Flames' prospect Gaudreau draws rave reviews

Solid look at Flames prospect Johnny Gaudreau from The New York Times. Worth checking out.

Former Northeastern assistant Albie O’Connell, who recruited Gaudreau, said: “He’s the best player in college hockey. He is steps ahead of everyone.”

Denver coach Jim Montgomery, who had Gaudreau on his United States Hockey League team: “His creativity is off the charts. He does things you don’t see anyone else doing, like Datsyuk. His footwork and handwork are extraordinary, and his puck protection is like Patrick Kane’s.”

His mom, Jane Gaudreau, on the choice Johnny faces on whether to stay at Boston College for another year, or turn pro: “As his mom, I’d like to see him take one more year to get a little bigger, a little stronger, and to enjoy his senior year. He’s never had a homecoming. He’s never had a prom. He missed his high school graduation. He said he’d have a graduation picture for me.

“Have your senior year. You will never get that back.”

Source: Peter May, New York Times

If you're wondering about a smaller player like Gaudreau and how he might fit into Brian Burke's plans, harken back to this Calgary Sun article from December.

“There’s room for the small player in our game, but you better surround them with some beef,” Burke said. “There’s plenty of room for small, skilled guys. Everybody says ‘You have a big team.’ … I’ve had some pretty good players play for me, too — some pretty highly-skilled players that I placed great value on. Guys like (Pavel) Bure and (Markus) Naslund, (Daniel and Henrik) Sedin, Teemu Selanne …

“I have lots of room for skilled guys. It’s easier to fill out the roster with the bangers than it is with the skilled guys. Anyone can paint a barn, but you need a special person to paint a masterpiece.”

Source: Wes Gilbertson, Calgary Sun