2023 Flames Prospects Development Camp

[Royle9]

Busier today, and group 2 up first so I’ll have a recap of that later!

Ronni was part of the group out early today and just came off the ice as the whole group was starting, he looks like he may have tweaked something, he was slow to the dressing room.

[Monahammer]

Originally Posted by Royle9

Busier today, and group 2 up first so I’ll have a recap of that later!

Ronni was part of the group out early today and just came off the ice as the whole group was starting, he looks like he may have tweaked something, he was slow to the dressing room.

That is unfortunate to hear, i hope Ronni is alright! He is one of our most interesting prospects- no idea at all what his ultimate upside is.

[sureLoss]

https://twitter.com/user/status/1677350929555931137

[Canada 02]

more on Ronni and others, from yesterday's session

https://twitter.com/user/status/1677039483940921344

https://twitter.com/user/status/1677134502160908290

[Royle9]

Day 2, group 2:

The AHL guys really stand out in this group, makes you appreciate when the young kids have really good showings in their first camp.

• Kerins to me just always looks good, his offensive instincts are definitely elite, his shot and hands are just so fun to watch I really hope he takes a big step this year.
• Honzek continues to impress me which again I’ll happily take the L for. His game just seems so polished and intense already, he stands out like he’s been here before in a good way. I saw Ryan taking that video above, Honzek looks like he might be our 1 timer go to when he makes the big club, I’m excited for him and Coronato to both be playing full time with how well they shoot. Again his skating and edge work just excels, I hope they let him keep that awkward stride because it seems to constantly fool defenders with how quick he can get up to speed.
• Klapka looks like he did last year, big, good hands, great at puck battles and alright speed, I find he struggles with high IQ guys feeding him pucks but he’s on the ice and I’m not so what do I know!
• Kuznetsov looks really good, if someone told me he had a shot to play up with the big club this year I wouldn’t be surprised to see him in a few pre-season games. His skating is so good and he’s quicker than I think I realized, he clearly is the stand out D in this group and really the only one I noticed much.
• Parker Bell is probably the shocker of group 2 he’s more than just a big kid, I was surprised at how fast he skates and his shot is really good as well. He’s quite mean in the battles as well which was good, I think he could turn into a really good depth guy. My only knock on him is his hands/stick handling is clearly his “weakness” but skating, shot, balance and agility seem to be there. Lots of time to develop but I was pleasantly surprised.

Goalies were alright, no standouts but I thought VanRynyn looked good, very quick in the crease.

Not looking promising for Huckins, wasn’t signed but was invited back and you wouldn’t tell he’s been here before. Struggled a lot with puck control, his skating isn’t that good and lots of frustration on the ice which didn’t seem to sit well with some of the brass sitting around me.

Overall some really good drills today, lots of shooting practice and some 3 on 3 to end it!
Group 1 up next, including a group that will be out early with the skating coach I’m sure.

Stay tuned!

[PepsiFree]

Originally Posted by Royle9

Kuznetsov looks really good, if someone told me he had a shot to play up with the big club this year I wouldn’t be surprised to see him in a few pre-season games. His skating is so good and he’s quicker than I think I realized, he clearly is the stand out D in this group and really the only one I noticed much.

Glad to hear it. Watching the Wranglers this year, he always looked NHL-ready to me. One of the best on the ice every time.

[Royle9]

Group 1 early skating group today:

Coronato, Nikolaev, Stromgren and Littler.
Lipinski, Morin and Boltmann.

Seems the early group guys are ones they clearly have a focused investment on.

** Nikolaev must be recovering from something upper body, he’s skating a ton but absolutely no real shooting **

[KootenayFlamesFan]

I know it's been said, but thanks so much Royle. For those of use that live out of town or province these comments are just fantastic. Awesome stuff.

[Canada 02]

Parker joins the session at 26:30

https://twitter.com/user/status/1677351710589857792

[Reggie Dunlop]

I eagerly await the Honzek Howitzer....

Thanks for the write-ups!

[gvitaly]

EDIT: didn't see sureLoss already posted it

[Sandman]

If its ok with you Royle, I will do a little write-up later today, as I am also here watching. Don’t want to step on toes.

[FormerPresJamesTaylor]

Originally Posted by Sandman

If its ok with you Royle, I will do a little write-up later today, as I am also here watching. Don’t want to step on toes.

That's not stepping on toes, it's what the thread is for.

[bdubbs]

Yes, for us that are stuck at work and unable to go to see this live, I want to say that I appreciate all of you guys who share these insights with us.

[Royle9]

Originally Posted by Sandman

If its ok with you Royle, I will do a little write-up later today, as I am also here watching. Don’t want to step on toes.

Lol yea you giver! Not stepping on toes at all, I look forward to your in depth takes!
I will forgo my group 1 write up for this afternoon session and let you give your thoughts.

I will only add a few things:

• Stromgren really continues to impress, and you can tell the Flames brass is high on him as I heard Button talking glowingly of his progression.
• Speaking of which I also asked him after the first session about his thoughts on Honzek being there at 16 and he was quite surprised, Flames thought he'd go top 10.
• Coronato is definitely another level this year, his confidence is sky high (being around the team at the end of the year clearly paid off, though he should have played more)

I know you never want to rush rookies, and given the team circumstances this year there's really no point. But when I watch Honzek out there his prowess and compete is sky high, coupled with the skill, skating and shot all already advanced.
He reminds me of a young, faster Monahan in terms of NHL ready. I think he could easily play, there's just no reason to rush him and another year being the "C" of the Giants would clearly be the right call here but when you look at Monahan's rookie season and compare how he looked going into main camp and making the team, I think Honzek could easily slot in just the same. He can get bigger, faster and stronger which would have him even more ready next year and that's the smart play here.

[cral12]

*at work, refreshing this thread ~18X per second awaiting Royle 9 and Sandman updates*

[bdubbs]

I'm loving what I'm hearing about Honzek and Coronato so far. I wish Suniev could've been there. Stupid VISA issues.

[Reggie Dunlop]

I expect Honzek to be signed soon.

[Sandman]

Still would love to hear all your thoughts, Royle! Don’t let me stop you! I’m sure everyone would love to hear things from 2 different perspectives!

[sureLoss]

https://twitter.com/user/status/1677387840718770176

https://twitter.com/user/status/1677388359080230912