Post by coleman on Oct 23, 2009 1:01:46 GMT -5
A relatively quiet BuHL trade deadline saw the Calgary Flames make only one deal, with the club announcing the acquisition of Dustin Byfuglein and Greg Moore from the Winnipeg Jets. The Flames didn't lose any players themselves, as the Jets received two draft picks.
Byfuglein, 6'3" and 246 lbs, brings a unique physical presence to the Isotopes. He is also a versatile player, with the ability to step into a position on defence and contribute effectively.
"Dustin is a very capable forward and that's where we see him fitting in long-term, but he'll probably be used on defence in the short term." Topes coach Peter Laviolette said.
Moore appears to be more of a project for the Isotopes' coaching staff. He has struggled offensively for the Jets' farm club in Phoenix, chipping in a team-low 10 points. While still young at 20 years of age, Moore appears to be nearing a cross-roads in his pro career. He has the makings of a energy player at the pro level, but will need to fight for ice time with a deep organization like the Flames. The same was said about Brian McGrattan at one point however, but he has developed into a solid role-player in Calgary.
The move also raises questions about Joffrey Lupul's status in the organization. Lupul is in the midst of a break-out season at the farm level, currently sitting at 50 goals and 99 points. Both Moore and Byfuglein are natural right wingers, and many analysts wonder if the new depth at the position is being collected to move Lupul to the pro roster.
Lupul wouldn't be the only young player to work his way onto the pro club. Michael Leighton's lights out play in Albuquerque led to him replacing Dan Cloutier as the back-up to Marty Turco. The move surprised many around the team.
"It's nice to see our young players pushing our veterans. Michael's play was to good to ignore and we felt that he deserved a look at the pro level." GM Coleman Wilkinson said about his young goalie, adding "Dan is less than pleased obviously, but he is a professional. Our coaching staff thought that both goalies would benefit from a change of scenery. Whether or not it's permanent remains to be seen."
When asked about Lupul's status in the organization, the GM said "Joffrey is an interesting case. We don't really have a spot for him in our top-6 forwards, which is where he needs to be. Him playing on the fourth line doesn't make sense for his development at this point and we have players in the organization at this point who would be better in that situation. We do think that Joffrey can jump onto our top-two lines in case of injury, which is a nice luxury to have."
Byfuglein, 6'3" and 246 lbs, brings a unique physical presence to the Isotopes. He is also a versatile player, with the ability to step into a position on defence and contribute effectively.
"Dustin is a very capable forward and that's where we see him fitting in long-term, but he'll probably be used on defence in the short term." Topes coach Peter Laviolette said.
Moore appears to be more of a project for the Isotopes' coaching staff. He has struggled offensively for the Jets' farm club in Phoenix, chipping in a team-low 10 points. While still young at 20 years of age, Moore appears to be nearing a cross-roads in his pro career. He has the makings of a energy player at the pro level, but will need to fight for ice time with a deep organization like the Flames. The same was said about Brian McGrattan at one point however, but he has developed into a solid role-player in Calgary.
The move also raises questions about Joffrey Lupul's status in the organization. Lupul is in the midst of a break-out season at the farm level, currently sitting at 50 goals and 99 points. Both Moore and Byfuglein are natural right wingers, and many analysts wonder if the new depth at the position is being collected to move Lupul to the pro roster.
Lupul wouldn't be the only young player to work his way onto the pro club. Michael Leighton's lights out play in Albuquerque led to him replacing Dan Cloutier as the back-up to Marty Turco. The move surprised many around the team.
"It's nice to see our young players pushing our veterans. Michael's play was to good to ignore and we felt that he deserved a look at the pro level." GM Coleman Wilkinson said about his young goalie, adding "Dan is less than pleased obviously, but he is a professional. Our coaching staff thought that both goalies would benefit from a change of scenery. Whether or not it's permanent remains to be seen."
When asked about Lupul's status in the organization, the GM said "Joffrey is an interesting case. We don't really have a spot for him in our top-6 forwards, which is where he needs to be. Him playing on the fourth line doesn't make sense for his development at this point and we have players in the organization at this point who would be better in that situation. We do think that Joffrey can jump onto our top-two lines in case of injury, which is a nice luxury to have."