Flames Prospect Wrap-Up #2: the rest of the college kids

Hey, we’re back with more prospect wrap-ups. This is certainly not a good thing, because it means that every single one of the Flames‘ prospects in the Frozen Four were eliminated in the first round. Uh-oh.

The Providence Friars bowed out to the Minnesota-Duluth Bulldogs in a surprise double OT victory. Prospects Mark Jankowski and John Gilmour were held off the scoresheet, but Jankowski was very ill, requiring several IV bags after the game. That’s not pleasant.

Boston University’s defeat was fair. They were pummeled 7-2 by the Denver Pioneers. Brandon Hickey was also left off the scoresheet.

So with their seasons over, it's time to give them one final glance before looking onwards to 2016-17. I use NHLe charts of my own design, with a reading guide here.

Mark Jankowski

The controversial 2012 1st round pick finished up his senior season at Providence as the leading scorer on the team, and was given a nod for the Hockey East first team. However, the Friars could not repeat as national champs, as I already explained. Onto the charts.

Final 2015-16 NHLe: 31.94

That huge dip from October to December is probably concerning. Jankowski scored 16 of his total points in the first 12 games (1.33 PPG) and then 22 in his next 26 games (0.79 PPG). His stats are somewhat inflated (18.9 SH% woof), and that 0.79 PPG player you saw in the final few months is probably the one you will get if you sign him. Besides those opening first few games, he played mostly like he did last year (there's also the fact that he scored 25% of his points on the powerplay, but y'all were talkative enough in the other article, no need to stoke that fire).

Projections:

There's nothing really positive to say here. He might be a bottom six centre in a few years, and in that case, that's something you can find in the second round of the 2017 draft. I'm sorry, but it's true. As a senior, he isn't scoring enough (with regards to consistency and volume) at 5v5. Take the pick and move on.

John Gilmour

The undersized defender was also a Providence senior, putting up college career highs in goals, assists, and points. To repeat myself again, his season ended Friday when Providence was eliminated in the Frozen Four tournament.

Final 2015-16 NHLe: 20.56

Like Jankowski, Gilmour also had a hot start. 10 points in his first 11 games, 13 in his final 23. Also like Jankowski, Gilmour scored a lot of points on the powerplay, but way more dramatically than Janko. 16 of his total 23 points were powerplay points, which probably explains the massive jump in NHLe from the previous season. No word on whether Nate Leaman intentionally gives all PP time to seniors (though it's not a bad strategy if you want to keep NHL teams interested in your school, and likewise, more recruits interested).

Projections:

Based on data from theprojectionproject.com, Gilmour's best landing spot within the organization is Stockton, comparing well with many AHL guys. I had to remove height and weight filters from the search, so that assessment in itself could be generous. He's a small guy who doesn't score as often as you would like. Not to suggest that he doesn't have a pro hockey future, but anything meaningful is way on down the road.

Brandon Hickey

One of the biggest surprises from last year, Hickey continued his positive growth and made an appearance for Team Canada at the World Juniors, but did not register a point. Without Jack Eichel, his Boston University Terriers were mere Chihuahuas and were thumped by the Denver Pioneers in the first round of the Frozen Four.

2015-16 final NHLe: 6.74

Goodness gracious, what the hell happened at the WJC? I don't really have any theories right now, but I could imagine international travel combined with a disappointing overall performance could take a toll on a 19 year old. But did that really last for three months? For the record, he scored seven points in 16 games before departing for Helsinki. Afterwards, one in 20 games. You'd expect his stats to turn downhill with Eichel's departure, but for the first three months of the season, he held it together. I had better hopes for Hickey this season. This was really shocking.

Projections:

Still needs some work. After this poor season, his stock has dropped to the point where TPP says there's an 83% he could wind up as a bust. I'm still optimistic that he can rebound, but he'll be in Boston for at least one more year.

Hopefully we won't have to write anymore of these for a while. CHL playoffs are still fresh, and the Stockton Heat still have nine games left to decide their fate. Until then, we bid you adieu.

by xx xx