Sep 23, 2013; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Calgary Flames left wing Michael Ferland (79) skates with the puck against the New York Rangers during the second period at Scotiabank Saddledome. Calgary Flames won 4-1. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports
Selected in the 5th round, 133rd overall of the 2010 NHL Draft, Michael Ferland’s career path since hearing his name being called out by our Calgary Flames has been anything but fairy tale material.
An incredible 2011-12 season with the WHL’s Brandon Wheat Kings saw him post 47 goals and 49 assists. The summer of 2012 is where the proverbial “CD of life” got a serious scratch. Michael Ferland was involved in a bar altercation which is still currently being resolved. HERE is a link to the latest legal affairs update which found Ferland to be not guilty but still not out of court.
Michael Ferland started the 2012-13 season with the AHL Abbotsford Heat. Reportedly arriving in Abbotsford not in his best physical condition and then battling a neck problem, Ferland only played 7 games with the Heat. Ferland would return to the WHL and played 4 more games with the Brandon Wheat Kings before being traded to Saskatoon Blades.
"“Michael is a player who really generated some interest after being sent back to the WHL recently,” said Blades Head Coach and General Manager Lorne Molleken. “He’s a big, power forward who we are really familiar with. He comes from a great program in Brandon and we think he can be a big difference maker for our club down the stretch and looking ahead to the playoffs. He’s really a well-rounded kid who can do a ton of things on and off the ice.”"
In 26 regular season games with the Saskatoon Blades, Michael Ferland collected 29 points. Battling injury, Ferland would not collect any points during four playoff games.
Last season, a more committed Michael Ferland would once again try to become a regular player on the AHL Abbotsford Heat. It took until Ferland’s 12th game with the Heat before he registered his first point but that goal opened the flood gates to production. In his last 14 games, Ferland scored six goals and 12 assists. I say “last” because Ferland would miss the rest of the season with a knee injury.
"Jun 12,2014 – 11:50 AMMichael Ferland expects to be ready for training camp in the fall after he was limited to 25 games with AHL Abbotsford due to injury.Source: Calgary Herald"
Here is the “talent analysis” done by Hockeyfutures.com:
"Ferland plays the power forward role with his puck patience around the net and quick accurate release. The rugged winger can dominate a game with his size or by dropping his gloves when necessary and doesn’t shy away from the physical play in both ends of the rink. He will need to continue improving his skating and two-way game to succeed at the professional level."
The 22 year old Michael Ferland may not be first and foremost amongst the Calgary Flames prospects but is not someone Calgary Flames fans should ignore.