[Signing] Flames sign Josh Healey to 2 yr ELC starting next yr. Goes to Stockton on ATO.

[killer_carlson]

First of all Engellend is a #5 defenceman. He's shown he can move up a pairing if needed and perform well in short stints. Exactly what you want in a #5.

Second, I like this signing and the indications it's going to be open season for at least one spot on our blueline next year. If skating and hitting are his strong suits, then he's got a dimension that Hickey, Andersson, Kylington, Kulak, etc do not have.

[Roof-Daddy]

Isn't skating and physical play exactly Hickey's strong suits?

[killer_carlson]

Originally Posted by Roof-Daddy

Isn't skating and physical play exactly Hickey's strong suits?

I thought Hickey was known for his hockey IQ and reliability.

[Roof-Daddy]

Originally Posted by killer_carlson

I thought Hickey was known for his hockey IQ and reliability.

Maybe those as well, but I'm positive skating is his best attribute, and he's certainly no offensive dynamo, so I would assume physical, defensive play would strong attributes.

[Reggie Dunlop]

Watched the interview with Brad Treliving on Flames TV.

http://www.nhl.com/flames/video/up-c...092/c-50830903

After relinquishing second and third-round picks in the upcoming draft (reportedly a poor one, so it's the equivalent of a third and fourth in a normal draft year), the Healey signing is an attempt to fill out the secondary-level prospect pipeline.

Who knows if Healey pans out, but I can understand Treliving's rationale.

This is a move for future depth. Low-risk/high reward for a potential 5/6 defenseman.

[Canada 02]

^stylistic comparison to Radko Gudas

[Calgary4LIfe]

Originally Posted by Roof-Daddy

Maybe those as well, but I'm positive skating is his best attribute, and he's certainly no offensive dynamo, so I would assume physical, defensive play would strong attributes.

Originally Posted by killer_carlson

I thought Hickey was known for his hockey IQ and reliability.

Skating - Exceptional - not far from Brodie's level, if not at Brodie's level.
Shooting - Eichel claimed he had the best one-timer on the team, and IIRC, the best one timer he has ever seen. Even if the pass is off the mark and Hickey has to reach for it or skate for it, he gets it off.
Passing - Pretty good passer. Not Brodie of course, but he is good with the puck, and he skates himself out of trouble efficiently with the puck.
Hitting/physicality - he loves getting under the skin of opposing players. I would think he is like Doughty in that area. Also, if he catches someone with their head down, he will line them up. He enjoys the physicality.
IQ - was always known for his smarts
Defensive ability - takes pride in it and works hard on it

From what I have seen of him (which is admittedly sporadic since the draft) he is without question the most 'complete' defencemen the Flames have in their prospect system. A guy like Kylington has a much higher offensive ceiling (and is a better skater - but I don't think there is anyone that skates as well as Kylington does organizationally), but Hickey has him beat in every other area. Sure, maybe Wotherspoon is more efficient defensively right now, but Hickey has a much better shot, moves the puck better, and is a much faster and grittier defencemen.

That is Hickey in a nutshell - he is literally good at 'everything'. I don't think he is NHL ready, but he has a high IQ and a willingness to learn. I don't the fans in Stockton should get too attached to Hickey, as I really think he will move up quickly.

As for Josh Healey, great signing. Sieloff didn't work out mostly due to injuries, but he was definitely a prospect that the Flames thought highly of. At the draft, it sounded like Matt Finn was the guy that Button liked, but Button sure did like Sieloff. Sounds like the Flames essentially got a do-over here, and I will keep my fingers crossed for this guy to stay healthy.

Plus, Canadian defencemen are just tougher and better than American defencemen, right?

[GranteedEV]

Originally Posted by Calgary4LIfe

Passing - Pretty good passer. Not Brodie of course, but he is good with the puck, and he skates himself out of trouble efficiently with the puck.

Not sure I agree with this one. I'm not going to pretend I watch BU games all the time but I've watched a few where he gets himself into trouble pretty bad under pressure. I think at present his passing is behind a guy like Wotherspoon and is his biggest weakness.

[Textcritic]

Originally Posted by 1991 Canadian

Man, the Jets seem to have a really tough time getting free agents to go to Winnipeg. That's got to be a bit frustrating for their fans and management.

They should just be happy to have a semblance of an NHL team.

[timbit]

Originally Posted by GranteedEV

Not sure I agree with this one. I'm not going to pretend I watch BU games all the time but I've watched a few where he gets himself into trouble pretty bad under pressure. I think at present his passing is behind a guy like Wotherspoon and is his biggest weakness.

You must have been thrilled by the play of Clayton Keller.

[Gaudfather]

What will also endear Healey to Flames fans, was that notwithstanding growing up in Edmonton and being an Oilers fan as a kid, when asked about this after the signing on the weekend he said "there is only one hockey team in Alberta now - the Flames".

[albertGQ]

Originally Posted by Canada 02

^stylistic comparison to Radko Gudas

who?

[Since1984]

Originally Posted by albertGQ

who?

Healey