So who do you guys want the Flames to draft?
- Nucker101

We need to focus on D and wingers with size and skill. But I guess if that McDavid kid is still available I would probably take him.

We need to focus on D and wingers with size and skill. But I guess if that McDavid kid is still available I would probably take him.
- Mr.Pink

Kylington!

So who do you guys want the Flames to draft?
- Nucker101

I hear this McDavid kid is supposed to be pretty good, maybe we can get him some how?

I've heard people talking about going after Justin williams, does anyone think we should go after Joel Ward? Big right handed winger who could slide into the top 6. I've been a fan of his for a few years now (impressed me at the World Championships and again in this years playoffs), did not realize that he was UFA this year. Maybe we could overpay a bit on a 2 year contract to get him here?

I've heard people talking about going after Justin williams, does anyone think we should go after Joel Ward? Big right handed winger who could slide into the top 6. I've been a fan of his for a few years now (impressed me at the World Championships and again in this years playoffs), did not realize that he was UFA this year. Maybe we could overpay a bit on a 2 year contract to get him here?
- Saskabush

Williams and Ward both too old. IF Treliving adds any FA's they will have to fit in with the rebuild process and be both an immediate impact player as well as a long term solution. For this reason I think they should look at either, or both of Tyler Toffoli up front and Dougie Hamilton on D.

LA and Boston are both cap troubled teams that may struggle to match an offer sheet to their RFA. If the Flames structure the offers correctly, they might be able to land both, with a 2nd rd pick for compensation for Toffoli and a 1st and 3rd as compensation for Hamilton. This would negate their first 3 picks next year, but you'd be hard pressed to find someone to say that Toffoli and Hamilton for a 1st, 2nd, and 3rd wouldn't be worth it, especially at their age, skill level, and the fact that they fill our 2 immediate needs.

In the absence of a Flames Blogger, I decided to give this a go the other day. Apparently I don't have the necessary technical aptitude to figure out how to post this as a blog on this site. When I attempted to enter it as a blog it eliminated all the spacing and. Ran the whole thing into one, long, painful to read, mess of a paragraph.

I am not a writer by nature, not even as a hobby, but I do enjoy coming to this forum to read about hockey and more importantly, the Flames. I don't expect anything more than some conversation about the Flames nor do I plan to pain you with more of these. I do intend, for interest sake, to figure out how to post blogs, as blogs. I simply want a new topic to talk about.

Without further delay; here goes.

7 spots on Flames D next year, who gets them?

‎The Flames spent much of the 2014-2015 season getting forwards who were earning a chance to play in Calgary into the line-up, and into game action. Joni Ortio even got into some games in goal and left his mark prior to being sent back to the minors. There wasn't much to speak of when it came to the D-corps for. There were mostly veterans, or journeyman who manned the blue-line this year for the Flames. With the exception of TJ Brodie, there wasn't much youth getting into games this year on the back end. Sure, Tyler Wotherspoon was called up a few times, but didn't get into any regular season games. 
Certainly, Bob Hartley was focused on getting the Flames into a playoff spot, which didn't lend to Wotherspoon getting any game action at the time. Hartley did choose Wotherspoon over Potter during the playoffs when Diaz went down, and even said it was a toss up between the two, but they decided to go with Wotherspoon because the immediate benefit was equal to playing Potter, but the long term benefit was greater when player development was factored in.

There are 6 Defencemen signed for next year:
Giordano, Brodie, Wideman, Russell, Smid, and Englland.

Giordano and Russell head into next season with one year remaining on each of their contracts. 

Brad Treliving has stated that extending Giordano will be his #1 priority this summer, which makes sense. Setting the bar by which all other player contracts will be measured against is important to establish and is best to do as early as possible before moving forward and deciding how to budget the $23M(ish) of cap space that's available to the team. This factors into the Monahan and Gaudreau contract extensions that will need to be negotiated next summer, especially if they both continue to develop at the rate they have thus far. This also effects the RFA deals Brad will have to work out with Backlund and Bouma this summer.

Back to the defence. With 6 players already signed on the back end, and with Diaz, Potter and Schlemko up in the air, where is there room for a young D-man to earn his way into the top 6?

There are a few questions that might help answer this. 

1) What is the extent of the injury to Ladislav Smid's neck?
Smid's injury is quite concerning because it seems to have been nerve related. What is the prognosis for his recovery and return? If Smid's injury is an extended long term injury, or career threatening, there might be an extra spot up for grabs.

