Calgary Flames Prospect Jankowski Impresses In AHL Stint

Calgary Flames prospect Mark Jankowski made the jump to the pro-ranks, and has impressed in a short AHL stint.

Mark Jankowski has faced questions at every level of hockey he has played, and now he might be positioning himself to help the Calgary Flames.

After making his pro debut with the AHL’s Stockton Heat, I think it’s safe to say Jankowksi has answered a lot of those questions. He has put up 6 points in 8 games during a tough playoff stretch for many teams in the AHL. While some of that success can be attributed to Jankowski having fresher legs than a lot of his opponents, you can’t deny the hockey sense and poise he has showcased in the 8 games he has played.

Jankowski will certainly have to prove that he can play at a high level consistently for 70+ games, which is something he hasn’t had a chance to prove since he played in College where they only play 2 games a week. Playing in 8 AHL games certainly shouldn’t convince anybody that Jankowski can put up with the taxing grind of a full professional season, but its hard not to be optimistic about his play.

Jankowksi has shown a high level of hockey sense in his minor-league stint, from making several NHL passes from the half-wall into the high-slot, and his puck-protection skills which have really improved. One of the knocks on Jankowski was that he wouldn’t be able to play the same type of puck-protection game against bigger and stronger opponents, but so far Jankowksi has been able to do just that and more.

His shot also seems to have improved as well, as he scored a nice goal from the slot by rocketing a shot past a helpless goalie. Using his shot more is something Jankowski will have to learn, as at the pro-level you have to put a ton of pucks on net to be successful.

Jankowski has shown he has a pro-ready game, and has done quite well in eight games, but he still has a long way to go. As mentioned earlier, he will have to prove he can play a full rigorous season in the AHL. Jankowksi will also have to continue to get bigger and stronger to have a chance at the next level.

Mark might have to learn to be a more  physical player, as he likely won’t ever be a top-six player for Calgary, unless he converts to the wing. Calgary already has Sean Monahan and Sam Bennett entrenched as their top-two centres, not to mention Mikael Backlund in the mix as well.

Since there are so many talented centres in the organization, Mark will really have to learn to play with more of an edge and consistency in order to break through. He is already proficient in the face-off circle, but he could get better, especially going up against some of the craftier veterans in the AHL.

There is no time-table for when Mark Jankowksi will make the NHL.

Next: Flames Offseason To-Do List

Early signs are positive for the youngster, meaning he could fast-track his stay with one or two solid seasons in the minors. If he does continue to impress next season and beyond, it could make Mikael Backlund a valuable trade chip, as his name frequently comes up in trade talk.

While there is always going to be questions surrounding Mark Jankowski, his play continues to shut the critics up. If he can continue his solid play next year, there won’t be any questions left to ask.