Gaudreau is definitely a player I have on my "watch list". I do think hes a strong candidate to stay with Boston College until he graduates. Hes a sophomore this season.
Best case scenario he leaves college after this season, and Calgary signs him, starting his pro career w/ Abbotsford. There I'd expect him to spend at least 2 seasons getting used to playing against smarter, bigger, faster, stronger AHL d-men...possibly 3 seasons of AHL seasoning. Depending how he does there and how he holds his own in future Flames training camps will determine if he gets a chance to prove himself at the NHL level.
Either way, hes a player that is at least 3-5 years away from making an NHL impact.
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Stamkos was asked today in Tampa how he can top last season:
"Well, get into the playoffs. That's the big key and that's our goal here."
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