2) is Dennis Wideman expendable?
Dennis Wideman had a career year, and stepped up as much or even more than anyone when Giordano's season was ended prematurely. His trade value will NEVER be higher. He's 32 and makes $5.25M/yr. He will also never put up those points, or play that many minutes again. I have nothing against #6, but will he still be as effective as we need a $5.25M player to be at 33, 34, or 35 years old when the team is ready to be a contender in the west? Why not move him to a team that can use him now (preferably in the east) while he can still contribute to playoff success and is worth something decent in return? 

3) Are the Flames willing to dip into the UFA or RFA pool?
UFA's :
Cody Franson 27 - shoots right - 6.05, 213lbs
Mike Green 29 - shoots right - 6.01, 208lbs
Andrej Sekara 29 - shoots left - 6.00, 200lbs
David Schlemko 28 shoots left - 6.01, 190lbs
To name a few notables
RFA's :
Dougie Hamilton 21 - shoots right - 6.05, 212lbs
Andrej Sustr 24 - shoots right - 6.07 220lbs
David Rundblad 24 - shoots right - 6.02, 195lbs
Michael Del Zotto 24 - shoots left 6.00, 193lbs.
These are only from teams( Boston, Tampa Bay, Chicago, and Philadelphia) that are up tight to the cap and might struggle or not even have a chance to match an offer sheet from the Flames.

There are some decent prospects that are already in the Flames system too, and another summer of training added to this year's development might make the difference for some of the following, who so far aren't kicking in the doors for a spot in Calgary or were in Junior.
Sieloff, Kanzig, Kulak, and Culkin

How do recently signed FA's Morrison and Nakladal fit in to the depth charts?

Which of the Flames RFA's are worth keeping and developing?
Cundari, Ramage, or Acolatse

There are certainly more questions than answers right now about the defensive end of the Flames rink, but at least there is SOME depth in the cupboards to assess. There's some size to look forward to potentially cracking the main club's line up. Brad Treliving has signed a couple FA's that are in that same talent bracket to push those who are supposed to be next in line to challenge for a spot. 

I can't wait for September 11-14 to see some of these guys on the ice at the young stars tourney in Penticton and get a glimpse of where they might be in their development, and what we may have coming through the system. Who's pushing and who wants to play in Calgary NOW!

Who do you think will be the top 7 D-men next year?

Williams and Ward both too old. IF Treliving adds any FA's they will have to fit in with the rebuild process and be both an immediate impact player as well as a long term solution. For this reason I think they should look at either, or both of Tyler Toffoli up front and Dougie Hamilton on D.

LA and Boston are both cap troubled teams that may struggle to match an offer sheet to their RFA. If the Flames structure the offers correctly, they might be able to land both, with a 2nd rd pick for compensation for Toffoli and a 1st and 3rd as compensation for Hamilton. This would negate their first 3 picks next year, but you'd be hard pressed to find someone to say that Toffoli and Hamilton for a 1st, 2nd, and 3rd wouldn't be worth it, especially at their age, skill level, and the fact that they fill our 2 immediate needs.
- InSutterWeTrust

One thing about the RFA offers is that Toffoli and Hamilton would have to agree to sign here much like an UFA would. I do not think 3.3 million is enough to steal toffoli away (the upper limit for a 2nd round compensation), so at most we would be able to offer sheet one of them.

I am very happy with how last season panned out, but let's not get ahead of ourselves here. We could very easily have a set-back next year and see ourselves in the hunt for a lottery pick rather than pushing for a playoff spot once again. Is Dougie Hamilton worth a top 5 pick (maybe a shot at that Arizona kid?) He could be, but it's still a pretty risky move.

We also have the most outspoken opponents to the whole offer sheet process as our GM's boss, so RFA offers may be little more than a pipe dream for us.

As for Ward being too old, I know that he is 34, but the guy seems to have been a late bloomer and is just starting to play some of the best hockey of his career. I really want to see some of our kids in the line up next year, but I don't want them to be gifted spots (like a certain team up north has done for the last several years). I'd still take a chance on him at 2 years 4.5-5.0, he could take Jones' place if they decide not to sign him (and would be an upgrade).


Joel Ward

6'1
226 lbs
RW
Right-Handed shot

...In other words the exact player we've all been female doging for for the last year and a half. He could be an excellent stop gap until players like Poirier and maybe even Smith are ready to step in full time.

