It would be stupid if the Flames let Gaudreau turn pro next year. He is a guy that MUST not be rushed. Give him the full 4 years, let him bulk up. He shouldnt be in the NHL if his weight is not at least 170-175. The dude is 150 ish pounds. It doesnt matter how talented he is he will get man handled by NHL defenceman at that weight.
Gaudreau has a good shot at being an NHL player, but impatience will only hinder his chances.
Although I don't necessarily agree that he needs the full four years, I do agree that he should probably be around 170 before he goes pro. I know he's small, but it is possible that he could put on 10 lbs between now and the start of next season, which would bring him pretty close. He could certainly hit 170 quickly enough to make the transition prior to his senior year.
For anyone who has watched him, how is Markus Granlund doing?
I've seen some games.
Struggled early a bit put has improved since. SH% is bad so some may be just bad luck. Whole team has bee struggling, fans are already talking about next season..
And now he would have to carry the team more, big brother did that job last year.
I know backlund isn't really a prospect anymore but he has 24 points in 14 games in Allsvenskan. He is 2nd in points and first in points per game ahead of Read, Hagelin, Berglund, Kopitar, Johansson etc.
I know backlund isn't really a prospect anymore but he has 24 points in 14 games in Allsvenskan. He is 2nd in points and first in points per game ahead of Read, Hagelin, Berglund, Kopitar, Johansson etc.
Yep, it's pretty awesome. Caveats abound in terms of the context of those points (e.g. Read is outpacing both Berglund and Kopitar as well, despite being a clearly inferior player), but he's showing the offensive spark that a lot of people were concerned about. And it's a treat to see as a Backlund fanboy.
In no way do I want there to be a lockout for the entire season, but Backlund is another guy that can really benefit from it. If he can be counted on as one of the top guys on his team and put up consistent numbers all year, that should do great things for his confidence when the NHL returns.
In no way do I want there to be a lockout for the entire season, but Backlund is another guy that can really benefit from it. If he can be counted on as one of the top guys on his team and put up consistent numbers all year, that should do great things for his confidence when the NHL returns.
Hopefully, if we miss the whole season, next year is REALLY gonna be make or break for him.
In no way do I want there to be a lockout for the entire season, but Backlund is another guy that can really benefit from it. If he can be counted on as one of the top guys on his team and put up consistent numbers all year, that should do great things for his confidence when the NHL returns.
I hope he gains lots of confidence, plus if the lockout holds all year and we use the same formula as last lockout he have a great shot at a top 5 pick.
If they walk, hell if one of them walks just blow er' up. No point in holding onto false hope, we aren't making the playoffs without both of them.
There really isn't much to blow up if they both leave (I doubt they will).
Yeah, we might trade players like Cammalleri, Bouwmeester, Giordano, etc. They'd all bring us good returns, but nothing completely earth-shattering. I also think a number of them would just want to stay in Calgary, like Glencross. I do think veteran support is a key component of developing younger players.
I don't think Iginla will leave, but management has to get an idea of what he plans to do.
