Post by Calgary Flames on Nov 18, 2022 9:56:58 GMT -6
With the big squad struggling we will look towards the future with a quick report on the Wranglers. Here are some of the standout performers to date:
Other honourable mentions for solid performances are Matthew Phillips and Grigori Denisenko who have break out offensive seasons while Cameron Wynot has provided excellent offense and steady D on the back end from the 3rd pairing.
The Flames ranked in the lower 3rd of pipeline depth but the emergence of some of the young players above there is a real chance that some quality NHLer will emerge from this group. Looking more at the prospect side the following players are off to strong starts:
While there aren't a lot of true blue-chippers listed above, the Flames have done a good job at restocking the cupboards with value picks who have continued to progress. The AHL talent and prospect pool is definitely trending in the right direction.
- Marc-Andre Gaudet: The first time pro defender has had an outstanding start to his career pacing the entire team in scoring with 3 goals and 19 points in 16 games. Nearly as impressive team leading +8. The rookie is a major surprise and has gone from later round pick to blue-chip prospect early in the season.
- Andy Welinski: The veteran defender has been paired with Gaudet and has allowed the youngster to flaunt his offensive talent. The surprise has been his offense ranking 4th in the team with 15 points in 16 games.
- Adam Ruzicka: As expected Ruzicka has lead the charge upfront with 17 points and 7 goals. He has done everything asked of him and could be pushing for a pro spot as early as next season.
- Filip Zadina: The young forward just keeps getting better and better and is nearly at a point a game and will also being pushing for an NHL role next season.
- Derek Stepan: The veteran forward was snuck through waivers and has since been a steadying presence playing with Zadina and Ruzicka. he has also been close to a PPG pace himself as well.
- Erik Brannstrom: Back to the D, Brannstrom has been playing on the top pair and his offense has been solid but his -10 rating might indicate he is not quite ready for top minutes but he still could see himself pushing for an NHL spot next season
- Olli Juolevi: Brannstroms partner has put up good numbers but, like his partner, has struggled at times on the defensive side of the game.
Other honourable mentions for solid performances are Matthew Phillips and Grigori Denisenko who have break out offensive seasons while Cameron Wynot has provided excellent offense and steady D on the back end from the 3rd pairing.
The Flames ranked in the lower 3rd of pipeline depth but the emergence of some of the young players above there is a real chance that some quality NHLer will emerge from this group. Looking more at the prospect side the following players are off to strong starts:
- Dustin Wolf: His current rating sucks so he will have to be a rerate candidate down the road but the 2 time CHL goaltender of the year has had an outstanding start to his AHL career proving that his rookie of the year award last season was no fluke.
- Noah Ostland: the Flames top pick at 21 overall has exploded onto the scene in the top Swedish league with a fantastic 11 points in 17 games which is very impressive.
- Christianm Kyrou: the young defender picked 45th overall by the Flames is already looking like a steal with 7 goals and 21 points in 17 games in the OHL this year.
- Josh Filmon and Brandon Likowsky: Both were late rounds picks in the NHL going in the 6th and 7th rounds but they look like shrewd picks by the Flames with each 18 year old scoring well over a point a game in the CHL.
While there aren't a lot of true blue-chippers listed above, the Flames have done a good job at restocking the cupboards with value picks who have continued to progress. The AHL talent and prospect pool is definitely trending in the right direction.