When the Calgary Flames signed Michael Frolik this summer, it was a clear case of the team looking to solve their lack of depth on the right-wing.
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Fortunately for them, they have a decent prospect in Emile Poirier making his way up the ladder; with the 21 year-old getting solid ice time with the Stockton Heat in the American Hockey League.
The Montreal, Quebec native was drafted 22nd overall by the Calgary Flames in the first round of the 2013 NHL Entry Draft, edging up the order based on the Central Scouting Bureau final rankings, which ranked him 39th among North American skaters.
Speaking in an interview with the Calgary Sun in September, Stockton Heat head coach Ryan Huska said “he’s had a year under his belt in professional hockey, and now he’s got to take another step and make sure he’s more consistent.”
In an ideal world, Poirier sits as the Calgary Flames right-wing foil to Sean Monahan and Johnny Gaudreau; his speed and accuracy making plays would make him the ideal guy to bamboozle defensemen in the same way Johnny does most nights. In a lot of ways, his game is of a very similar style to that of Gaudreau.
“He’s got to take another step and make sure he’s more consistent.” – Ryan Huska (Calgary Sun)
The hope is, especially with the diminutive size of Gaudreau that Emile will continue to pack on a bit more size if the Calgary Flames envision him lining up with that duo. The AHL website currently lists him at 6’1″ and 195 pounds – to offer more physicality to his play, the 21 year-old probably still needs a little more bulk to his frame.
Michael Frolik’s arrival last summer may have delayed his ascension to the Calgary Flames line-up, but it seems likely that he will eventually make it to the big league.
Related Story: Calgary Flames Sign Michael Frolik to Five Year Contract
His six game stint with the Calgary Flames towards the tail of last season certainly would’ve whetted his appetite for NHL hockey; this year he sits on seven goals and 11 assists for an 18 point total across 32 AHL games.
Hockey’s Future rated him as the best chance of making NHL ice-time with the Calgary Flames this year in an article published just after the start of this season, saying the following:
"Working to become the Flames’ top recall option, Poirier’s offensive ability is matched by his intelligence on the ice. Formerly known as an offensive option, his recent success in playing a more complete game will certainly help him earn more games in the NHL should the Flames need help."
Whether he cracks the line-up due to injuries or trade deadline deals this season is anyone’s guess, but in Emile the Calgary Flames have a very solid future option that is developing well in down in Stockton.
Next: Calgary Flames Fall To Resurgent Carolina Hurricanes
Would you look to give Emile ice-time this season or see how he goes at training camp next year before rushing him into the Calgary Flames line-up? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.