Who is More Likely to Make the Team Opening Day?

[polak]

Originally Posted by GranteedEV

Well, other than:

-being fourth among this team`s forwards in 5vs5 assists per 60 (third now that Colborne's gone) -- a higher assist rate than Frolik and Monahan.

-being seventh among this team`s forwards the team (including Colborne) in 5 vs 5 points per 60

- being fifth among this team`s forwards in 5 vs 5 relative shots for percentage

- being fourth among this team`s forwards in 5 vs 5 relative unblocked shot attempts for percentage

- leading the team in hits by a country mile

- being fourth among this team`s forwards in takeaways

- being third on the team in zone entry rate (and fourth in carry-in rate)

Being 4th 5th, 6th, 7th on a team with 5 playoff team calibre forwards in cherry picked stats isn't a feat. How many times did you watch a game last season and thought "Wow Ferland played well" or "Ferland made a difference".

Even leading the team in hits isn't impressive. Who else that played a significant amount of games on this team throws hits? Bollig and Engelland?

If Michael Ferland and his 4 goals is who we are counting on to be a contributor for this team then look out because barring a massive turnaround this season the guy is fringe and I wouldn't be surprised if he's not in the league next season.

[MarkGio]

Jankowski, no question. Tkachuk was a rookie in the OHL last year. It's rare major junior rookies make the jump to the NHL. Jankowski has been developing alot longer and is nearly NHL ready.

[Eric Vail]

Originally Posted by FlameZilla

There are at least 2 feasible scenarios where Jankowski could make the team:

1) If Jankowski outplays Stajan he could supplant him on the centre depth list. Stajan either sits in the press box, converts to wing, goes to Stockton or is traded for peanuts. Jankowski begins his Flames career as 4th line C, gradually earning more responsibilities as he learns the system. (Most likely, but possibly least beneficial to Jankowski's development)

2) Jankowski outplays one of Tkachuk, Shinkaruk, Klimchuk (the 3 Uks), Poirier, Mangiapane or Chiasson and lands a spot as a middle 6 winger. Arguably the safest way for him to transition to the NHL, in a sheltered role with veteran presence on his line. (Good for his development, but less likely to outplay natural wingers)

3) Monahan negotiations drag on into the regular season and he sits out the first few games. (Least likely because Mony should sign)

Now that Colborne is gone it's slightly more likely that Jankowski makes the team than before. He would have to play the best hockey of his life in training camp, but if the new coaching staff think he's a better option for the team then he'll be there. There's no questioning this kid's work ethic and attitude. He could be indispensable in the near future. However, I think it's best for his development if he at least starts the season in the AHL.

I don't know the answer to this question, but is there any real evidence that leads to the conclusion that Jankowski's attitude and work ethic is better than an average prospect? This sounds like a fan projecting his hopes.

I'm skeptical that Jankowski amounts to anything based on what he's done since being drafted what seems like a long time ago.

[MarkGio]

Originally Posted by FlameZilla

There are at least 2 feasible scenarios where Jankowski could make the team:

1) If Jankowski outplays Stajan he could supplant him on the centre depth list. Stajan either sits in the press box, converts to wing, goes to Stockton or is traded for peanuts. Jankowski begins his Flames career as 4th line C, gradually earning more responsibilities as he learns the system. (Most likely, but possibly least beneficial to Jankowski's development)

2) Jankowski outplays one of Tkachuk, Shinkaruk, Klimchuk (the 3 Uks), Poirier, Mangiapane or Chiasson and lands a spot as a middle 6 winger. Arguably the safest way for him to transition to the NHL, in a sheltered role with veteran presence on his line. (Good for his development, but less likely to outplay natural wingers)

3) Monahan negotiations drag on into the regular season and he sits out the first few games. (Least likely because Mony should sign)

Now that Colborne is gone it's slightly more likely that Jankowski makes the team than before. He would have to play the best hockey of his life in training camp, but if the new coaching staff think he's a better option for the team then he'll be there. There's no questioning this kid's work ethic and attitude. He could be indispensable in the near future. However, I think it's best for his development if he at least starts the season in the AHL.

Dear god please let Jankowski outplay Stajan

[goodyear]

I think Tkachuk will have a strong camp and pre-season to earn a 9 game audition. Maybe Jankowski does well enough to be the last cut and is the first call up.

I also want to see another player to put in a Jooris-like performance.

These guys aren't total unknowns but it'd be great if Poirier and Klimchuk make it to the end of camp as well. I'm rooting for these first rounders.

