After splitting their first two games the Calgary Flames concluded the Young Stars tournament with a disappointing 3-2 overtime loss to the Vancouver Canucks.
Some thoughts on the tournament and other Flames tidbits:
- Following a pair of impressive showings GM Brad Treliving and co. decided they'd seen enough to give Rasmus Andersson an entry-level contract.
Andersson is coming off a stellar season with the Barrie Colts and I've made it no secret that I thought he should have been taken much higher in the 2015 draft.
What I saw from Andersson regularly in Barrie was on in full display this weekend. Andersson looked very comfortable quarterbacking the power play, was able to walk the line to open up passing and shooting lanes and he made a good first pass in the defensive zone.
It's not uncommon for first year players to show nerves in their first competitive games with their future team, however, that was not the case with Andersson. Prior to joining Barrie last year Andersson had played against men (as early as 15 years old) in Sweden's 2nd-tier men's league so this was far from too much for him to handle.
He's going to have another huge year in Barrie for what should be one of the better teams in the OHL's Eastern Conference. I'll be seeing him regularly - I'm based out of Barrie - this season so I'll certainly be providing updates on Andersson (and Andrew Mangiapane) throughout the year.
- Speaking of Mangiapane he is another player that impressed in this tournament. Prior to its opening I wrote that Mangiapane was someone to keep your eye on and he certainly showed why.
Mangiapane was able to create plenty of chances - including some while killing penalties - and showed off skills you don't see in most 6th round picks. I'm still surprised he lasted that long and I thought he should have been drafted the year prior.
- Sam Bennett showed very well and looks more than ready for the NHL. It'll be fun to watch him as he develops before our eyes this season.
- Having seen 3-on-3 in the Young Stars tournament and while scouting some OHL preseason games I can definitely say I'm a fan. It's amazing what talented players can do when they have time and space to make plays. I think we're (thankfully) going to see a decline in shootouts this season.
Recent posts Flames invite Douglas Murray to camp on PTO