[News] Sieloff will not return to Windsor

[MissTeeks]

http://flames.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=683930

The smile on Patrick Sieloff's face said it all.
The 19-year-old addressed the media after Calgary Flames general manager Jay Feaster announced the defenceman would not be returning to junior this year, instead turning pro, and Sieloff appeared to be still be basking in the pleasant turn of events.
"I was surprised, a little bit," he said of getting the news."Physically and mentally, I feel I'm ready but you never know. I had that option to go back to junior.
"I just wanted to come here in the best shape I could be and push for a spot. They kind of turned the tides, in a good way, and said, 'We are think you're ready for pro.' I'm going to just keep pushing."

"I had a good time last year with them. They taught me a lot," Sieloff said of the general manager Warren Rychel, head coach Bob Boughner and the entire Spitfires organization. "I had a lot of fun with Windsor and a lot of the guys, I'm going to miss.
"At the same time, you go there to get better and move on."

Not only did Sieloff's performance in Calgary's development camp, 2013 Young Stars Classic and the early part of training camp impact the Flames decision - his professionalism off-ice also played a part in their choice.
Sieloff spent a quite a bit of time in Calgary while he was rehabbing his groin injury and was able to get an understanding of what is expected of players at the professional level. Management and the coaching staff have been extremely impressed Sieloff's maturity and the dedication he has shown in his training.
"Patrick was in Calgary working and as a result, he saw what these guys do, how they prepared to be professionals," Feaster explained. "Everything he did from the moment he was rehabbing here right through the summer, he has trained because he wants to be a pro."

[Resolute 14]

USHL to OHL to AHL in three years is one hell of a development curve.

[_Q_]

I'm not basing this on anything other than speculation, but Sieloff is going to be a good hockey player.

[strombad]

Originally Posted by MrMastodonFarm

If Monahan is in the NHL playing at an NHL level I don't want him going to the World Juniors and taking a step down in competition just because I'd like to see him playing in it.

If Sieloff is in the AHL it's different though.

Anyways, good for him and the Flames.

That's actually a good point. While it would be nice to send Monahan to the WJC, I'm not sure it serves anyone if he's playing meaningful minutes for the Flames.

[MissTeeks]

Scott Cruickshank‏@CruickshankCH13m
#Flames coach Bob Hartley on D Patrick Sieloff: "Maturity-wise, he’s a 30-year-old guy right now."

[Enoch Root]

Originally Posted by MissTeeks

Scott Cruickshank‏@CruickshankCH13m
#Flames coach Bob Hartley on D Patrick Sieloff: "Maturity-wise, he’s a 30-year-old guy right now."

Post-apex, do not want

[Stay Golden]

Fantastic news that Sieloff will not go back to the CHL, that the Flames have carefully determined he is capable to make the jump to the AHL or IHL this season and if he handles that level well he will be on a short list of D to be called up.
There is no doubt the Flames have every intention to develop him to make a serious push to make the Flames next year as a 20 year old.

I think it is real encouraging news for Flames fans.

[Pontine]

Can't wait to see how he develops in the AHL. Exciting to hear all the positive news about our prospects!

[getbak]

His neck is the size of a tree trunk.

[CalgaryFan1988]

Curious how they can pick between AHL or CHL? I thought age decided where you went?

[Freeway]

Originally Posted by CalgaryFan1988

Curious how they can pick between AHL or CHL? I thought age decided where you went?

If you're drafted from the WHL, QMJHL or OHL, you stay in your junior league until your 20 year old year.

If you're drafted from Europe or the USHL and then come into the CHL, you can choose.

[PeteLFan]

Pat always seemed like a guy that would make the jump early.

We need his size, physicality, leadership on the backed.

The NHL is pretty much winning with your young stars early now, so we need to get these guys in at a good time so they can peak at the right time when we are competitive again.

[getbak]

Originally Posted by CalgaryFan1988

Curious how they can pick between AHL or CHL? I thought age decided where you went?

That only applies to players who played in the CHL prior to being drafted.

The season prior to his draft, he played for the US Development Program team in the USHL. This means he was exempt from the age requirement in the NHL-CHL transfer agreement, despite playing last season in the CHL.

[strombad]

Based in his current development, I'm thinking guys that said he was likely a 3-4 guy and nothing more (including myself) might be eating crow at some point in the near future.

[MrMastodonFarm]

Originally Posted by strombad

Based in his current development, I'm thinking guys that said he was likely a 3-4 guy and nothing more (including myself) might be eating crow at some point in the near future.

I don't think I see a Regehr type, a complimentary 1st pairing guy. But I do see a 2nd pairing shut down, super aggressive guy, tough as nails player. Thinking Boughner/Warrener/Sarich in their prime years.

[sureLoss]

Feaster on Sieloff:
http://video.flames.nhl.com/videocen...d=11&id=447433

[Vulcan]

I'm cautious about this move. To me he hasn't be able to play a full season in the OHL yet, so I'd be inclined to send him back.

[nik-]

Originally Posted by MrMastodonFarm

If Monahan is in the NHL playing at an NHL level I don't want him going to the World Juniors and taking a step down in competition just because I'd like to see him playing in it.

If Sieloff is in the AHL it's different though.

Anyways, good for him and the Flames.

It may not be NHL competition, but it's a very important experience.

I'd much rather see him getting into the National program rather than play 6-7 more games at the end of December.

[MrMastodonFarm]

Originally Posted by nik-

It may not be NHL competition, but it's a very important experience.

I'd much rather see him getting into the National program rather than play 6-7 more games at the end of December.

It's fun for the fans and I'm sure Sieloff would love another gold medal but I haven't seen anything to suggest it gives guys a leg up on becoming an NHL player.

I'd rather Sieloff play those 6-7 NHL games then return to a tournament with much lower competition for 6-7 games.

[burnitdown]

Originally Posted by Northendzone

does playing in Abby use a year off of his ELC?

This is what I was wondering too? Developing in the AHL is better than developing in the OHL...but if it counts as a year off his entry level deal then I'd rather he go to the OHL.