Under 23 Team Spotlight: Calgary Flames

Welcome to a new Spotlight blog where I will be looking at players for each team, that are under 23. Why 23? Well last August the World Cup had a team comprised of "Young Stars" who were 23 or younger. A team that surprised at the tournament, and represented the future of the league. That is where I got my inspiration to do this list. Within this spotlight, I will look at teams, with players that are 23 or under. I will give ranking, opinion, and an overall team grade. Today we look at the Calgary Flames.

***Left Wing***

1) Johnny Gaudreau age 23

-Johnny B. Good is VERY good! One of the top young talents in the league. Can easily put up 30 goals and 70+ points a season. After a slow start to the season, he has been on fire, and is peaking at the right time. A true superstar in the making

2) Matthew Tkachuk age 19

-Much like his father he is a pest! He will get under the skin of other teams, and also score while doing so. On pace for a 50+ season. (Which is phenomenal for a rookie, especially in today's brand of hockey) A true force, and perennial star.

3) Hunter Shinkaruk age 22

-Diminutive forward who has yet to stick in the NHL. However this kid is loaded with talent, and could be a solid 2nd/3rd line player. Wait for next year, to see where he will go.

4) Morgan Klimchuk age 22

- It is crazy how deep the Flames are on left wing. This kid is having a solid year in the AHL, but has yet to play an NHL game.Might need to be traded, to really get a chance to shine.

Other notables: Andrew Mangiapane age 20, Ryan Lomberg age 22, Pavel Karnaukhov age 20. Matthew Phillips age 18

***Center***

1) Sean Monahan age 22

- The quintessential leader of the Flames youth movement. A complete player, and a player that will consistently put up 70-80 points a season.

2) Sam Bennett age 20

- Might never be a dominating force,. but he still can be a two-forward that can put up 40 to 50 points per season. Great speed, and a solid passer. Could make a great second line centermen for the Flames.

3) Mark Jankowski age 22

-Power forward who is still trying to find his game. Plenty of talent here, just a matter of seeing if he can stay consistent. Could be worth the wait for the Flames.

Other notables: Dillon Dube age 18, Linus Lindstrom age 19, Mitchell Mattson age 19

***Right Wing***

1) Curtis Lazar age 22

-Was rushed to quickly in to the NHL by Ottawa. A new team, a new look, and a new possible future for him. High energy player, who could turn out to be a real steal by the Flames

2) Emile Poirier age 22

-His professional career has sputtered a bit, and he has not yet establishing himself as a NHL player. Lacks consistency and still needs to add more strength

3) Hunter Smith age 21

-6ft 7 beast of a player that is still a bit of a project for the Flames.

Other notables: Austin Carroll age 23, Brett Pollock age 21, Eetu Tuulola age 19

**Defense**

1) Dougie Hamilton age 23

-Still baffled that the Bruins traded his stud. He has all the attributes that makes for a superstar. Very rare to have d-men who can put up 50 points. A true leader, and serious Captain material. One of the best rearguards in the league.

2) Rasmus Andersson age 20

-Offensive star, who is a mix of Drew Doughty and Aaron Ekblad. Watch out for him next year!

3) Brett Kulak age 23

- Defensive style d-man who can rack up good minutes. Simple but effective.

4) Oliver Kylington age 19

-Loaded with offensive potential No need to rush him right now.

Other notables: Keegan Kanzig age 22 , Ryan Culkin age 23, Adam Ollas-Mattsson age 20, Josh Healey age 22, Adam Fox age 19, Brandon Hickey age 23

***Goalies***

1) Jon Gilles age 23

-Still has not made the jump to the NHL, and if he does, it might only be as a backup.

2) Mason McDonald age 20

- Big framed goalie is currently doing a stellar job in net with the Flames ECHL affiliate. Could possibly be the Flames future in net.

3) Tyler Parson age 19

-Second round steal by the Flames. Still in juniors, but there is plenty of time for his game to develop.

Team Ranking:

- The Flames have probably the most deep roster of all NHL teams in this list. They already have players who have established themselves, and the future is bright for the Flames. Goaltending is their only question mark, but other than that, all is grrrreaat!

Overall score: 95/100 A+