How do you rank our top 4 forwards?

[Flames Draft Watcher]

Originally Posted by SebC

Tkachuk is the kind of player who would make me nervous on an expensive deal. He doesn't have shot-creating moves the way Gaudreau does, but he produces as if he does. He seems to overachieve for his skill level, and even for his quality of linemates. That's a good thing, but the sort of good thing that needs a huge sample size before you trust it.

Interesting take. We have a pretty huge sample size now as Tkachuk has been an elite producer playing his style since age 16 or so. I would argue he does not overachieve for his skill level. The thing is he’s not a finesse forward but that does not mean he’s not one of our most skilled players. Part of his skill package is how he protects the puck, how he drives the net, how he screens the goalies. Skill doesn’t just mean the type of skills Gaudreau has or Huselius had. Skilled power forwards like Tkachuk and Gary Roberts have different types of skills that are as valuable as finesse forwards. Tkachuk is easily one of our most skilled forwards. Right up there with Gaudreau in vision and playmaking, better shot than Gaudreau, much better puck protection, board play, physical play, consistency, agitation. Gaudreau is more elusive but overall I think Tkachuk brings a wider skill set than Gaudreau. I’d say he’s quickly becoming our best and most important forward.

I don’t think there’s any reason to be worried about locking up Tkachuk long term. Your sample size concern is misplaced and I think you underrate his skill level if you think he’s overachieving.

[Buff]

I'm sure the ranking would change from week to week so I'll just blend it in:

1/2. Gauchuck
3/4. Lindolmahan

[Mass_nerder]

I'm going to echo several others

Gaudreau
Tkachuk
Lindholm
Monahan

[ST20]

Originally Posted by flamesforcup

A small cold streak from Gaudreau doesn't change his resume. It's weird how little respect he gets from our own fans. I love Tkachuk but i think its pretty easily Johnny and no way Tkachuk finishes with more points than him.

It's because Tkachuk plays a more North American/Canadian game that the Canadian media loves. Although Tkachuk and Toews are not the same it is the same reason Patrick Kane gets undervalued in Chicago. There's a good old "Canadian/American" boy value tacked onto their game while players that are seen only as "skilled" get the European flashy player treatment.

[Bourque's Twin]

Lindholm has become what we all wanted Bennett to become, which is a core player who is versatile and can put up 60+ points.

Imagine if Bennett can find his scoring touch with Tkachuk and Backs.

[dammage79]

Originally Posted by Bourque's Twin

Lindholm has become what we all wanted Bennett to become, which is a core player who is versatile and can put up 60+ points.

Imagine if Bennett can find his scoring touch with Tkachuk and Backs.

It's coming, the game is slowing down for him. Only a matter of time. Just need the coaches to not rock the boat.

[PaperBagger'14]

Tkachuk
Gaudreau
Monahan
Lindholm

I wanna give a huge shout out to Lindholm, hes almost half way to his best scoring season (21 points currently, career high 45 points in 72 games).

[Plaedo]

Built for playoffs:
1. Tkachuk
2. Lindholm
3. Monahan
4. Gaudreau

[squiggs96]

I use the GRIT index or CF%. Oddly, they yield the same results.


1. Prout
2. Tkachuk
3. Backlund
4. Hamonic

[Huntingwhale]

4. Good
3. Better
2. Awesome
1. Best

[Enoch Root]

Very highly

[jessnuts]

I think they were reading this today...competition is on for the rankings lol

[LWcrowfoot]

Originally Posted by SebC

Tkachuk is the kind of player who would make me nervous on an expensive deal. He doesn't have shot-creating moves the way Gaudreau does, but he produces as if he does. He seems to overachieve for his skill level, and even for his quality of linemates. That's a good thing, but the sort of good thing that needs a huge sample size before you trust it.

Tkachuk has produced high at every level .You're just underestimating his skill level.

[Iggy Snipe]

1) Johnny is by far the top guy. He creates an insane amount of offence, and is more skilled than 99 percent of the NHL. Guys are afraid to play him too aggressive, because he can stop/turn on a dime, and make something out of nothing. You take Johnny away from this team, and Calgary is not a playoff team. The only thing preventing Johnny from being in the top 5 in the NHL is his shot.

2) Tkachuk goes to all the dirty areas. Tips pucks, draws penalties, and has good play making ability. The only reason why he isn't, and won't be the best player on his team, is because he skating. He lacks top end speed, and quickness.

3) Monahan is playing his best hockey of his career. Has the best shot on the team, and plays at both ends of the ice. Unfortunately he doesn't play with an edge, or this guy would be one of the best centres in the game.

4) Lindholm has been the best addition to this team in years via trade. The guy has been a HUGE addition to the top line, and is thriving from playing with top players. He brings a ton of speed, grit, and finishing ability to this team, and has high end play making ability as well. He plays at both ends of the ice, which allows the top line to get out of there zone easier than they have ever before.

[GioforPM]

The thing is that the four guys bring such different qualities to the table that you can't really compare them well.

[Duffalufagus]

Originally Posted by Love

1) Gaudreau
2) Tkachuk
3) Lindholm
4) Bennett

So the guy who can't throw a beach ball in the ocean is better than the the guy who scores 30+ every year for us? okie dokie.

[SeanCharles]

Originally Posted by Love

1) Gaudreau
2) Tkachuk
3) Lindholm
4) Bennett

1) Gaudreau
2) Tkachuk
3/4) Lindholm
3/4) Monahan
5) Backlund
6) Bennett

[Jay Random]

Originally Posted by GioforPM

The thing is that the four guys bring such different qualities to the table that you can't really compare them well.

Very true.

Monahan makes the girls scream, but frankly, Tkachuk is a better drummer.

[Dan403]

I don't rank them. I'm just happy we have them.

Its been a long time since we had this many good young forwards.

[GioforPM]

Originally Posted by Jay Random

Very true.

Monahan makes the girls scream, but frankly, Tkachuk is a better drummer.

Matt = John ("the smart one", gritty, not afraid of controversy)
Monahan = Paul ("the cute one", good hair, makes the chicks swoon, hits the nigh notes)
Johnny = George ("the quiet one", really good technique with his instrument, sought out for supergroups)
Elias = Ringo ("the funny one", holds everything together, destined to marry a Bond Girl).