[Alberta_Beef]

Originally Posted by Eric Vail

I don't know the answer to this question, but is there any real evidence that leads to the conclusion that Jankowski's attitude and work ethic is better than an average prospect? This sounds like a fan projecting his hopes.

I'm skeptical that Jankowski amounts to anything based on what he's done since being drafted what seems like a long time ago.

There have been alot of comments praising these things from both Providence and the Flames. You can question their motives but it is certainly not fans projecting hopes.

[Vinny01]

The team needs wingers more than centre's right now. Jankowski could shift to the wing no problem but does the organization want to develop him at C?

I see Jankowski as the Backlind replacement once Backs contract ends and likely gets a Frans Neilson type contract offer in free agency.

Tkachuk has the size, skill, and smarts of a NHL player. He sounds exactly like Monahan after he was drafted. He knows nothing will be handed to him and he is going to have to work really hard to make the team. Personally I think he has the better chance as Jankowski will continue to be brought along slowly.

[GioforPM]

Tkachuk gets the spot out out the gate because of the free 10 games, and centre depth (assuming Bennett is in the middle).

Jankowski is more likely to play more games because of the same 10 game factor for Tkachuk and because he can shuffle back and forth from the A with ease.

[Huntingwhale]

Originally Posted by polak

Being 4th 5th, 6th, 7th on a team with 5 playoff team calibre forwards in cherry picked stats isn't a feat. How many times did you watch a game last season and thought "Wow Ferland played well" or "Ferland made a difference".

Even leading the team in hits isn't impressive. Who else that played a significant amount of games on this team throws hits? Bollig and Engelland?

If Michael Ferland and his 4 goals is who we are counting on to be a contributor for this team then look out because barring a massive turnaround this season the guy is fringe and I wouldn't be surprised if he's not in the league next season.

Agreed. I love Ferland but he was a major disappointment last season. So what if he was 4-7th in whatever advanced stat on a bottom 5 team? Congratu-f'ing-lations. A couple months earlier he was a major force in the playoffs and IMO that the kind of player he needs to be to be effective. Last season he failed the eye test in a big way. I mean common,

being fourth among this team`s forwards in 5vs5 assists per 60 (third now that Colborne's gone) -- a higher assist rate than Frolik and Monahan.

That's a cherry picked stat if I ever saw one. A higher assist rate then Frolik or Monahan?? Yeah, Ferland's 14 assists in 71 games are certainly more "impressive'' then Monahan's 36 assist total.


I think one of the worst things to happen to him last season was Conroy coming out and saying that Ferland had the potential to score 20 goals and be a top 6 forward. It was quite a bold statement and IMO really set him up for failure. Sure we'd all love for him to be a point producing power forward. But unless he comes out like gangbusters this season and shows he can be exactly that, he's like you said, a fringe guy who might not be in the league much longer.

And major kudos to Treliving for not giving into his agent's demand last season for a major pay raise after his playoff run.

[Fighting Banana Slug]

Big year for Ferland. He definitely needs to step up the production, or he may find himself in the Jooris/Granlund replaceable camp. I get that he could bring more to the table than just points, but even there, I think he needs to play with more aggression (and not get hurt). Still hoping for the guy.

[polak]

Yeah, don't get me wrong, I don't want him to fail. I'm just calling a spade a spade.

[Vinny01]

Originally Posted by GioforPM

Tkachuk gets the spot out out the gate because of the free 10 games, and centre depth (assuming Bennett is in the middle).

Jankowski is more likely to play more games because of the same 10 game factor for Tkachuk and because he can shuffle back and forth from the A with ease.

If Tkachuk sticks after his 10 games he will likely play more than Janko unless he is injured.

I would be surprised to see Tkachuk sent back if he makes the opening day roster

[polak]

Originally Posted by Vinny01

I would be surprised to see Tkachuk sent back if he makes the opening day roster

It's only happened like 4 or 5 times and I think only once or twice with a top 5 pick (which I'm calling Tkachuk because the Canucks are so silly)

[FlameZilla]

Originally Posted by Eric Vail

I don't know the answer to this question, but is there any real evidence that leads to the conclusion that Jankowski's attitude and work ethic is better than an average prospect? This sounds like a fan projecting his hopes.

I'm skeptical that Jankowski amounts to anything based on what he's done since being drafted what seems like a long time ago.

There were Huska and Conroy quotes from the development camp implying that Jankowski had taken on a leadership role very well and that his enthusiasm was infectious (something along those lines). I'll see if I can go dig something up from that thread to back m'self up...