In the absence of a Flames Blogger, I decided to give this a go the other day. Apparently I don't have the necessary technical aptitude to figure out how to post this as a blog on this site. When I attempted to enter it as a blog it eliminated all the spacing and. Ran the whole thing into one, long, painful to read, mess of a paragraph.

I am not a writer by nature, not even as a hobby, but I do enjoy coming to this forum to read about hockey and more importantly, the Flames. I don't expect anything more than some conversation about the Flames nor do I plan to pain you with more of these. I do intend, for interest sake, to figure out how to post blogs, as blogs. I simply want a new topic to talk about.

Without further delay; here goes.

7 spots on Flames D next year, who gets them?

‎The Flames spent much of the 2014-2015 season getting forwards who were earning a chance to play in Calgary into the line-up, and into game action. Joni Ortio even got into some games in goal and left his mark prior to being sent back to the minors. There wasn't much to speak of when it came to the D-corps for. There were mostly veterans, or journeyman who manned the blue-line this year for the Flames. With the exception of TJ Brodie, there wasn't much youth getting into games this year on the back end. Sure, Tyler Wotherspoon was called up a few times, but didn't get into any regular season games. 
Certainly, Bob Hartley was focused on getting the Flames into a playoff spot, which didn't lend to Wotherspoon getting any game action at the time. Hartley did choose Wotherspoon over Potter during the playoffs when Diaz went down, and even said it was a toss up between the two, but they decided to go with Wotherspoon because the immediate benefit was equal to playing Potter, but the long term benefit was greater when player development was factored in.

There are 6 Defencemen signed for next year:
Giordano, Brodie, Wideman, Russell, Smid, and Englland.

Giordano and Russell head into next season with one year remaining on each of their contracts. 

Brad Treliving has stated that extending Giordano will be his #1 priority this summer, which makes sense. Setting the bar by which all other player contracts will be measured against is important to establish and is best to do as early as possible before moving forward and deciding how to budget the $23M(ish) of cap space that's available to the team. This factors into the Monahan and Gaudreau contract extensions that will need to be negotiated next summer, especially if they both continue to develop at the rate they have thus far. This also effects the RFA deals Brad will have to work out with Backlund and Bouma this summer.

Back to the defence. With 6 players already signed on the back end, and with Diaz, Potter and Schlemko up in the air, where is there room for a young D-man to earn his way into the top 6?

There are a few questions that might help answer this. 

1) What is the extent of the injury to Ladislav Smid's neck?
Smid's injury is quite concerning because it seems to have been nerve related. What is the prognosis for his recovery and return? If Smid's injury is an extended long term injury, or career threatening, there might be an extra spot up for grabs.

2) is Dennis Wideman expendable?
Dennis Wideman had a career year, and stepped up as much or even more than anyone when Giordano's season was ended prematurely. His trade value will NEVER be higher. He's 32 and makes $5.25M/yr. He will also never put up those points, or play that many minutes again. I have nothing against #6, but will he still be as effective as we need a $5.25M player to be at 33, 34, or 35 years old when the team is ready to be a contender in the west? Why not move him to a team that can use him now (preferably in the east) while he can still contribute to playoff success and is worth something decent in return? 

3) Are the Flames willing to dip into the UFA or RFA pool?
UFA's :
Cody Franson 27 - shoots right - 6.05, 213lbs
Mike Green 29 - shoots right - 6.01, 208lbs
Andrej Sekara 29 - shoots left - 6.00, 200lbs
David Schlemko 28 shoots left - 6.01, 190lbs
To name a few notables
RFA's :
Dougie Hamilton 21 - shoots right - 6.05, 212lbs
Andrej Sustr 24 - shoots right - 6.07 220lbs
David Rundblad 24 - shoots right - 6.02, 195lbs
Michael Del Zotto 24 - shoots left 6.00, 193lbs.
These are only from teams( Boston, Tampa Bay, Chicago, and Philadelphia) that are up tight to the cap and might struggle or not even have a chance to match an offer sheet from the Flames.

There are some decent prospects that are already in the Flames system too, and another summer of training added to this year's development might make the difference for some of the following, who so far aren't kicking in the doors for a spot in Calgary or were in Junior.
Sieloff, Kanzig, Kulak, and Culkin

How do recently signed FA's Morrison and Nakladal fit in to the depth charts?

