Colin Dambrauskas: Johnny Gaudreau Playing Big - Wants to Join Flames

Colin Dambrauskas: Johnny Gaudreau Playing Big - Wants to Join Flames
- Colin Dambrauskas

So... what's your handicap???

(just to keep the golf chat alive )

So... what's your handicap???

(just to keep the golf chat alive )
- lumlums

lol - currently couldnt tell you as I havnt golfed enough in the last couple of seasons to actually record it. But like I said, Im shooting in the mid to high 80's right now...and thats going out 4-5 times a season. Once things settle down I should be able to get out more often and record my handicap again...for now, I dont even have time to work things out on the range

Johnny's size is a part of the equation, but I don't think that's the big reason he is going back. I'm sure he feels like he can challenge for an NHL spot right now but the biggest thing keeping him at Boston College is his brother.

Born 16 months apart, Calgary Flames prospect Johnny Gaudreau and his little brother Matt are tight.

"Everywhere we've been together, we've just been so close," Gaudreau said after Monday's development camp scrimmage at WinSport.

"We shared rooms growing up until we were 17 years old, our Dad coached both of our hockey teams, back-to-back games every weekend -- his game and then my game."

Over the years, Gaudreau said they even picked their schools together.

"The reason why we picked Boston College is they wanted us both and that was really special for us," said Calgary's fourth round draft pick in the 2011 draft.

They have had this planned for years, they want a chance to play together so I'm sure this is the biggest reason he wants to play another year in BC.

[quote=kickazzflames]

Though I see your point, and Im sure it helped him make his decision, I truly think hes just a litle on the scared side to join the NHL right now. Its a big step and given the average size of NHL defenders, Id be pooping bricks if I were 5'8 and 158lbs skating up to one of them.

Though I see your point, and Im sure it helped him make his decision, I truly think hes just a litle on the scared side to join the NHL right now. Its a big step and given the average size of NHL defenders, Id be pooping bricks if I were 5'8 and 158lbs skating up to one of them.
- Colin Dambrauskas

I just hope he's not blowing us off to pull the ol' Justin Schultz. The organization should be promising the world to this kid. I watched the scrimmage yesterday and he is damn good. He's gonna be electric in the NHL, the puck just follows him around the ice.

Though I see your point, and Im sure it helped him make his decision, I truly think hes just a litle on the scared side to join the NHL right now. Its a big step and given the average size of NHL defenders, Id be pooping bricks if I were 5'8 and 158lbs skating up to one of them.
- Colin Dambrauskas

He did play against some big boys in the World Juniors on the Canadian team, and at the time was 5'7 and 143 lbs. Just the way he plays is extremely evasive and try's to goat defense into a position where he can make a move.

Also, he did play against kanzig (who is a monster for a 17/18 year old?) and a bunch guys looking to destroy people in camp. He has a very good head on his shoulders for a short guy. He did get pushed around easily when he tried to move around in the slot so I'm sure this is the area he is talking about when he wants to get stronger.

I just see the Brother thing as his big tipping point. Originally Boston College told him they would bring in him and his brother so that he would choose BC. So I am sure he has been waiting 3-4 years for his chance to play with him and is willing to take a year and bulk up instead of going straight to the NHL.

If he had no siblings or such a strong relationship with his brother, I am sure he would try everything he could to make the NHL this season as he doesn't have much else to prove at BC.

Colin Dambrauskas: Johnny Gaudreau Playing Big - Wants to Join Flames
- Colin Dambrauskas

Nice write up. I heard Harrison (i think thats his name) had a good camp as well.

He did play against some big boys in the World Juniors on the Canadian team, and at the time was 5'7 and 143 lbs. Just the way he plays is extremely evasive and try's to goat defense into a position where he can make a move.

Also, he did play against kanzig (who is a monster for a 17/18 year old?) and a bunch guys looking to destroy people in camp. He has a very good head on his shoulders for a short guy. He did get pushed around easily when he tried to move around in the slot so I'm sure this is the area he is talking about when he wants to get stronger.

I just see the Brother thing as his big tipping point. Originally Boston College told him they would bring in him and his brother so that he would choose BC. So I am sure he has been waiting 3-4 years for his chance to play with him and is willing to take a year and bulk up instead of going straight to the NHL.

If he had no siblings or such a strong relationship with his brother, I am sure he would try everything he could to make the NHL this season as he doesn't have much else to prove at BC.
- kickazzflames

It's probably a combination of a lot of things which includes gaining size/strength and playing with his brother.

