RD Hunter Brzustewicz - Kitchener Rangers, WHL (2023, 75th, VAN; traded to CAL)

[MS]

When he was acquired, a lot of Flames fans saw his numbers and assumed he has the potential of a top pairing guy. When in reality, his ceiling is probably a #3 or #4

Today was the first day of development camp. I wasn’t there, but some Flames fans left disappointed with him. He is what he is. Guy that at his best can play some sheltered minutes and play PP2.

I said this a bunch of times when he was a Canucks prospect, but his upside is basically Rasmus Sandin. Downside is Adam Clendening.

 

[Bond]

nah this guy is the next Ryan Ellis. He’s not a world class skater but he’s got an elite brain. He didn’t make the WJC team because the USA doesn’t like to pick players that don’t play in the USA development system, same thing happened to Musty.

He’ll be a solid second pair/second PP guy.

I’b be pumped if he turned into a second pairing dman. It looks like he has a decent chance of turning out

 

[DJJones]

I’b be pumped if he turned into a second pairing dman. It looks like he has a decent chance of turning out

Ya I never get why some people discount prospects like that? Oh hes only going to be a cost controlled 2nd pairing guy? Oh no. Like that isn't worth a 1st or more.

If he becomes a top pairing guy, this would be a franchise altering trade. Brzustewics and Gridin for a couple months of Lindholm

 

[Bond]

Ya I never get why some people discount prospects like that? Oh hes only going to be a cost controlled 2nd pairing guy? Oh no. Like that isn't worth a 1st or more.

If he becomes a top pairing guy, this would be a franchise altering trade. Brzustewics and Gridin for a couple months of Lindholm

Would be funny if somehow Jurmo turned into something and they flipped Kuzmenko for something else. I love trade trees. That Hanifin/Lindholm trade still has lot of paths to go

 

[ameselare]

Even though he's no longer a Van prospect, I'm really intrigued by this player.

His passing is already NHL level. Perfect weight and tape to tape.

Deceptive edge work too. Everything has to go right, but he has legit potential to be a PMD for the Flames

Same. He was stuck behind a few guys in our depth chart so the trade made sense for all parties but I really like him. As you said, everything has to go right, but he has a great work ethic and attitude, and a lot of talent.

I'd say he has a low floor but the upside of 2nd unit PP, #4 guy is definitely there.

 

[DJJones]

Preseason went very well. I'd say he's 2nd callup. Definitely worthy of a bump

 

[Yepthatsme]

Preseason went very well. I'd say he's 2nd callup. Definitely worthy of a bump

Guy will be a full time NHLer by the last quarter of this season. Think he does extremely well this year in the AHL on a much improved Wranglers team, and he forces his way into the lineup as a callup for an injury/otherwise and never leaves it. His skating and defensive deficiencies seem pretty overblown, wouldn’t call him a burner but he doesn’t look slow and against his peers he was more than adequate until camp ramped up, which is completely fair for a 19 year old. Worst case scenario for him looks like a one and done in the AHL and a full timer next season. His vision and hockey IQ are elite.

 

[Bounces R Way]

Had a great first pro camp. Always has his head up and makes a ton of high percentage plays. Several great outlet passes from his own zone. Little work on the first couple steps and his defensive commitment and intensity and I think he'll play NHL games this year. He's got a lot of the qualities you look for in a top 4 dman.

 

[MichaelFarrell]

Had a great first pro camp. Always has his head up and makes a ton of high percentage plays. Several great outlet passes from his own zone. Little work on the first couple steps and his defensive commitment and intensity and I think he'll play NHL games this year. He's got a lot of the qualities you look for in a top 4 dman.

Great analysis overall. Honestly, that’s pretty much always been his game. He was overlooked largely because of his skating and he’s not the biggest guy.

He just makes smart plays out there. I had him ranked 24 in 2023 and couldn’t believe he fell to the third round.