Which of the Flames RFA's are worth keeping and developing?
Cundari, Ramage, or Acolatse

There are certainly more questions than answers right now about the defensive end of the Flames rink, but at least there is SOME depth in the cupboards to assess. There's some size to look forward to potentially cracking the main club's line up. Brad Treliving has signed a couple FA's that are in that same talent bracket to push those who are supposed to be next in line to challenge for a spot. 

I can't wait for September 11-14 to see some of these guys on the ice at the young stars tourney in Penticton and get a glimpse of where they might be in their development, and what we may have coming through the system. Who's pushing and who wants to play in Calgary NOW!

Who do you think will be the top 7 D-men next year?

- InSutterWeTrust

Great read man.
I think the most intriguing defenseman in the flames system is the Morrison kid. I remember reading some tweets saying he is nhl ready. The Nakladal signing reminds me of something Feaster would do(not a bad thing).
I really like the competition BT is creating in the system, forwards and defense.

One thing about the RFA offers is that Toffoli and Hamilton would have to agree to sign here much like an UFA would. I do not think 3.3 million is enough to steal toffoli away (the upper limit for a 2nd round compensation), so at most we would be able to offer sheet one of them.

I am very happy with how last season panned out, but let's not get ahead of ourselves here. We could very easily have a set-back next year and see ourselves in the hunt for a lottery pick rather than pushing for a playoff spot once again. Is Dougie Hamilton worth a top 5 pick (maybe a shot at that Arizona kid?) He could be, but it's still a pretty risky move.

We also have the most outspoken opponents to the whole offer sheet process as our GM's boss, so RFA offers may be little more than a pipe dream for us.

As for Ward being too old, I know that he is 34, but the guy seems to have been a late bloomer and is just starting to play some of the best hockey of his career. I really want to see some of our kids in the line up next year, but I don't want them to be gifted spots (like a certain team up north has done for the last several years). I'd still take a chance on him at 2 years 4.5-5.0, he could take Jones' place if they decide not to sign him (and would be an upgrade).


Joel Ward

6'1
226 lbs
RW
Right-Handed shot

...In other words the exact player we've all been female doging for for the last year and a half. He could be an excellent stop gap until players like Poirier and maybe even Smith are ready to step in full time.
- Saskabush

I don't really see the Flames having a significant drop off next year. I've heard quite a few people reference the Colorado situation and I understand the apprehension, but I don't see it happening with this club. I believe the Avalanche imploded due to resting on their laurels, so to speak. I think there was a sophomore jinx of sorts for Patrick Roy as a coach, who didn't identify some passengers on the team, or at least didn't set them straight.

The Flames have the benefit of an extremely motivated Captain, who in the last 2 consecutive years has arguably been the best defencemen in the league, who wasn't recognized for it with a Norris trophy both times due to an injury shortened season. The rest of the team falls into place behind him, in lock step, as far as work ethic, determination, and system buy in. Hartley also has no reservation about sitting anyone to get them back on track. Ask Gaudreau or Wideman. I doubt Roy would sit Landeskogg, Duchesne, or MacKinnon.

To be clear, although I don't believe the Flames will drop off, I don't believe they are a lock for the play-offs, and will likely battle to the end to decide whether or not they make it in.

I agree with you about Joel Ward, and the roll he could play on this team for a couple years. I just don't see him fitting in to the Treliving plan. What he may have going for him is that he isn't a miled out 34 year old player. His route to the NHL didn't have him burn out his body. He only has 517 career games, mostly because he didn't start in the NHL until he was 24, and not full-time until he was 26.

I like Joel Ward, and even considered him a good target at this year's trade deadline to help push this team into the play-offs, but that was because he had an expiring contract. He's 34 now, and will be 35 in December.

He might be what the doctor ordered for buying time until Porier or Austin Carroll can be NHL ready, but I just don't see it.

Great read man.
I think the most intriguing defenseman in the flames system is the Morrison kid. I remember reading some tweets saying he is nhl ready. The Nakladal signing reminds me of something Feaster would do(not a bad thing).
I really like the competition BT is creating in the system, forwards and defense.
- ksofm

I am quite intrigued to see what Morrison has to offer, and if Smid isn't coming back, does Rushan Rafikov have a chance at a spot as a shut down D-man that has offensive upside and moves the puck pretty good out of D-zone.?

