Will Matthew Thatchuk play the year with the flames?

[flamesforcup]

Do u think he goes back to junior or stays with the big club?

*Tkachuk

edit: Can a mod please add a poll its not letting me
thank you

[AC]

He'll play at least 9 games.

[TheScorpion]

Dunno about Thatchuk, but I think Tkachuk will play at least 9 games for the Flames. I think he'll stay up after that, too.

[bluck]

Originally Posted by flamesforcup

Do u think he goes back to junior or stays with the big club?

I think he makes the jump. Has all the tools plus we have a need immediately for a player of his calibre. If anything he for sure get's a cup of coffee

[MrMastodonFarm]

It's a waiting game right now, we won't know.

[flamesforcup]

Originally Posted by TheScorpion

Dunno about Thatchuk, but I think Tkachuk will play at least 9 games for the Flames. I think he'll stay up after that, too.

thank u my bad

[hockey.modern]

I don't think so. hopefully we see a Bennett scenario where he plays if his OHL season comes to a wrap and plays in the NHL playoffs.

[Lanny_McDonald]

Lets see how he looks at prospects camp. He's got a bad wheel that has to heal.

[Flames Draft Watcher]

He has a very good chance IMO. Especially if he can improve his quickness over the summer

[Huntingwhale]

Hard to say. I give him 50% odds of playing next season. He either will or he won't.

[Rick M.]

I think he may well play this season. My guess is the Flames will have a skating coach work with him as soon as his ankle is 100%

[dissentowner]

I really hope he comes back to London for another year. He can use the extra year in London to develop and I can get him to sign some Flames memorabilia.

[Jay Random]

Originally Posted by hockey.modern

I don't think so. hopefully we see a Bennett scenario

Where he misses most of the season recovering from surgery? No thanks.

[CedarMeter]

Don't think so, no need to rush him. If he plays his ass off in the first 10 games then who knows. Really happy he's ours though. Didn't think he would fall to 6th. Flames have been lucky picking 6th so far.

[Toonage]

I say he plays. Put him beside Bennett, watch them light it up.

[Money Baer]

He'll go back to London and be the key offensive weapon and leader. Better for his development, IMO. No Marner or Dvorak will put all the pressure on Tkatchuk.

Still can't believe we landed Tkatchuk!!!!

[burnitdown]

I think he makes the team. Gaudreau, Monahan and Bennett all played at the first possible opportunity so our elite prospects generally don't sit long.

[calgaryblood]

Don't think so. He's a little raw and I think a year in junior would be best for his development.

[PepsiFree]

He's got the size and intelligence to do it.
The biggest mark against him is his skating but the exact same thing was said about Monahan.

How'd that work out?

[Cali Panthers Fan]

Not going to say he makes the team for sure, but he has a really good chance. Nobody else on the team has his skill set and size combination. It will depend on if he can handle his defensive assignments, as that's usually the only stumbling block for forwards making the NHL. Do that and he's got a great chance. It will also be interesting to see where they slot him in the lineup, and for that reason as well, he might be sent back to junior if he doesn't fit well.

Gaudreau-Monahan-UFA?
Tkachuk-Bennett-Colborne
Ferland-Backlund-Frolik
Bouma-Stajan-Shinkaruk

Giordano-Brodie
Jokipakka-Hamilton
Engelland-Wideman

Elliott
Ortio (Reimer?)

That's a pretty solid lineup. If no UFA, bump up the RWers and add Bollig.