physicality, reach, and positioning. I think he can easily be a serviceable bottom pairing defender, but due to his foot speed with struggle playing significant minutes against the best players in the world.
Have you watched him skate or not?
I've seen him live and his skating was fine to me. He's very mobile for his size.
That is a concern though.
Acceleration and edge work are two of the most important factors for defensemen at the NHL level in terms of defending. What good is top end speed for a defenseman with very limited puck skills and poor offensive instincts? He will very rarely ever get the opportunity to get up to full speed at that level, so that part of his game will become inconsequential. If he had a better first step he would likely be an impact player at the NHL level by now.
With that said he still has the ability in him to succeed because of his mean streak, physicality, reach, and positioning. I think he can easily be a serviceable bottom pairing defender, but due to his foot speed with struggle playing significant minutes against the best players in the world.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Flames Draft Watcher
Have you watched him skate or not?
I've seen him live and his skating was fine to me. He's very mobile for his size.
Yeah, while acceleration may be a bit of a weaker point it's not like he's awful at it. Big guys take longer to grow into their bodies and he seemed to improve a lot last off-season, so I'd expect he's only going to keep improving too.
I've seen him live and his skating was fine to me. He's very mobile for his size.
Yes, I have seen him play and more than enough to realize that his skating is the biggest aspect of his game that will limit his potential at the nhl level.
Being a "fine" skater at the AHL level is not exactly a glowing endorsement of ones abilities. I am not trying to rip the guys game apart, and in fact even said that he can play in the NHL. I was simply voicing my opinion on his skating and personally see it as obstacle that he will have to continue to work on.
I'd love to see that, but I think they will not even consider Russel going down something tells me, especially when they gave him a 1.5 million dollar one way contract- that would be an expensive AHL'er. And Butler....well.. unfortunately, I think will also be with the Flames as he too is on a one way contract.
It may come down to Cundari and Breen fighting for the last spot.
I like to think (hope) that contract status has nothing to do with who is on this team come opening day.
I really think the Flames will run with 8 defensemen like they did last year.
I also don't think we will have a defined #1 pairing, I think Giordano will play with a combination of Shane O'Brien and Chris Butler, depending who our opponent is, who is having a better game and the game situation. This is not to say either SOB or Butler should be on the top pairing, but it's more of a necessity and not wanting to throw Brodie to the wolves.
