Ranking the Calgary Flames Top 20 Prospects (January 2018 Edition)

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If you're wondering why mortarboards and graduation gowns are hard to find in stores these days, you can blame this edition of the Flames top 20 prospects as this time around, there's been more graduations than normal on my list.

As has become tradition for to help ardent fans pass the time during the NHL all-star break, it's time to unveil the latest and greatest list of who could be regular NHLers in Calgary in the future.

This is also an enjoyable undertaking because first the arguing begins with myself. Up until the last moment, I'm always tweaking the list. Moving one guy up, moving one guy down, moving one in, moving one guy out. I'm constantly thinking it over, re-thinking it and yes, probably over-thinking it.

No matter what, there is always going to be debate and maybe even a little outrage and now those discussions can begin.


History

This is the sixth edition of my bi-annual rankings, which made its debut in August 2015. While it doesn't feel like all that long ago, a look back at the list reminds you of how long ago it really was.

Topping the list that initial year was Sam Bennett. Having just been made the Flames highest-ever draft pick, it was hard to dispute his perch at that juncture. But the next three on the list -- Emile Poirier, Mason MacDonald and Brandon Hickey -- well, for a variety of reasons, their careers have not exactly taken off. Not yet, anyway.

That's what makes these snapshots in time of the Flames prospect cupboard, done twice a year -- late in the summer after the draft and in January/February at the all-star break -- so fascinating is it reminds us of what once was supposed to be, which frequently turns out not to be, and vice versa.

On that first list, at No. 10 was Micheal Ferland. Arguably too high at the time, now he's on the Flames No. 1 line. You just never know.

For those curious, here's a look back at the past rankings:

• August 2017
• February 2017
• July 2016
• January 2016
• August 2015 

One thing I'll point out is I like to build-in a power rankings-like feel to my list so prospects tend to rise and fall on my list in a more volatile fashion than they might on the whiteboard in Brad Treliving's office. But I like it that way, it reflects who has had a good season so far, and who hasn't.


My Definition of 'Prospect'

If you look at other hockey publications and websites, there are different definitions for 'prospect'. Some have age restrictions, some exclude players once they're no longer considered an NHL rookie. My criteria is simple and comes down to two things:

• Age 25 or under for skaters (age 26 or under for goalies)
• Has not established himself as an NHL regular

For my rankings, note that this is not the order in which I expect players to ascend to the NHL. The estimated time of arrival (ETA) is a minimal factor only. A bigger consideration are two things: 1. Likeliness to make the NHL. 2. Projected impact/role if they do make it.


Grads and Departures

As mentioned, more of players than usual have moved on this time around and moved on in a good way. It could easily have been four, but instead, three players have graduated, no surprise given the high impact Stockton players have made on the 2017-18 Flames.

The most notable departure is Mark Jankowski, who last time around checked in at No. 2 on the list. Given the go-ahead in December by GM Brad Treliving to find a place, not only does that mean no more living at hotel, it also means he's been evicted from this list.

Now a regular on the third pairing, Brett Kulak has also moved on and good for him. An honourable mention while he was languishing in the ECHL, he bumped up and down the rankings over the years, leaving off at No. 13 last year, which is about where you'll find guys with third pairing upside. For Kulak, we'll see if he can take it further.

The other grad for a couple reasons is Garnet Hathaway. For one, he's too old now. But also, he seems to have established himself as a bottom-six NHLer with the GM saying recently that he's here to stay for the season.

So, are you sitting comfortably? Then we'll begin.


Flames Top 20 Prospects - January 2018

Included for reference is each player's previous rankings starting from the most recent (August 2017) and working backwards chronologically.

1. D Rasmus Andersson (previously 3rd, 2nd, 3rd, 2nd, 6th)

• Age | 21
• Size | 6-foot-1, 220 lbs
• Shoots | Right
• Acquired | Drafted in 2nd round (53rd overall) in 2015
• This Season | Stockton AHL (36 gm, 4-21-25)
• ETA | 2018-19

An AHL all-star, the highly-competitive Swede continues to log a ton of ice time. Relied upon to go up against other team's top lines, those nightly assignments are helping round out his defensive game. With the puck, his game is already considered elite. His fitness issues are also seemingly behind him.

