Calgarypuck Prospect Ranking 2016 - Round 7

[Lanny_McDonald]

Originally Posted by _Q_

Shinkaruk didn't look out of place in those 8 games. Poirier, on the other hand has looked atrocious in the NHL and has taken a huge step back last year. Klimchuck, while I understand that maybe he needs more time, it's also very rare for a player to make the jump to the NHL after spending so many years being a mediocre AHLer. It happens, but odds are stacked against him. Wotherspoon has looked OK in the NHL, which is fine for a defenceman I suppose. He might be the the best of the three.

Shinkaruk looked okay, in the offensive zone. He was lost defensively and he displayed little defensive awareness. He appeared as he was projected, an offense first guy. That isn't the way the Flames have played the game. Unless you are a major scorer, they want good two way players. Shink has some work to do and I would not be surprised if he ends up in Stockton.

[Flames Draft Watcher]

Originally Posted by Cali Panthers Fan

I agree, but how would you compare bottom pairing defensemen to top 6 wingers? Does Engelland have as much value as a winger like Shinkaruk who can put the puck in the net? Or a winger like Poirier who has a potentially excellent 2-way game?

To me, Wotherspoon is a solid 3rd pairing/depth defenseman, but he won't be a game changer.

Guys like Shinkaruk, Poirier, and Mangiapane have offensive potential that can be much more valuable to a team than Wotherspoon's contributions could be.

And I still like Wotherspoon, I just don't think he's better than some of the forward prospects we have.

Yeah I totally get that point of view. Shinkaruk showed some potential and looks like he may overcome his size to be an NHLer. Poirier it's hard to be super high on at the moment. Mangiapane hasn't proven anything in pro yet.

But to me Kulak and Wotherspoon are safer bets than the forwards to make it and play the more valuable position

[MrMastodonFarm]

I actually thought Poirier looked better than Shinkaruk when both were on the team during their short stints last year. Porier used his skating well to be in good positioning defensively and was hard on the back check. Hoping he can rebound offensively this season.

[TheScorpion]

I have Pribyl again.

[GranteedEV]

Voted Kulak. I think people are understating his upside - I think there's a middle pair two-way D there - and equally understating his likelyhood to get there. He has every tool you could ask for even if there's nothing elite - He's a strong breakout passer (better than Hickey), strong skater(Better than Andersson or Wotherspoon), his reads get better-and-better at an impressive pace, his defensive gap control is steady as she goes, and I feel his work ethic is up there with the best. About the only weaknesses in his game are a lack of offensive creativity and some poorly-timed penalties he can take.

[Roof-Daddy]

Originally Posted by GranteedEV

Voted Kulak. I think people are undersrating his upside - I think there's a middle pair two-way D there - and equally understating his likelyhood to get there. He has every tool you could ask for even if there's nothing elite - He's a strong breakout passer (better than Hickey), strong skater(Better than Andersson or Wotherspoon), his reads get better-and-better at an impressive pace, his defensive gap control is steady as she goes, and I feel his work ethic is up there.

I'm a big fan of both Kulak and Culkin.

Both have above average skating, decent size, good brains and can move the puck. They fit the mold of today's prototypical NHL Dman. Mobile, puck movers who can think the game well.

I'm hoping Culkin can stay healthy and bounce back. Feel bad for the kid as he got his pro career off to a great start and was way ahead of Kulak out of the gate, but two fluke injuries really set him back.

[savardandjokinen]

Shinkaruk, then Poirier

[jaikorven]

I get the relation between Shinkaruk and Poirier, but didn't see the grittiness with Porier others saw last year. I think Shinkaruk has developed a bit more at this time.

[Canada 02]

Quickly counted 3 first rounders and 5 second rounders still on the list

Frankly, only need 1 or 2 of these guys to make it if the top of the list mostly succeeds

[puckedoff]

Can't beleive the love for Shinkaruk, I mean the guy came from the Canucks. Yuck.

[jaikorven]

Originally Posted by puckedoff

Can't beleive the love for Shinkaruk, I mean the guy came from the Canucks. Yuck.

He didn't play much for the Canucks though, so it should just be a need for a quick rinse and all will be good.

[Calgary4LIfe]

I couldn't care less where he came from. If it was Brock Boeser that we traded for, I would be singing his praises on this board.

[jayswin]

Originally Posted by puckedoff

Can't beleive the love for Shinkaruk, I mean the guy came from the Canucks. Yuck.

This type of thinking is so ridiculous in a discussion trying to accurately rank the prospects.

[trublmaker]

Originally Posted by puckedoff

Can't beleive the love for Shinkaruk, I mean the guy came from the Canucks. Yuck.

He plays for the flames now so there's that

[Super-Rye]

Went with Shinkaruk. Really liked what I saw from him towards the end of last season and completely expect him to take a run at one of the open winger spots at training camp.

[buyakasha]

Surprised Kulak hasn't gotten more attention. Did he not have a good season last year?

[bigrangy]

Originally Posted by buyakasha

Surprised Kulak hasn't gotten more attention. Did he not have a good season last year?

For how good he was in the NHL for those first few games I think people were expecting more out of him when he went to the AHL. I think he'll be the 1st call up or else maybe the 6D, depending if they think Wotherspoon is ready. If Spoon isn't ready by the end of training camp he probably gets traded.

[GranteedEV]

Originally Posted by bigrangy

For how good he was in the NHL for those first few games I think people were expecting more out of him when he went to the AHL.

Here's a quote from Brandon Kisker, the farm team's PBP guy and also their media guy, from this article. IOW someone who watched every single Stockton Heat game.

...when [Kulak] was returned to Stockton he had a bit of a lull in his game and it took him a while to get his groove back, but when he did, he was easily one of the top defenders. I loved seeing him pair with Aaron Johnson. Johnny is a terrific defenseman and leader, and I think his poise and decision making really rubbed off on Brett. Sure you get a few mistakes here and there that cost your team, but among all of Calgary’s top defensive prospects, you could consistently see, and say, that Brett was playing the best of them all.

That’s clearly evidenced by the big time that Kulak ate up during the second portion of the season. Even with Tyler Wotherspoon (whom I don’t recall playing an awful lot with Brett this season), Kulak’s helmet was consistently the one tapped by Coach Ryan Huska and Assistant Coach Todd Gill to go out and defend during key defensive situations.

One thing I can tell you about Brett that’s impressive is his focus. From the first interview I ever had with him to the last, you can just tell he’s focused on being a top NHL’er. He seems more interested in being the best he can be on the ice more so than maybe any other guy in that locker room.

[Lanny_McDonald]

Kulak definitely deserves some love. I could see him stepping in and taking Wideman spot on the blue line. But then again, I think I skating monkey with a spastic bowel could make less the mess out there and Dennis Wideman. So maybe that isn't much of a complement.

[Robbob]

Went Poirier. He has the tools to be a very effective NHLer. Make or break year for him. I do agree he is being passed by other prospects, but not enough to drop out of the top ten...yet.