Agreed...but in hindsight that pick was an absolute steal. I basing my expectations off what we know about him as of today.
- The-O-G

I really hope that they can get him into the line up before the end of the season. Granted then it will be all hype and adrenaline. But will be great to see him in the environment.

I'm not even sure if "expectations" are the right word. There is just so much unknown with him because of his size and how he will be able to handle it, that to say he is "expected" to be the top line winger just may be unrealistic. There is a lot of "hope" when it comes to him, but they will never tell until he gets real time ant the NHL level. I don't even think that the AHL will do anything for him. He isn't going to grow much any more. He needs to play against the best to see if he can handle the best.

Too early to tell and too many of them yet to be proven (or even really given a shot). But it is a definitely a very good starting point to work from.

Realistically it probably won't be exactly that, but the "re-build" is where you find out which of them will develop as hoped. Then a couple years in is where they add in a more veteran top 6 presence through trade or free agency. That is when they go to the next step from building through the draft to spending the money to finish off the team. If Gaudreau, for example, doesn't pan out (which I really hope he is all they hope he can be) then spend on a more veteran left wing to fill that top 6 role. But again they are a couple years from that stage.

It is pretty much the Chicago example. They developed and built, then finished off by spending on Hossa. Pittsburgh and LA did very similar.
- dal_johnson

I think we are going to be just fine on the left side. Between Baertschi, Gaudreau, Klimchuk and any number of C prospects we have that could move over (Granlund) to the LW our top 6 and likely 9, we should be fine.

What we need to stock up on is D and specifically D that will be top pairing, and RW. All the LW are skilled but small aanswering prospects with size to the RW would be of great benefit. Add one more sure fire top 2 C and we should be good to go.

I really hope that they can get him into the line up before the end of the season. Granted then it will be all hype and adrenaline. But will be great to see him in the environment.

I'm not even sure if "expectations" are the right word. There is just so much unknown with him because of his size and how he will be able to handle it, that to say he is "expected" to be the top line winger just may be unrealistic. There is a lot of "hope" when it comes to him, but they will never tell until he gets real time ant the NHL level. I don't even think that the AHL will do anything for him. He isn't going to grow much any more. He needs to play against the best to see if he can handle the best.
- dal_johnson

You're right....expectations probably isn't the word. But I find it really hard to believe he won't at least turn into a solid every day NHL player.

I think we are going to be just fine on the left side. Between Baertschi, Gaudreau, Klimchuk and any number of C prospects we have that could move over (Granlund) to the LW our top 6 and likely 9, we should be fine.

What we need to stock up on is D and specifically D that will be top pairing, and RW. All the LW are skilled but small aanswering prospects with size to the RW would be of great benefit. Add one more sure fire top 2 C and we should be good to go.
- TandA4Flames

And that's where I think they can use Granlund to help facilitate that. He needs to be top 6 to really use his abilities, and top 9 at the worst. As a Center there is too much ahead of him for the top two lines, and there are others better suited (while not as skilled) for the bottom two lines. On the left wing there is too many possibilities there as well. And he doesn't have the size that would be nice to add on the right side. I just don't see where his spot will be in the future.

Use him to get a better return in a trade. Package him with Cammi to get a higher end prospect or a better second first round draft pick.

The guy is skilled and may pan out to be very good, but I just don't see where he fits on the Flames. So make it more of a "hockey" trade in getting another talented prospect back that is positionally a much better fit for the Flames. Get that potential top 6 power forward (Etem, Coyle, Mantha, for example) of a potential top pairing defenceman (which I think will be harder to come across).

You're right....expectations probably isn't the word. But I find it really hard to believe he won't at least turn into a solid every day NHL player.
- The-O-G

There's very good reason to believe that he'll be more than just a solid player...

http://flamesnation.ca/20...w-good-is-johnny-gaudreau

There's very good reason to believe that he'll be more than just a solid player...

http://flamesnation.ca/20...w-good-is-johnny-gaudreau
- jtommyt

And that's the hope part when it comes to him. With him it isn't his skills and abilities, it is all about how he, as a very small player, can handle the size of the players he will be playing against. I understand that at the College level it tends to be bigger opponents as well, but not players with the combination of size, speed, and skill that he will be against in the NHL level.