When you shoot harder than Ovechkin, the NHL Hardest Shot winner pic.twitter.com/cqqcWvX07j

— Stockton Heat (@AHLHeat) January 29, 2018

2. G Tyler Parsons (previously 1st, 3rd, 9th)

• Age | 20 
• Size | 6-foot-1, 185 lbs 
• Catches | Left 
• Acquired | Drafted in 2nd round (54th overall) in 2016 
• This Season | Kansas City ECHL (21 gm, 10-9-1, 3.07 GAA, .906 SV%) 
• ETA | 2020-21 

Jonathan Quick-like with his quick reflexes, athleticism, quickness and high compete level, Parsons remains the guy viewed as the starter of the future. That said, a tough start to his first pro season sees him drop to No. 2 on my list. But he's been back in fine form lately and there are no lingering doubts.

3. D Adam Fox (previously 4th, 10th, 15th)

• Age | 20 in February 
• Size | 5-foot-11, 180 lbs 
• Shoots | Right 
• Acquired | Drafted in 3rd round (66th overall) in 2016 
• This Season | Harvard NCAA (17 gm, 0-12-12) 
• ETA | 2020-21 

Smart and offensively gifted, he had another stellar performance at the WJC, showing why there is so much excitement within the organization for a guy that somehow slipped to the third round in the 2016 NHL Draft. In his sophomore year at Harvard, expect him to leave school this summer or next.

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4. C/LW Dillon Dube (previously 6th, 7th, 11th)

• Age | 19 
• Size | 5-foot-11, 185 lbs
• Shoots | Left
• Acquired | Drafted in 2nd round (56th overall) in 2016
• This Season | Kelowna WHL (31 gm, 21-25-46)
• ETA | 2019-20

Put himself on the map with a terrific performance in captaining Canada to gold at WJC. Lauded for his defensive play last year, this year he showed his offensive side. While I'm not sure of his ceiling, he has all the tools to play in the NHL. A sure thing to turn pro next fall, he may not be that far away.

5. D Juuso Valimaki (previously 5th)

• Age | 19
• Size | 6-foot-2, 215 lbs
• Shoots | Left
• Acquired | Drafted in 1st round (16th overall) in 2017 
• This Season | Tri-City WHL (19 gm, 5-15-20)
• ETA | 2019-20

There are high hopes for the big Finn, who has frequently captained his country in international play and did so again at the WJC. Injured right now, he is having another solid WHL season. An impactful presence on the ice, the club expects him to develop into one of those coveted top-four defencemen.

6. LW Andrew Mangiapane (previously 8th, 8th, 9th, 20th)

• Age | 21
• Size | 5-foot-10, 185 lbs
• Shoots | Left
• Acquired | Drafted in 6th round (166th overall) in 2015
• This Season | Stockton AHL (31 gm, 16-19-35), Calgary NHL (8 gm, 0-0-0)
• ETA | 2018-19

Starred in his second pro season in the minors and was named an AHL all-star. Finally got his shot in the NHL and while he has not picked up a point while toiling on the fourth line, experience of taking that next step -- the biggest step of them all -- will only help him. If his time isn't now, it will be soon.

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7. G David Rittich (previously 12th, 16th)

• Age | 25
• Size | 6-foot-3, 202 lbs
• Catches | Left
• Acquired | Signed as FA in June 2016
• This Season | Calgary NHL (7 gm, 4-1-2, 2.15 GAA, .929 SV%), Stockton AHL (6 gm, 5-1-0, 2.17 GAA, .931 SV%)
• ETA | 2017-18

Considered close to NHL-ready last summer, a great start combined with poor play from Eddie Lack earned him an opportunity and he's run with it. Well-liked and a hard worker, I considered graduating him, but just two months removed from being in the minors, let's see how he fares in the second half.

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8. RW Spencer Foo (previously 7th)

• Age | 24
• Size | 6-foot-0, 185 lbs
• Shoots | Right
• Acquired | Signed as a free agent in July 2017 
• This Season | Stockton AHL (39 gm, 12-12-24)
• ETA | 2018-19

Detailed structure of pro hockey made for big adjustment from NCAA. Depleted Heat roster leaving less talent to play with also a factor in slow start. But lately, has been more confident and dangerous offensively and Foo is now the guy making his linemates better, rather than him depending on them.

