Flames Prospect Development Camp Impressions: Part II
Christopher Ralph is a hockey writer with a focus on prospects and the entry draft, as well as the Leafs’ correspondent here at THW. Since I reside in Calgary, expect a few of my Flames articles to find their way on the pages of THW as well.
Flames New Assistant Coaching Staff With Prospects July 26, 2009 {Photo: Christopher Ralph}
(Part II = Forwards)
Forwards:
- Mikael Backlund: ’07 1st rounder and Flames top forward prospect was not a participant in Saturday’s camp, nursing a speculated groin injury sustained Friday. Prior to that, he was impressive all week. The highly skilled all-around forward, if healthy, could very well be on the Flames opening day roster.
- Greg Nemisz: He simply looks like a player. He looks to be a fantastic combination of size and skill. Nemisz displayed his nice shot and stickhandling. He could’ve showed a little better in some of the passing drills, but with his high level hockey IQ, he’ll be fine in that department. He’ll need some time, but he should easily be a top 6 forward in the future.
- Ryan Howse: This year’s 3rd rounder looks like another savvy Sutter pick. The projected goal- scoring forward displayed impressive speed and a very good shot. Connery noted: “Paired with Wahl in the majority of the passing drills and the two of them did very well. I was pleasantly surprised with his soft hands considering he is a pure goal scorer based on statistics.”
- Mitch Wahl: The ’08 2nd rounder came into camp after a very productive WHL season in Spokane. Connery reports: “As with Howse, very soft hands on the passing drills, great job. Shot accuracy was still a bit questionable but very quick.” Workman added: “Mitch has the tools to succeed, but needs to work on a few things. The first is his shot. He has to hit the net more often. He has great wheels, tons of finesse, but he has to finish. Defensively, he has to be more aware of what is around him.”
- Brett Sutter: The 23 year old was amongst the best forwards at this camp. I watched him score on the most impressive play of the day on Saturday. Displaying tremendous hand-eye coordination, he batted the puck out of the air to score after Matt Keetley had made a nice initial save. Connery stated: “Colour me impressed. Sutter has been fantastic both days I have been there. Great passing, probably the best shooter out there today, did drills well, gave it 100% every drill. He was also talking to a lot of the players, both in a serious manner and joking around. Sutter and Ortio seemed to get on well and were constantly joking around during the water breaks. Great to see Sutter trying to make everyone feel comfortable.”
- John Armstrong: This guy came close to making the Flames opening roster after training camp last year. He was still recovering from an injury and thus only participated in non-contact drills throughout the week. Connery observed: “Did extremely well in the short range passing drills. Almost every pass whether forehand, backhand, or drop passes were accurate.”
- Henrik Bjorklund: A somewhat surprising 3rd round selection this past draft (although Red Line Report rated him as a 2nd round prospect), Bjorklund was a pleasant surprise at camp. He exhibits some nice offensive skills to go with smooth skating. Workman stated: “He is very fast, and has good puck control. Henrik has a quick puck release, and is usually accurate. What I found surprising about the prospect is his strength. I thought he had a darn good camp.”
- Lance Bouma: A less than exciting pick when drafted last season, Bouma was actually impressive at camp. He hasn’t put up significant numbers with the Vancouver Giants of the WHL, but he looks like he has the potential to do so. The next couple of seasons will be crucial in his development.
- Spencer Bennett: Another ’09 draftee, Connery noted: “(he) really struggled in the short distance passing when not given time or space. Made a lot of inaccurate passes and bobbled a lot of good passes. His hands need to get better.” Workman is more optimistic, although maybe a bit too much so, as he reported: “Has looked pretty good. Needs strength, but he does have the tools to make it. I suspect that he made the right decision by going the WHL route. The Flames would rather have him in WHL than American College hockey. That should tell you right there that they think highly of him. I like his speed and shot. I think he is a diamond in the rough.”
- Ryley Grantham, Hugo Carpentier, Aaron Mavin, Jordan Fulton, Gaelyn Patterson, C.J. Severyn, D.J. Watts were also at the camp. All are long shots to make it to the big leagues, although Grantham has potential as an enforcer.
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Posted by Christopher Ralph
on Jul 28 2009. Filed under Calgary Flames, Northwest, Prospects, Toronto Maple Leafs, Western Conference.
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