Connect with us

Calgary Flames

Calgary Flames Invite Brayden Burke to Camp

Not related to Brian Burke.

Published

on

The Lethbridge Herald is reporting that the Flames have invited Lethbridge Hurricanes star Brayden Burke to their training camp. When I say star, I mean that Brayden Burke was a dominant point producer in the WHL last season. As a 19-year-old, he finished third in the entire WHL in scoring, posting 27 goals and 82 assists for a grand total of 109 points in 72 games played.

 

Burke was understandably passed over in his first year of NHL Draft eligibility, after posting up 34 points in 41 games. However, he was once again passed over in his second go through of the draft, even after his prolific offensive season. He is not the biggest guy, at 5’10”, 160 LBS, but with the NHL becoming more accessible to talented smaller players, it is surprising that he would be passed over completely in the draft compared to some of the bigger, less skilled players that were drafted instead of him. Bringing in Burke is the exact sort of calculated move the Flames have had success with of late, with Johnny Gaudreau starring for them and prospects Andrew Mangiapane and Matthew Phillips having some very high potential for 6th round picks. Burke has skill and he seems to understand the Flames are a team willing to give players like him an opportunity to earn a spot.

 

The article indicates Burke will leave the Hurricanes for the Flames on September 15th, so it looks like he will be available to the team for their first game of the Young Stars Classic on September 16th against the Winnipeg Jets. If all goes well, he should be brought along to the Flames main camp. If all goes really well, Brayden Burke will hopefully sign an Entry-Level Deal with the Flames. This move is no risk but could result in adding an offensively adept prospect without giving up any assets. Burke has the chance; hopefully he can make the most of it.

by samwell9