I am quite intrigued to see what Morrison has to offer, and if Smid isn't coming back, does Rushan Rafikov have a chance at a spot as a shut down D-man that has offensive upside and moves the puck pretty good out of D-zone.?
- InSutterWeTrust

From what I read the guy does not have much offence. But he is supposedly big and physical.

I am quite intrigued to see what Morrison has to offer, and if Smid isn't coming back, does Rushan Rafikov have a chance at a spot as a shut down D-man that has offensive upside and moves the puck pretty good out of D-zone.?
- InSutterWeTrust

I see little chance of Smid returning...
I'd like to see if Petry would be available. He showed he has a better potential than what we saw when he was with the Oil...
Mind you everyone who leaves that team seems to...

From what I read the guy does not have much offence. But he is supposedly big and physical.
- Mr.Pink

He is a big body for the back end for the Flames and does also have an offensive upside his game.

...........................................GP. G. A. Pts
2011-12. Omaha Lancers USHL. 57 15 19 34 
2012-13 Western Michigan NCAA. 38. 7 13 20
2013-14 Western Michigan NCAA. 40. 4 15 19
2014-15 Western Michigan NCAA 37. 5 10 15
2014-15  Adirondack Flames AHL. 10. 2. 4. 6

He's averaged right around 0.5Pts/Game. Not to shabby for a big physical right handed defenseman. That might explain why his last NCAA game had from 14 NHL teams at it, with many there to see him.


(Sorry for the crappy alignment of the stats, hard to do on my phone)

Mainly because I'm bored...here is my prediction for the opening lineup:

Gaudreau Monahan Hudler
Bouma Backlund Jones (or FA signing)
Colborne Bennett Poirier
Ferland Stajan Jooris/Bollig/Wolf/Byrone etc.

Gio Brodie
Russell Wideman
Morrisson Schlemko/Nakladal

2nd line would be defensive shutdown line, Bennett's line would be slightly more sheltered.

Mainly because I'm bored...here is my prediction for the opening lineup:

Gaudreau Monahan Hudler
Bouma Backlund Jones (or FA signing)
Colborne Bennett Poirier
Ferland Stajan Jooris/Bollig/Wolf/Byrone etc.

Gio Brodie
Russell Wideman
Morrisson Schlemko/Nakladal

2nd line would be defensive shutdown line, Bennett's line would be slightly more sheltered.
- Saskabush

Do you think they sign Byron?
What about Englland?
How do they dispense of Raymond?
I think Wolf gets another year in AHL and takes a spot in the roster the following year after Jones' leaves.

Other than that, I like the thought process. There's a chance that our centers could challenge for a 50%+ faceoff rate next year.

Do you think they sign Byron?
What about Englland?
How do they dispense of Raymond?
I think Wolf gets another year in AHL and takes a spot in the roster the following year after Jones' leaves.

Other than that, I like the thought process. There's a chance that our centers could challenge for a 50%+ faceoff rate next year.
- InSutterWeTrust

Byron re-signing 50/50 (he had significant injuries at the end of the year which is why he didn't play).
Kinda forgot about Engellund but I think he'll work his way in and out of that bottom pairing.
Raymond either gets dealt for a used set of summer tires, or he gets placed in the AHL (hopefully sooner rather than later).
That last RW spot will be a toss up, I don't really see any 1 person hanging on to it all year.

I'd like to see calgary work a trade with boston for that Savard contract. Maybe they'd take Raymond in an effort to boost their scoring and we could take Savard and a 3rd or something?

Mainly because I'm bored...here is my prediction for the opening lineup:

Gaudreau Monahan Hudler
Bouma Backlund Jones (or FA signing)
Colborne Bennett Poirier
Ferland Stajan Jooris/Bollig/Wolf/Byrone etc.

Gio Brodie
Russell Wideman
Morrisson Schlemko/Nakladal

2nd line would be defensive shutdown line, Bennett's line would be slightly more sheltered.
- Saskabush

That is more or less where I see things as well. Although I ee no point in re-signing Byron, and Engelland will be on the team in the 5-6 pairing.

I see maybe more like:

Gaudreau - Monahan - Hudler
UFA - Bennett - Poirier (I really like Belesky here, even before he lit up the Flames in the playoffs)
Bouma - Backlund - Colborne
Ferland - Stajan - Bollig / Wolf / etc.

