Taking an in-depth look at every prospect in the Flames' system

[TheScorpion]

Yo. The Heat are on a week-long break so I decided to spend a few days putting together a little under 10,000 words talking about every prospect in the Flames' system.

https://theheatbeat.substack.com/p/t...spect-rankings

I've had the chance to get a really good read on somewhere between half and two-thirds of the Flames' prospect pool this season with multiple viewings (in the case of the Heat players, I've seen every single game these guys have played). For the players I haven't seen, I dug into their comparables in various leagues and used statistics from a really good resource called Pick224 to nail down their relative value and trajectory.

In all, I had a lot of fun putting this together and I figured some of you guys might find it interesting. Let me know what you think and, if you like it, feel free to subscribe to the newsletter. I'm putting new issues out on a bi-weekly basis.

[Poe969]

Keep up the good work scorp! I really look forward to thr things you put up for us all to read. We're all lucky to have you as part of CP, you're one of the good ones.

[FlamesAddiction]

Yeah, really great job. That's a lot of work.

Curious about Chechelev being unsigned. Is that normal this time of year for Russian players? Any chance the Flames bring him over?

[CF84]

You're awesome Mike!!! I have to say that I've enjoyed reading your work far more than my subscription to the Athletic this year. Seriously, great work!

[dammage79]

Excellent write up Scorp. I take a look every now and again at your write ups and this one's the best yet. Keep up the good work.

[Off the Wall]

I love your work on Flamesnation and am really pleased you’re covering the Heat this season! This was a great piece.
One question. Jake Boltman, why?

[TheScorpion]

I'm not sure what the rationale for the Boltmann pick was. He shoots right and he's relatively mobile so I guess they're just hoping his offense arrives at some point... but he was kind of a net-negative player as a freshman in Notre Dame who didn't really move the needle positively in any direction.

Like I said when I was talking about Kuznetsov, it's really tough to be a teenage defenseman in the NCAA. I think he could make the NHL at some point but he'll need to take some steps.

[DoubleK]

Good story, scorp. Still can't believe how few righties are in the system. That's a problem.

[TheScorpion]

Yeah, it's a little strange. I profiled 30 skaters and, of them, only these guys shoot right:

Yelesin
Tuulola
Boltmann
Philp (15)
Nodler (14)
Zavgorodniy (12)
Francis (8)
Kinnvall (6)
Phillips (4)

[Heavy Jack]

Yep we need to start prioritizing righties especially on D but man am I ever excited about Kinnvall! Great write up Scorp you’re killing it bro!

[Jiri Hrdina]

Originally Posted by DoubleK

Good story, scorp. Still can't believe how few righties are in the system. That's a problem.

League wide only 38% of the players are righties.
And I think I recall reading that it's even more dramatic with players entering the league.

Though I have no idea why.

[dino7c]

Originally Posted by Jiri Hrdina

League wide only 38% of the players are righties.
And I think I recall reading that it's even more dramatic with players entering the league.

Though I have no idea why.

I was just going to post this...in minor hockey it's like 20% from my experience. Righties are dying out!

[Flamesfan05]

Description for Ruzicka- Phillips combo


Player 1)6’4” and boasts a high-end shot to complement his long reach. Biggest issue is his skating. He’s got a long stride but he doesn’t set the pace on his line and he sometimes has issues with finding separation on breakouts
Player 2)Small but most skilled player. He’s fast, has quick hands, and can make passes nobody else on the Heat could pull off


Does this sound familiar to any of you? lol

[timbit]

Originally Posted by Jiri Hrdina

League wide only 38% of the players are righties.
And I think I recall reading that it's even more dramatic with players entering the league.

Though I have no idea why.

If you are right handed (write and throw right handed ) , your dominant or strongest hand is your right hand.
The hand on the top (knob)of your stick is your STRENGTH or POWER hand.
Vice - versa for left hand dominant people.

There are exceptions...but in general that is consistent. Hence, more left handed shooters.

[Scroopy Noopers]

Originally Posted by timbit

If you are right handed (write and throw right handed ) , your dominant or strongest hand is your right hand.
The hand on the top (knob)of your stick is your STRENGTH or POWER hand.
Vice - versa for left hand dominant people.

There are exceptions...but in general that is consistent. Hence, more left handed shooters.

It’s funny though, because as a righty I couldn’t disagree more. It’s even more odd that I am a big proponent of wheeling with the puck one handed on the backhand. So my left hand actually is way more active in a game...

My left hand is completely useless being the lower hand on a hockey stick. And I played goal and caught left, tried to actually be able to shoot left my whole life. It really hindered me. I even tried the old CUJO backhand so I could hold the stick righty. After 30 years the best I can do is softly sauce a puck into the net with a leftie (player stick) with no accuracy.

The body is weird.

[TheScorpion]

I'm one of those exceptions. Shoot right, write right. I always feel like having my dominant hand closer to the blade gives me more freedom over how I move the puck/ball. Gives me more control over very fine movements. My shot might be a little less powerful but all my motion feels more fluid.

Oddly enough, I kick with my left foot in soccer.

[timbit]

Originally Posted by Scroopy Noopers

It’s funny though, because as a righty I couldn’t disagree more.

My left hand is completely useless being the lower hand on a hockey stick. And I played goal and caught left, tried to actually be able to shoot left my whole life. It really hindered me. I even tried the old CUJO backhand so I could hold the stick righty. After 30 years the best I can do is softly sauce a puck into the net with a leftie (player stick) with no accuracy.

You would be an exception.

[Scroopy Noopers]

Originally Posted by timbit

You would be an exception.

No I know. I’m just saying the whole thing is strange, because what you wrote makes sense.

Don’t get me started on people who golf one way and play hockey the other... wtf is that about?

And I’ve highjacked Scorps thread with nonsense. Sorry, thanks for all the great content!

[timbit]

Originally Posted by TheScorpion

I'm one of those exceptions. Shoot right, write right. I always feel like having my dominant hand closer to the blade gives me more freedom over how I move the puck/ball. Gives me more control over very fine movements. My shot might be a little less powerful but all my motion feels more fluid.

Oddly enough, I kick with my left foot in soccer.

I am ambidextrous but have dominant hands and feet. Throw right, write left, shoot right , kick left. Can manage with the opposite hands and feet adequately in each of these skills.

[timbit]

Originally Posted by TheScorpion

I'm one of those exceptions. Shoot right, write right. I always feel like having my dominant hand closer to the blade gives me more freedom over how I move the puck/ball. Gives me more control over very fine movements. My shot might be a little less powerful but all my motion feels more fluid.

Oddly enough, I kick with my left foot in soccer.

Your dominant or power hand should , usually , be at the top of your stick.