i think ferland and poirier will both be fighting for a similiar spot. i hope gaudreau plays a year in the AHl, then we trade hudler and let gaudreau take his spot.
the good thing here is that because of his December birthday, he'll be AHL eligible next season, so it's not a "make the NHL team or go back to junior" decision. I think the perfect scenario would be for him to go to Abbotsford first and play huge minutes there. Might even be the best scenario for Gaudreau too, depending on how quickly/easily he makes the transition to pro hockey. Poirier, Gaudreau, Agostino and Arnold coming to Abbotsford would be huge for the Heat, and would probably help them in their development as well. Sure, most fans want too see Poirier and Gaudreau in the NHL as soon as possible, but developing their game in the AHL for a season (or at least parts of a season) might not be a bad idea.
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the good thing here is that because of his December birthday, he'll be AHL eligible next season, so it's not a "make the NHL team or go back to junior" decision. I think the perfect scenario would be for him to go to Abbotsford first and play huge minutes there. Might even be the best scenario for Gaudreau too, depending on how quickly/easily he makes the transition to pro hockey. Poirier, Gaudreau, Agostino and Arnold coming to Abbotsford would be huge for the Heat, and would probably help them in their development as well. Sure, most fans want too see Poirier and Gaudreau in the NHL as soon as possible, but developing their game in the AHL for a season (or at least parts of a season) might not be a bad idea.
Not only that, but if he plays a whole year in the AHL his contract will slide, bonus!
Would be epic to see him come in and get a good shot. I'm definitely excited with the massive amount of changes coming to the line-up in the next few years, but I don't know if that necessary means success.
I wouldn't be comfortable getting rid of Hudler, Stajan or Wideman just yet. I hope they stick around for a while.
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Sure, most fans want too see Poirier and Gaudreau in the NHL as soon as possible, but developing their game in the AHL for a season (or at least parts of a season) might not be a bad idea.
It's a good idea IMO. Flames are going to need to spend some money over the next few years to make the floor so we can't be jamming to many ELC's onto the NHL roster at once (and there are some older prospects that deserve a shot as well). Having guys like Guadreau and Poirier pay their dues for a year in the AHL will be good for their development as hockey players and build some character/lifeskills.
Does Granlund mix things up as well? Or has he been playing center in the A?
This is his third full season playing against men.. if he continues this pace and continues to improve he should be challenging for a spot next year as well.
It is hard for Poirier not to be upset about TC.. but at least he has chosen to look at the positive instead of letting an ego get in the way. Focus on being in Calgary, it did good things for guys like Knight and Ferland. Sure they aren't here yet, but the focus and drive has to be what inspired their great years so far.
__________________ "In brightest day, in blackest night / No evil shall escape my sight / Let those who worship evil's might / Beware my power, Green Lantern's light!"
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Does Granlund mix things up as well? Or has he been playing center in the A?
This is his third full season playing against men.. if he continues this pace and continues to improve he should be challenging for a spot next year as well.
It is hard for Poirier not to be upset about TC.. but at least he has chosen to look at the positive instead of letting an ego get in the way. Focus on being in Calgary, it did good things for guys like Knight and Ferland. Sure they aren't here yet, but the focus and drive has to be what inspired their great years so far.
He's played centre here and there. The goal this year was more to get him adjusted to North America, so if that meant keeping him on the wing for a while, it's what they had to do.
Expect him to get more time up the middle in the coming months. First it was Knight's turn to run through the cycle of getting lots of time in key situations (both offensive and defensive). Now it's Granlund's turn coming up.
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How is his hockey IQ? With his great speed I tend to compare him to Fata. His stats are similar to Fata in junior, though Fata played with much better players. The knock on Fata was his lack of hockey IQ, he could produce points in junior and the AHL but not the NHL.
How is his hockey IQ? With his great speed I tend to compare him to Fata. His stats are similar to Fata in junior, though Fata played with much better players. The knock on Fata was his lack of hockey IQ, he could produce points in junior and the AHL but not the NHL.
I'm hoping his IQ is good just based on the fact that Feaster and co. valued hockey IQ.
