Apr 13, 2014; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Calgary Flames forward Johnny Gaudreau (53) scores against Vancouver Canucks goaltender Jacob Markstrom (35) during the second period at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports
Two of the most ballyhooed Calgary Flames prospects are Sam Bennett (this year’s 1st round draft pick) and Johnny Gaudreau (2011 4th round draft pick). When the Flame For Thought family was polled about thier 2014-15 expectations for Sam Bennett, 67% of voters had Mr. Bennett going back to juniors. When the Flame For Thought family was polled about their 2014-15 expectations for Johnny Gaudreau, 57% of voters had Mr. Gaudreau spending the entire season with Flames.
Why the excitement about Johnny Gaudreau? I will allow this snippet from BCEagles.com (Gaudreau’s alma mater) to explain:
"The current Calgary Flame has won every single award he has been eligible for in 2013-14.Along with winning college hockey’s highest individual honor in the Hobey Baker Memorial Award on April 11, 2014, Gaudreau has been tabbed USA Hockey’s College Hockey Player of the Year, Hockey East Player of the Year, Division I New England Player of the Year and the Walter Brown Award winner."
Johnny Gaudreau made his NHL debut with the Calgary Flames last season on Sunday April 13th. Watch the Yahoo video below to see the results!
Here is The Hockey News breakdown of the recently turned 21 year old with the nickname “Johnny Hockey”:
"Assets: Owns tremendous instincts in the offensive zone and can generate a ton of offense at lower levels. Skates very well and is extremely creative with the puck.Flaws: Must overcome significant height and weight disadvantages in order to maximize his scoring prowess at the highest level. Could also stand to be more selfish."
Captain Obvious states that the Calgary Flames need to score more goals in 2014-15. Asking a 150 pound man playing against 200 pound men to be a fresh source of offense seems ridiculous right? I’m very excited to see if Johnny Gaudreau can treat the NHL like David treated Goliath.