Flames prospect Spencer Foo has been heating up in Stockton lately. Five points in two games this weekend gives him 11 points (6 g, 5 a) over his last 9 games. He had just 13 points (6 g, 7 a) in his first 30 games.

— Darren Haynes (@DarrenWHaynes) January 28, 2018

9. D Oliver Kylington (previously 9th, 5th, 4th, 6th, 7th)

• Age | 20
• Size | 6-foot-0, 180 lbs
• Shoots | Left
• Acquired | Drafted in 2nd round (60th overall) in 2015
• This Season | Stockton AHL (37 gm, 2-20-22)
• ETA | 2019-20

Fifth pro season -- two in Sweden, three in the minors -- you wonder if AHL-fatigue may set in given his contract slid twice so he's on his ELC for two more years. Elite skater having his best offensive year. Decision-making is improving, but lapses persist. Still working on his play away from the puck.

10. G Jon Gillies (previously 8th, 6th, 2nd, 1st, 5th)

• Age | 24
• Size | 6-foot-6, 225 lbs
• Catches | Left
• Acquired | Drafted in 3rd round (75th overall) in 2012 
• This Season | Stockton AHL (28 gm, 13-11-4, 2.57 GAA, .917 SV%)
• ETA | 2019-20

Rittich getting the NHL back-up job must be a tough situation mentally for Gillies, as there's nowhere to go at the moment. Shines at times, but then will suffer a lapse in his play. e.g. After back-to-back shutouts recently, has a .869 SV% in last four starts. Needs to stick with it and improve consistency. 

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11. C Adam Ruzicka (previously 20th, HM)

• Age | 18 
• Size | 6-foot-4, 210 lbs 
• Shoots | Left 
• Acquired | Drafted in 4th round (109th overall) in 2017 
• This Season | Sarnia OHL (44 gm, 28-25-53) 
• ETA | 2021-22 

Lots to like with the Slovakian, who is piling up points on a strong Sarnia team. Projected to go as high as late second round, Flames got him in round 4 where he could be a real steal. He's a young man in a huge body so still has lots of work to do to build strength and be a more consistent player.

12. C Glenn Gawdin (debut)

• Age | 21 in March
• Size | 6-foot-1, 195 lbs
• Shoots | Right
• Acquired | Signed as FA in Nov 2017 (originally St. Louis 4th rounder in 2015)
• This Season | Swift Current WHL (49 gm, 39-50-89)
• ETA | 2020-21

Thriving in the WHL as he should as a 20-year-old playing on a great line, but the insane production became too prolific to ignore. So Calgary jumped in and signed him, cashing in on the relationship built when Gawdin turned heads at September's rookie camp. Club loves his drive and overall game.

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13. C Linus Lindstrom (previously 19th, HM)

• Age | 20 
• Size | 6-foot-0, 170 lbs
• Shoots | Left
• Acquired | Drafted in 4th round (96th overall) in 2016
• This Season | Skelleftea Sweden (29 gm, 2-1-3)
• ETA | 2021-22

Unlikely to become a high-end scorer, but the organization likes his defensive game, PK ability and face-off prowess. Playing his second year in Sweden's top league has been great for his development. Centered his country's top line at the World Juniors, centering Elias Pettersson and Alex Nylander. 

14. RW Matthew Phillips (previously 15th, 15th)

• Age | 20 in April 
• Size | 5-foot-7, 155 lbs 
• Shoots | Right 
• Acquired | Drafted in 6th round (166th overall) in 2016 
• This Season | Victoria WHL (50 gm, 35-44-79) 
• ETA | 2021-22 

His stats leap off the page where he's been a non-stop source of offence for Victoria. But size is still a concern. Small is one thing, Phillips is tiny. Had a lackluster rookie camp last year and was a late cut from Canada's WJC team. Will be a joy to watch when he turns pro, it just might not be in the NHL.

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15. LW Morgan Klimchuk (previously 14th, 12th, 14th, 7th, 9th)

• Age | 23 in March
• Size | 6-foot-0, 185 lbs 
• Shoots | Left 
• Acquired | Drafted in 1st round (28th overall) in 2013 
• This Season | Stockton AHL (40 gm, 12-13-25) 
• ETA | 2019-20 

Has turned himself into a solid, dependable AHLer, but jury is out on whether he does enough things well enough to separate himself and become an NHL regular. Appears on the path to becoming the forward version of Tyler Wotherspoon -- serviceable in a pinch as a depth forward, but no big upside.