At least he is used to playing with bigger/stronger/faster competition already. NCAA is quite a jump in terms of size and strength compared to the CHL. Should be a much easier transition for him. Johnny would shred like CHL, wouldn't even be funny.

I just hope he's not blowing us off to pull the ol' Justin Schultz. The organization should be promising the world to this kid. I watched the scrimmage yesterday and he is damn good. He's gonna be electric in the NHL, the puck just follows him around the ice.
- The-O-G

“I understand (the apprehension),” says Gaudreau. “Like the Schultz thing. That was a big deal. Some players do it.

“I’m strictly going back to school to improve my game, not to wait out the years to try and sign with someone else.”

Future, Gaudreau said "Hopefully they want me next year at the end of the year and hopefully I can come in and make an impact for them."

“I’m just trying to get my education right now and I just want to keep playing hockey and hopefully I’ll get a chance to play for the Flames someday.”

These make me feel like he isn't pulling a Schultz on us.

Nice write up. I heard Harrison (i think thats his name) had a good camp as well.
- whipper334

Harrison really impressed me. Not sure about the skill level, but he has good size and is a real good skater. He went to the front of the net at will.

As far as Johnny goes, On the ice he didn't really look too small, but I stood next to him off it and you would have thought he was the stick boy. Kid looks like he is in bantam, but man can he play once he is on the ice.

FHFF at Eau Claire today Calgary 2-6

come play some hockey and make a donation to the food bank.

He did play against some big boys in the World Juniors on the Canadian team, and at the time was 5'7 and 143 lbs. Just the way he plays is extremely evasive and try's to goat defense into a position where he can make a move.

Also, he did play against kanzig (who is a monster for a 17/18 year old?) and a bunch guys looking to destroy people in camp. He has a very good head on his shoulders for a short guy. He did get pushed around easily when he tried to move around in the slot so I'm sure this is the area he is talking about when he wants to get stronger.

I just see the Brother thing as his big tipping point. Originally Boston College told him they would bring in him and his brother so that he would choose BC. So I am sure he has been waiting 3-4 years for his chance to play with him and is willing to take a year and bulk up instead of going straight to the NHL.

If he had no siblings or such a strong relationship with his brother, I am sure he would try everything he could to make the NHL this season as he doesn't have much else to prove at BC.
- kickazzflames

It's a rookie camp. No one is going to be detroying anyone there.

Maybe they should invite little bro to prospect camp next year.

I just hope he's not blowing us off to pull the ol' Justin Schultz. The organization should be promising the world to this kid. I watched the scrimmage yesterday and he is damn good. He's gonna be electric in the NHL, the puck just follows him around the ice.
- The-O-G

Well is he signed? of so then you dont have to worry.

FHFF at Eau Claire today Calgary 2-6

come play some hockey and make a donation to the food bank.
- IanEsplen

Wish I could make it but stuck in the office today!



Have fun!

Well is he signed? of so then you dont have to worry.
- FiretheGM

It's a rookie camp. No one is going to be detroying anyone there.
- IanEsplen

Precisely, wait until the exhibition games and tourneys to set in for that kind of stuff

FHFF at Eau Claire today Calgary 2-6

come play some hockey and make a donation to the food bank.
- IanEsplen

I'll be there...I'll be the guy that walks up to you and punches you in the throat....

I'll be there...I'll be the guy that walks up to you and punches you in the throat....
- Iggysbff

likely sitting this one out

How is that Jankowski working out?

How is that Jankowski working out?
- benny948

James Martin was the guy that really stood out to me. Good skater, calm and he mixed it up about as much as you can in a scrimage.

How is that Jankowski working out?
- benny948

TROLOLOLOLOL

(not sure if you are trolling or not)

He looks decent though, developing slowly, just as everyone anticipated.

I think he will be a changed player come next summer

It's a rookie camp. No one is going to be detroying anyone there.
- IanEsplen

Tell that to Harrison who rocked Sven, who then proceeded to crosscheck Tim's face.

Or Ramage who went for a monster check and if Poirier didn't have his head up could have been obliterated.

Guys where finishing their checks in both scrimmages. After the Sven hit, it almost seemed like Sven got hurt. Thank god it doesn't sound like it.

FHFF at Eau Claire today Calgary 2-6

come play some hockey and make a donation to the food bank.
- IanEsplen

Also if this was on the weekend I'd be able to stop by. Sounds fun.