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Old 11-11-2021, 02:26 PM   #1
FlamesAddiction
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Default Adam Ruzicka

22 years old, 6'4" and 202 lbs.

He has started the AHL season on a tear scoring 12 points in 9 games. He has shown progression in each of the 2 previous AHL campaigns and seemed to progress each year in junior. He played 3 NHL games last season, getting one assist and a +2 rating. He has also been mentioned as a possible member of the Slovakian Olympic team this year.

So is this guy ready to start learning in the NHL?
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Old 11-11-2021, 03:01 PM   #2
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Very promising that he's putting up the numbers. Is footspeed holding him back? Can he use his size effectively in a bottom 6 role?

The flames will run into injury problems this season. Gotta think he's high on the call up list. Hope he gets another cup of coffee this year.
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Old 11-11-2021, 08:36 PM   #3
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He didn't look very good in his NHL stint last season, but that's to be expected I guess. Definitely looked slow.
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Old 11-12-2021, 08:47 AM   #4
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With Dube moving to the wing, might make sense to call up Ruzicka for an opportunity to play in the NHL.
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Old 11-12-2021, 09:13 AM   #5
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I was worried about his progress last season, he got a ton of points in a few games (4gp 12p) early in the season but had a pretty lack-luster year outside of that (24gp 9p). Looking at just the box scores this year, it looks like he's really benefited from Pelletier being added to the team, so it's hard to say who's really stirring the drink there.

I think he needs to marinate in the AHL some more to build confidence and try and keep building off his current play. For all his strengths he's still a pretty fragile prospect, but if he keeps it up he'll be a strong candidate for later season call up.

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Old 11-12-2021, 10:06 AM   #6
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He needs to play with skilled players. Look no further than Bennett. No point in bringing him up to play on the fourth line.
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Old 11-12-2021, 10:39 AM   #7
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I think he's a tweener. Will score at the AHL level but doesn't have the skill set and ability to play at NHL pace.
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Old 11-12-2021, 02:34 PM   #8
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I think he has all the tools and if can push himself he’ll get to the show. Should make his Olympic team.
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Old 11-12-2021, 04:58 PM   #9
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Is he more than a new Jankowski ?
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Old 11-13-2021, 12:48 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Roof-Daddy View Post
He didn't look very good in his NHL stint last season, but that's to be expected I guess. Definitely looked slow.
I thought the Lucic-Ruzicka-Phillips line looked outstanding. 0.53 xGF 0.12 xGA (82% xG) in 9:13 icetime

I would have loved to see that whole line get more runway this year in meaningful games.

Lucic and Phillips really complemented each other and Ruzicka seemed to fit in like a glove.
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Old 11-18-2021, 02:07 PM   #11
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The only issue I have had with Ruzicka is 'effort'. He is turning it around. He is definitely not a tweener lol. He seems to be much more consistent with his effort, and if he keeps it up, he will be an everyday NHL'er. 2nd-3rd line centre I would say. I wonder what Sutter can do with him over the course of a season. Eventually there will be injuries and perhaps he will get some runway to show what he can do.
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Old 11-18-2021, 03:19 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Jiri Hrdina View Post
I think he's a tweener. Will score at the AHL level but doesn't have the skill set and ability to play at NHL pace.
This is based off of what, the 3 NHL games he's skated in thus far? Ruzicka has quietly put up 20G and 36 points in his last 39 AHL games. These are big numbers for any player let alone one of his stature and moving him along should definitely be explored by the big club.

With this team getting nothing offensively from it's bottom 6 there isn't much to lose and a lot to gain here. Nobody is suggesting he's a star in the making but he certainly could carve out a role similar to players like Lewis, Ritchie, Richardson and Pitlick with a much higher upside in terms of finishing.
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