The Calgary Flames have called up a lot more players than we saw last year at this point in the season. It took just until November 9 this year for the Flames to call up players from the AHL seven times. Last year, it took the Flames up until December 20. Craig Conroy is not shy to believe in the young players in the organization, and we are already seeing this pay dividends for the Flames. With so many rookies getting the chance to play for the big leagues, which Flames rookie will have the biggest impact by the end of the season? We asked, you answered.
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Picking the most impactful Flames rookie
We presented the below poll to our readers. The four rookies in question are Connor Zary, Martin Pospisil, Matt Coronato, and Dustin Wolf.
Connor Zary
Connor Zary has been spectacular ever since he has been called up. He has looked like the best Flames player on the ice for multiple games, and he has produced four points in five games. Additionally, he seems to have rejuvenated Nazem Kadri‘s game, which was needed very badly. He has provided great energy for the team and does not look like a rookie at all when he is on the ice. Can he carry this forward for the rest of the season? I’m not sure if he can go at a 0.8-point-per-game pace, but it’s clear that most of our readers believe that he will be the most impactful.
Martin Pospisil
I have to say that I have been pleasantly surprised by how successful his call-up has been. With three points in four games, Pospisil has looked like he belongs in the big league. He isn’t afraid to get in the dirty areas, as it seems like he is always in the crease looking for rebounds when the whistle blows. He only averages 10–12 minutes a night, but he has been very productive in his limited ice time. Once again, a player on Mikael Backlund‘s line is benefiting from the Backlund bump. Oh and by the way…
Not just Pospisil, but over ten other Flames are tied with McDavid.
Matt Coronato
Coronato got a lot fewer votes than I expected to be honest. I know he had his run in the NHL early on in the season, but I truly think he is going to get called up sooner than later this year. In four games in the AHL, he has produced three goals and one assist. He is just getting started. I think the Flames are going to accept their fate as a team that won’t make the playoffs, and will call up Coronato to get NHL experience and give him every opportunity to succeed. He has one of the best shots on the Flames, and I don’t think it is an exaggeration to say that he is probably one of the most skilled goal-scorers on the roster too. He just needs some time to show it and to grow his game in the AHL for the time being.
Dustin Wolf
If we don’t see a Dan Vladar trade this season, it’s time to protest outside of the Scotiabank Saddledome. I have nothing against Vladar, but what more does Wolf need to prove in the AHL? Does management want to see him score 50 goals? He is more than ready for the NHL, and he showed that against Ottawa. I wouldn’t blame him on any of the four goals that were scored on him. He looks confident and has incredible lateral movement. It’s time Conroy—it’s a full moon, and it’s time to let Wolf thrive.
Time for the kids to shine
I don’t know about you, but the only reason why I am still watching this team is for the rookies. I have fully accepted that this team is not good, but boy the rookies sure are. If you are a Flames fan, it may be dark days right now, but the performances by the kids should get you excited.
Photo by Brett Holmes/Icon Sportswire
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