Yup. He needs out of Saint John ASAP.Need to get him to a real team before we can make any judgements.
Can’t speak to actually having watched him, but the context seems to speak wonders about his improvement.+/- is what it is, but from -25 in 64 games last year to +1 in 24, he must be doing something better defensively. Anyone seen him actually play?
He isn't.Poirier isnt a great skater?
Yeah I’m going to have to completely disagree with that.
It was his offensive game that got him drafted, but after many scouts agreeing that his defensive game that needed work, Poirier made it his mission to improve in that area this season. “I wanted to be more of a complete player, and not try those fancy plays all the time. I’ve been making good steps this year . . . but I wanted to get that flashy style and keep that play with the puck style in my game because that is who I am.”
His offensive game still grew, but his defensive game also took another big step forward. Watching him play, it was clear that he was more aware of his positioning, tracking back, and minding his gaps much more effectively. While a flawed statistic on its own, his plus-minus went from a horrendous -25 to a more reasonable -3 this season. In the playoffs, he finished above water at +2.
Poirier credits his coach for helping him to improve his defensive game. Historically, Saint John has struggled on defence, and particularly in transition. This season they hired former Flames coach Greg Gilbert, who Poirier said inspired him to be a better player. “He’s a defensive coach, and coached in the NHL so he knows how to play there and win there. It was a good opportunity to work with a coach who has this much experience. He’s pretty old school . . . but treated us more like pros and . . . [he] was hard on us… but I appreciate what he did”.
But even more than that, Poirier credited Gilbert especially for taking the time he needed to get better. He mentioned that this helped him become a better player, which should help him take another step forward in his game.
If it were an issue, I doubt Poirier would have explained the situation and relationship as he did. If Poirier feels it helps, it probably doesNot going to lie, hearing that Greg Gilbert is coaching two of our prospects, does not instill confidence.
Not if you look at Gilbert's time coaching the FlamesMuch better than no coaching.
He isn't.
Skip to around 7:30. Additionally if you look at @Dube Dube Doo's post on page one any of the scouting reports that mention his skating call it decent or above average except Consentino.
He's a fine skater. He's not an elite one like Kylington or Brodie and could improve on it. I've watched quite a bit of him since the draft and he's above average, he's certainly not elite. There's times where he comes across as completely sluggish even (a good example is last years top prospect game).
Not sure why a guy like this chooses to be a dman
Not sure why a guy like this chooses to be a dman
sound like the next Kylington. Lots of hype from fans but won’t see much ice time unless his defense improves significantly
I don’t want to overhype the guy, but he gives me more Fox vibes. Kinda different players, but everyone knocked Fox D game as well and look how he turned out.
I think Oliver should have played way more this season. He’s also gotten a raw deal and now Sutter is going to try and round out his game. So he’s probably going to be cut loose. I think Poirier is so smart and has an elite ability to make plays, he will learn to play D. I could see him on our top pairing in 3 seasons.
Hopefully, from the clip it doesn’t even look like he is interested in playing defense. He is young so that can change but the flames are not known for developing players…but maybe you are right, Sutter may change that
So, why did Flames waste a 3rd pick on this guy?Not sure why a guy like this chooses to be a dman
sound like the next Kylington. Lots of hype from fans but won’t see much ice time unless his defense improves significantly
Why do people buy 6/49 tickets?So, why did Flames waste a 3rd pick on this guy?
Oh, 3 letters and a bunch of" ......." as in "Tre........."