Giordano - Brodie
Russell - Wideman
Engelland - Schlemko
Morrison / Nakladl / Wotherspoon

Ramo - Ortio

I would look into moving Wideman at the draft while is stock is higher (to attempt to move up) and signing Franson for cheaper. Hiller also falls into this area.

I also look at next year as still being a bit of a bridging hear in the re-build until where the season after that will be. With players continuing to develop and improve (not taking a step back) one has to hope that this season will be their last year picking in the first half of the first round. I also think that there are other prospects that will be more of a lock in that season as opposed to next season. Also it would be time for guys like Stajan and Jones to be gone.

That's when I start to see (some with hopeful optimism):

Gaudreau - Monahan - Poirier (Hudler's contract will be up and will move on as cap space will have to go to resigning the entry level guys)
Belesky - Bennett - Power Forward drafted this year (Crowse, Meier, Rantannen, Bittner)
Bouma - Backlund - Klimchuk
Ferland - Jooris - Smith / Wolf / Bolig

Giordano - Brodie
Russell - Franson
Engelland / Wotherspoon / Morrison / Nakladal / Kanzig????

Gilles - Ramo or Ortio

He is a big body for the back end for the Flames and does also have an offensive upside his game.

...........................................GP. G. A. Pts
2011-12. Omaha Lancers USHL. 57 15 19 34 
2012-13 Western Michigan NCAA. 38. 7 13 20
2013-14 Western Michigan NCAA. 40. 4 15 19
2014-15 Western Michigan NCAA 37. 5 10 15
2014-15  Adirondack Flames AHL. 10. 2. 4. 6

He's averaged right around 0.5Pts/Game. Not to shabby for a big physical right handed defenseman. That might explain why his last NCAA game had from 14 NHL teams at it, with many there to see him.


(Sorry for the crappy alignment of the stats, hard to do on my phone)
- InSutterWeTrust

Dude, thanks for getting some good convo going in here!!!!

Anyways, what about trading Wideman and goign all in on Cody Franzen (Sp)???

Have not seen they guy play much but on paper he fits the bill.

From what I read the guy does not have much offence. But he is supposedly big and physical.
- Mr.Pink

He has a bomb of a shot but resembles Phaneuf in his earlier days, high and wide. But, he could develop some aim.

He has a bomb of a shot but resembles Phaneuf in his earlier days, high and wide. But, he could develop some aim.
- TandA4Flames

Maybe they can give him an Adrian Aucoin Sherwood stick.
I always thought half of Dion's problem was his stick, and probably could have been solved if he was forced to us a wood stick.

My favorite moment of the only "Danone superskills" competition that I ever went to see was Adrian Aucoin winning the hardest shot competition with a wood stick and slapped the puck 102.3MPH. After winning, he was interviewed on the ice and said "That shot was taken with a $30 wood stick. All you parents don't need to buy $200 or $300 sticks for your kids, a $30 Sherwood works just fine"

Would anyone be interested in going after Sadd?

Chicago supposedly is interested in resigning him but it would be worth looking into. What might it take to pry him away?

Would anyone be interested in going after Sadd?

Chicago supposedly is interested in resigning him but it would be worth looking into. What might it take to pry him away?
- Mr.Pink

Money... ask Babcock!

I'd say the Hawks would want a pick and a prospect for a trade and it would cost us a tonne to pry him away both in salary and (though I'm not exactly sure what) but compensation...
I think he'd be a great fit but is the cost worth it? meh...

Isn't Beauchemin a UFA?

(frank) we need a new blogger...

So who do you guys want the Flames to draft?
- Nucker101

Meier if he slides. Big RW. Or Roy. D or Big RW really

Meier if he slides. Big RW. Or Roy. D or Big RW really
- FLflames34

Even though he's a LW and shoots Left, I'd still be ecstatic if the Flames could find a way to draft Lawson Crouse - 6'4" 212 Lbs(at 17 years old)
Also plays pretty damn good beside Sam Bennett.

"A big-bodied power winger with the ability to physically dominate, making him a prominent forechecking presence every night. Possesses good hands that can be used to make crisp passes or to let loose accurate, NHL-level shots; paired with his strength and skating ability, his skill set allows him to contribute offensively, as well as create space for teammates."
-Curtis Joe, EP 2014

http://www.eliteprospects...5155#sthash.7MufIlhZ.dpuf