And, to my knowledge, there isn't a stat that can really forcast that. Only way to find out will be him on the ice.

And that's the hope part when it comes to him. With him it isn't his skills and abilities, it is all about how he, as a very small player, can handle the size of the players he will be playing against. I understand that at the College level it tends to be bigger opponents as well, but not players with the combination of size, speed, and skill that he will be against in the NHL level.

And, to my knowledge, there isn't a stat that can really forcast that. Only way to find out will be him on the ice.
- dal_johnson

Yeah, equivalency ratings can give you an idea of how he'll do but there's really no guarantee...

The thing that gives me hope is that his closest comparable might be Patrick Kane, both in size and in performance at the NCAA level before coming over to play in the NHL. How awesome might that be?

Yeah, equivalency ratings can give you an idea of how he'll do but there's really no guarantee...

The thing that gives me hope is that his closest comparable might be Patrick Kane, both in size and in performance at the NCAA level before coming over to play in the NHL. How awesome might that be?
- jtommyt

I know it won't be the same, but if Gaudreau and Monahan can pan out to the Flames version of Kane and Toews, then I will be extremely happy going forward.

And that's where I think they can use Granlund to help facilitate that. He needs to be top 6 to really use his abilities, and top 9 at the worst. As a Center there is too much ahead of him for the top two lines, and there are others better suited (while not as skilled) for the bottom two lines. On the left wing there is too many possibilities there as well. And he doesn't have the size that would be nice to add on the right side. I just don't see where his spot will be in the future.

Use him to get a better return in a trade. Package him with Cammi to get a higher end prospect or a better second first round draft pick.

The guy is skilled and may pan out to be very good, but I just don't see where he fits on the Flames. So make it more of a "hockey" trade in getting another talented prospect back that is positionally a much better fit for the Flames. Get that potential top 6 power forward (Etem, Coyle, Mantha, for example) of a potential top pairing defenceman (which I think will be harder to come across).
- dal_johnson

I read all your comments and we've been on the same page for the most part. Ive been saying Granlund in a package to MIN to try to acquire Coyle for a while. If they sign Vanek in the off season that many believe, they wont have room for Coyle. Now, if we trade them Cammi and they resign him, they have 1 hell of a top 6.

Yeah, equivalency ratings can give you an idea of how he'll do but there's really no guarantee...

The thing that gives me hope is that his closest comparable might be Patrick Kane, both in size and in performance at the NCAA level before coming over to play in the NHL. How awesome might that be?
- jtommyt

I dont think Kane went to college. Didnt he go straight to the Hawks after being drafted?

I dont think Kane went to college. Didnt he go straight to the Hawks after being drafted?
- TandA4Flames

Played in the O for a year.

I dont think Kane went to college. Didnt he go straight to the Hawks after being drafted?
- TandA4Flames

Sorry, you're right. His equivalency numbers came from the OHL, not NCAA like JG.

Maybe i'm slow to the punch but Ortio is starting tomorrow and so is Granlund. Should be fun to watch!!!

Maybe i'm slow to the punch but Ortio is starting tomorrow and so is Granlund. Should be fun to watch!!!
- The-O-G

Maybe?

Maybe?
- whipper334

You're lucky it isn't friday!!!!

You're lucky it isn't friday!!!!
- The-O-G

I am really sad and now out of my state of denial. We have been past the first round once in 24 years, we have seen assets come and assists go. I have been a fan since 1980 and will always be a fan, but each year becomes harder. I have spent thousands on tickets and merchandise, since 1980 and I would guess well north of 50k. There are bright lights and hope!! ( where have I heard that before)
But I am coming to the conclusion, as ken King puts it, "the business of hockey" the Flames are more interested in profit than success.

