Minor Hockey Talks - Hockey Forum

Jacob Battaglia inks a three-year ELC with the Flames Fresh off a dominant OHL season, Battaglia’s entry-level deal raises some interesting questions. Is he ready to jump to the NHL next season or will Calgary take a more patient approach with his development? His 90-point campaign in Kingston certainly suggests he’s got offensive upside, but is that enough to translate to the pros immediately? I predict we see him in a Flames jersey for a handful of games next year, primarily to get a taste of the NHL, before being sent back to the OHL to dominate for one more season. What do you think – is he NHL-ready or does he need more seasoning? Where do you see him fitting into Calgary’s lineup in the coming years? With the Flames fighting for a playoff spot this year, could this signing signal a shift towards prioritizing youth and rebuilding, even if they sneak into the postseason? This signing also brings up a larger discussion – are we seeing a trend of NHL teams locking up their prospects quicker than before? It seems more and more players drafted in later rounds are getting ELCs after strong junior seasons. Is this a smart strategy or does it potentially create a logjam in the system down the road? Share your thoughts on Battaglia’s potential, his fit in Calgary, and the broader trend of NHL development.