Brett Pollock; a versatille left winger or center and a young man that now finds himself part of the Calgary Flames organisation.
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Whilst there is no expectation that he’ll be able to steal Johnny Gaudreau’s first line spot on the left wing, nor Sean Monahan or Sam Bennett’s spots at center, Pollock represents a bit of a steal.
For the Dallas Stars to give up Pollock is seen as somewhat of an overpayment, especially since they also gave up a reasonably high pick and Jokipakka in return for Kris Russell.
In fact, certain groups of Dallas Stars fans have already bemoaned the fact they gave up the offensive prospect to the Calgary Flames.
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Pollock’s past three seasons in the WHL with the Edmonton Oil Kings has seen a steady growth in points production, from 55 in the 2013-14 season to this season’s current total of 67.
In fact it was mid-game with the Edmonton Oil Kings that he found out he had been traded to the Calgary Flames, as he noted in an interview with the Edmonton Journal.
It’d seem likely, unless he shows some sort of amazing growth at training camp next season, that Pollock will find himself with the Stockton Heat in the AHL.
It is here where he will either wilt or grow as a player and make the decision much easier for the Calgary Flames as to whether he is worthy of a spot on the main roster.
He faces somewhat of a traffic jam in front of him, so he’ll need to bring his best game, that’s for certain.
As previously noted, he isn’t likely to steal the spots of Bennett, Gaudreau or Monahan but could certainly lend himself to a third or fourth line, depending what tactic the Calgary Flames are employing.
He has shown a penchant for scoring goals and laying on assists and is a left-hander; that in itself should seem him fit the Calgary Flames system at least as a depth player.
Brad Treviling, the General Manager of the Calgary Flames was happy to have him on-board, as noted in the Edmonton Journal.
“A big body. Can play centre or the wing. And he’s got a knack for scoring. Big guys that can shoot the puck at the net are important. We were excited that he was part of the deal as well.” said Treviling of Pollock.
It’ll certainly be interesting to see how he can develop and whether he eventually cracks the Calgary Flames line-up.
Next: A Look At The New Guys: Niklas Backstrom
How bright is the future of Brett Pollock with the Calgary Flames?
Will he be able to keep up the scoring and production he has maintained in the WHL, when he is no doubt given a shot at the AHL?
Is there an alternate prospect with the Dallas Stars that you believe the Calgary Flames should have pursued?
Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.