Hopefully Cammy is gonzo and we can move on, if he is signed for another 5 years + my suspicions will be confirmed

Flames have become the Laffs of the west....

I am really sad and now out of my state of denial. We have been past the first round once in 24 years, we have seen assets come and assists go. I have been a fan since 1980 and will always be a fan, but each year becomes harder. I have spent thousands on tickets and merchandise, since 1980 and I would guess well north of 50k. There are bright lights and hope!! ( where have I heard that before)
But I am coming to the conclusion, as ken King puts it, "the business of hockey" the Flames are more interested in profit than success.

Hopefully Cammy is gonzo and we can move on, if he is signed for another 5 years + my suspicions will be confirmed

Flames have become the Laffs of the west....
- NEWDOG

A little melodramatic dont you think? Flames seem to be tracking in the right direction although it is early.

I am really sad and now out of my state of denial. We have been past the first round once in 24 years, we have seen assets come and assists go. I have been a fan since 1980 and will always be a fan, but each year becomes harder. I have spent thousands on tickets and merchandise, since 1980 and I would guess well north of 50k. There are bright lights and hope!! ( where have I heard that before)
But I am coming to the conclusion, as ken King puts it, "the business of hockey" the Flames are more interested in profit than success.

Hopefully Cammy is gonzo and we can move on, if he is signed for another 5 years + my suspicions will be confirmed

Flames have become the Laffs of the west....
- NEWDOG

The Laffs of the West are the Oilers and you need to relax. The Flames are moving in right direction. I don't think you've ever had a positive post on here. Like OG said, lucky it's not Friday.

I am really sad and now out of my state of denial. We have been past the first round once in 24 years, we have seen assets come and assists go. I have been a fan since 1980 and will always be a fan, but each year becomes harder. I have spent thousands on tickets and merchandise, since 1980 and I would guess well north of 50k. There are bright lights and hope!! ( where have I heard that before)
But I am coming to the conclusion, as ken King puts it, "the business of hockey" the Flames are more interested in profit than success.

Hopefully Cammy is gonzo and we can move on, if he is signed for another 5 years + my suspicions will be confirmed

Flames have become the Laffs of the west....
- NEWDOG

WAAAAHHH WAHHHHHHH WAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

I also love the: "been past the first round once in 24 years". Ya well they have been to the finals twice in 25 years (with once cup) and 3 times in the past 28 years.....SO GET OVER IT!!!!

Not saying they are a model franchise but don't come in here with garbage stats!

You're right....expectations probably isn't the word. But I find it really hard to believe he won't at least turn into a solid every day NHL player.
- The-O-G

I think at the very least he'll be like a Nathan Gerbe, which in my opinion isnt a bad thing.

There's very good reason to believe that he'll be more than just a solid player...

http://flamesnation.ca/20...w-good-is-johnny-gaudreau
- jtommyt

He'll be the next Linus Omark





'Sup

He'll be the next Linus Omark





'Sup
- Iggysbff

Whatever makes you feel better!

And fck off! Seriously! You're an idiot!

I am really sad and now out of my state of denial. We have been past the first round once in 24 years, we have seen assets come and assists go. I have been a fan since 1980 and will always be a fan, but each year becomes harder. I have spent thousands on tickets and merchandise, since 1980 and I would guess well north of 50k. There are bright lights and hope!! ( where have I heard that before)
But I am coming to the conclusion, as ken King puts it, "the business of hockey" the Flames are more interested in profit than success.

Hopefully Cammy is gonzo and we can move on, if he is signed for another 5 years + my suspicions will be confirmed

Flames have become the Laffs of the west....
- NEWDOG

with all the kesler rumours, i think the canucks are letting the flames quietly rebuild and show that hard work pays off, not lottery picks.

What do you guys think about this trade?

LA
RW - Valentin Zykov
2014 - 3rd round pick (Edmonton's pick)
2015 - 2nd round pick (Toronto's pick) (Conditional if Cammalleri signs back in LA in the offseason)

FOR

CAL
LW - M. Cammalleri