The Calgary Flames have decisions to make on a couple of their prospects.
Forwards D'Artagnan Joly and Zach Fischer, both 2017 draft picks, are unsigned. If that doesn't change prior to Saturday's 5 p.m. (ET) deadline, the Flames will lose their rights.
That they've made it this far without signing probably doesn't bode well for their chances of getting an ELC. Realistically, it's hard to blame the Flames for being hesitant, or flat out unwilling, to give either player one.
In Joly's case, he showed a lot of promise posting 68 points in 55 games during his D+1 season. Unfortunately, the wheels fell off in his D+2 year.
As you can see, Joly recorded fewer points in more games and was much less efficient. He averaged significantly fewer total points/60 than he did primary points/60 the year prior, and his relative goal impact was drastically worse.
Joly would be a good bet to sign had he managed a quality 2018-19 campaign. It's certainly fair to say 55 points over 77 games (playoffs included) does not classify as such.
The Flames aren't overflowing with forward prospects so it's possible they give Joly an ELC in hopes this down year was a one-off, but I wouldn't say it's likely.
As for Fischer, I would be absolutely shocked if he gets a contract. He played in just two games with AHL Stockton this year. In 2017-18, Fischer managed only 35 points in 46 games as an overage player in the WHL.
His ceiling is probably that of a depth AHLer so it doesn't make sense to use a contract slot on him.
Numbers via Prospect-Stats.com Recent posts: