Jankowski, Gilmour, and the Providence Friars eliminated from the Frozen Four

Flames prospects and Providence Friars Mark Jankowski and John Gilmour have played their last NCAA game, as their collegiate team have been eliminated in the first round of the Frozen Four after a dramatic 2-1 defeat to the Minnesota-Duluth Bulldogs.

This was as big an upset as you can get in the first round. The Friars were the reigning national champions and had heavy consideration for a repeat. The Bulldogs were a surprise inclusion in the tournament, arguably the weakest team in the bracket. They took the game to Providence, never trailing throughout the whole 80:57 of gametime. Janko and Gilmour did not make an impact on the scoresheet, although Gilmour had three shots on net (Jankowski, none). A disappointing end to their college careers.

Jankowski, Jay Feaster’s ten year plan, finishes with 40 points in 38 game, and 110 career points in 148 games. The 2012 first round pick’s numbers are underwhelming, considering the hype built up when he was drafted. We’ll have to wait and see what the Flames do with Janko, but don’t expect anything immediate (for comparison, when Johnny Gaudreau and Bill Arnold lost in the 2014 Frozen Four, Flames execs were in the arena offering them contracts).

Gilmour also put together a solid season. With 23 points in 33 games, he was a key contributor from the Providence blueline. His story is a bit more of a surprise. Drafted in the seventh round in 2013 after having already played a year at Providence, Gilmour exits college with 65 points in 140 games. He's a bit of a long shot at his age (approaching 23), but could still earn a shot in the AHL this season or next.

No definites yet, but for what my opinion is worth, Gilmour will be signed first as he has no strings attached. Jankowski does. If the Flames do not sign him by August 15th, he will become a UFA and the Flames will receive a compensatory 2017 second round pick. Based on how he performed this season, I wouldn't sign him, and collect the pick (more on that later though).

by xx xx