16. RW Eetu Tuulola (previously HM, 18th, 18th)

• Age | 20 in March
• Size | 6-foot-2, 230 lbs
• Shoots | Right
• Acquired | Drafted in 6th round (156th overall) in 2016
• This Season | HPK Finland (37 gm, 11-8-19)
• ETA | 2021-22

Is an intriguing blend of size, skill and with a wicked shot. After coming over to the WHL for a year, he is back in Finland this season where he's putting up decent numbers in the top Finnish pro league. Played three games at this year's World Juniors. Is a natural RW, the organization's thinnest position.

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17. RW Emile Poirier (previously 11th, 20th, 10th, 4th, 2nd)

• Age | 23 
• Size | 6-foot-2, 200 lbs
• Shoots | Left
• Acquired | Drafted in 1st round (22nd overall) in 2013
• This Season | Stockton AHL (39 gm, 3-13-16)
• ETA | 2019-20

The good news is he's got his life back on track after his battle with alcohol addiction. The problem is that illness robbed him of some crucial development years in one's hockey career. He's trying to re-gain his old form and you see flashes, but it appears it will be a long journey with destination unknown.

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18. LW Ryan Lomberg (previously HM)

• Age | 23
• Size | 5-foot-9, 185 lbs
• Shoots | Left
• Acquired | Signed to NHL ELC in March 2017 
• This Season | Stockton AHL (37 gm, 5-9-14)  
• ETA | 2018-19

Getting in an NHL game was a great feat for a kid whose unconventional career path has been a series of jagged lines. Viewed as a Garnet Hathaway-lite, he's fiery, fearless and an absolute buzz-saw on the ice with his relentless puck pursuit. What he lacks in natural talent, he makes up for in effort.

Ryan Lomberg making his NHL debut is a great story. In 2015, he was a 5-9, unknown, unpolished, scraggly-haired kid invited to development camp. But driven by his passion for the game, he's knocked down every barrier and now brings his piss-and-vinegar style to the show. Awesome.

— Darren Haynes (@DarrenWHaynes) January 25, 2018

19. C D'Artagnan Joly (debut)

• Age | 19 in April 
• Size | 6-foot-3, 180 lbs 
• Shoots | Right 
• Acquired | Drafted in 6th round (171st overall) in 2017 
• This Season | Baie-Comeau QMJHL (38 gm, 15-31-46) 
• ETA | 2021-22 

A bad back forced him to miss development camp and rookie camp and same injury sidelined him to start the season. But since returning, he's been great and he has nearly equaled his point total from a year ago -- and in 28 fewer games. He's a long way out, but is an intriguing big body up the middle.

20. LW Hunter Shinkaruk (previously 16th, 11th, 6th)

• Age | 23
• Size | 5-foot-11, 180 lbs
• Shoots | Left
• Acquired | Trade with Canucks in Feb 2016 (originally Vancouver 1st rounder in 2013)  
• This Season | Stockton AHL (38 gm, 12-6-18)
• ETA | 2019-20

As a fourth-year AHLer, the likes of Hathaway, Mangiapane, Lomberg and Hrivik all getting promoted ahead of him this season speaks volumes. Appears Vancouver sold high on Shinkaruk, who hasn't been able to get back to the numbers he put up two years ago with Utica. Time is running out.

Honourable Mentions:

The best of the rest:

D Josh Healey (previously 18th) - Still adjusting from NCAA and playing time has been hard to get.
RW Zach Fischer (debut) - Late bloomer passed over twice in draft. He can score and he can fight.
C Mitchell Mattson (previously NR, HM) - Lanky, long-term project will play for MSU next year.
D Tyler Wotherspoon (previously HM, 13th, 12th, 13th, 11th) - Solid AHLer, can't get NHL look.
D Adam Ollas-Mattsson (previously NR, HM, 20th, 19th) - Big Swede in first year on the 200x85.

By the way, have you liked Flames From 80 Feet on Facebook yet? Do so now! It's another way to be alerted to new stories I've written, other articles from my colleagues that I've enjoyed and I'll occasionally use that space to weigh in on the news of the day.