Adam Ruzicka: ‘I’m ready’

[1Nite]

Have seen him in one junior game and one AHL game, not flashy not a player I noticed much, in some ways that sounds sort of Monahan like, good at face offs, a big body buy not really physical, he did produce at junior level. Cross your fingers and hope he can further develop, some potential seems to be there, and his size, saw a interview with him, talked quite well and said the right things.

[Moneyhands23]

Originally Posted by Monahammer

I've liked this kid since was drafted. I still think hes got potential to develop into a middle 6 centre in the NHL.

I think he ends up being a good 3rd line centre for 4 or 5 years. Probably having one excellent season that makes us all love him.
His size and ability could really add something to a competing team.

I sure hope he gets there

[Pointman]

I have never seen him play, but descriptions of him make him sound a bit like David Moss. Is he something like that?

[Reggie Dunlop]

I like the kid's potential. From the Heat broadcasts I listened to, it seems that he got better as the season went on. Good size with the rest of his game rounding into form.

[Caged Great]

His problem was not the skill level but rather the consistency. He is one of those players if he makes it, will show the odd flash of brilliance while being solid otherwise. Just needs to be more consistent overall. He did make a few strides in that general direction this season. Don't see him being more than a third line guy if he makes it. David Moss would be an adequate description generally for what you would expect.

[Reggie Dunlop]

Originally Posted by Caged Great

His problem was not the skill level but rather the consistency. He is one of those players if he makes it, will show the odd flash of brilliance while being solid otherwise. Just needs to be more consistent overall. He did make a few strides in that general direction this season. Don't see him being more than a third line guy if he makes it. David Moss would be an adequate description generally for what you would expect.

Moss got 500 games in The Show. That's a solid career.

[Sandman]

I would say that Moss was more of a one-dimensional winger, while Ruzicka has more playmaking ability,and can play C. Ruzicka is a very smooth, well balanced skater with ok top end speed, but he still needs to work on his quickness (a problem that many 6'4"players have).Moss didn't look as good skating, but he had pretty good speed.

[Jetfire]

Originally Posted by Reggie Dunlop

Moss got 500 games in The Show. That's a solid career.

Yeah, 500 games, decent everyday NHLer at his best and a 20 goal scorer once, you take that any day from a 7th round pick.

[FlamesLitSquad]

Originally Posted by Monahammer

I have always thought he has plenty of Johan Franzen-like qualities to him.

The article actually states a comparable to Val Nichushkin - not sure if they were referring to the current Av's version or when he was drafted by the stars - either way a very serviceable middle six player.

[cannon7]

Originally Posted by Sandman

I would say that Moss was more of a one-dimensional winger, while Ruzicka has more playmaking ability,and can play C. Ruzicka is a very smooth, well balanced skater with ok top end speed, but he still needs to work on his quickness (a problem that many 6'4"players have).Moss didn't look as good skating, but he had pretty good speed.

Yes, his foot speed still needs work. Still gets caught a half/full step behind too often and has to play catch up. This can be improved, though. Only reason this doesn't hurt him more is his hockey sense is rather good.

Also doesn't use his frame as effectively as he could. Don't think he's suddenly going to develop a checking game, but could use his body more, especially defensively. Offensively, he looks like a power forward at times when he uses his frame to force a zone entry.

Basically your prototypical big bodied Slovak.

[ricardodw]

He has a huge opportunity to be a Flame sooner than later. All things being even the Flames need a large body forward to be on the roster and play some minutes.

The Flames already have more important small guys than basically any other team in the league: Gaudreau, Magniapane, Ryan Even the gritty forward, Dube is undersized for his role as is Rinaldo,

On the next level of small guys the Flames have Rieder, Phillips, Pelltier and for another month or so Czarnik

With Bennett and especially Jankowski not meeting expectations there is clearly a spot for a large body with the skills and especially work ethic to maintain defense position against other teams better players.

You don't want to have a panic situation when your bottom lines get caught on an icing.

[Reggie Dunlop]

He's pretty close now...

[TheScorpion]

He is... although I would say Phillips definitely drives the bus on that line. Ruzicka is very good at finding open space, though.

[GioforPM]

The big tests will be if he can hang with NHL speed and if he can develop NHL defensive awareness. Those are the things I usually see block promising guys.

[JurassicTunga12]

Originally Posted by TheScorpion

He is... although I would say Phillips definitely drives the bus on that line. Ruzicka is very good at finding open space, though.

All I can think is... Gaudreau-Monahan 2.0.
I'm no expert though.

[timbit]

It’s a huge jump from the AHL to the NHL.

[Roof-Daddy]

Originally Posted by timbit

It’s a huge jump from the AHL to the NHL.

Yeah, it's like 14 letters.

[GioforPM]

Originally Posted by timbit

It’s a huge jump from the AHL to the NHL.

Almost every Calgary prospect that’s made the jump has decent to really good speed - Mangiapane, Dube, Byron, Brodie, etc. That’s my biggest concern with Ruzicka, but we’ll never know until it’s tried.

[Mindtravellee]

Is it worth bringing them up together and putting an experienced person in the remaining slot?

I have wondered if Lucic would be great in this role as he seems to enjoy playing with young kids (Dube).

[The Cobra]

[MOD EDIT] Nope.