Mason Raymond Injury Provides Chance for Johnny Gaudreau To Shine For Calgary Flames
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On Tuesday, the Calgary Flames placed Mason Raymond on the injured reserve with a shoulder injury. Raymond is considered week-to-week and David Jones has been called up to fill the empty roster spot. In the wake of the Raymond injury comes opportunity. Opportunity for Johnny Gaudreau to establish himself as an NHL player.
Raymond is tied for the team lead in goals with five, alongside Dennis Wideman. With Raymond’s absence, Gaudreau will be promoted to the second line. Playing a more prominent role offensively, being given more ice time and naturally having more chances to score.
The Flames’ second line for their game against the Montreal Canadiens tonight is projected to be Paul Byron and Johnny Gaudreau centered by Mikael Backlund. Backlund and Gaudreau are both dynamic offensive players in their own respects. With the chance to form some chemistry together, Gaudreau may find his comfort zone in the Flames’ lineup alongside Backlund. Both players may be able to assist each other in hitting their stride this season. Each player has less than five points through 10 games this year.
The Raymond injury gives Gaudreau a chance to prove why he should remain with the Flames, and why he can play in the NHL despite his small stature. While the absence of Mason Raymond may be felt offensively, Gaudreau will be given more ice time and more of a chance to produce pints.
Gaudreau can score, he has great stick handling and has potential to beat defenders with his speed. The prospect of playing alongside Mikael Backlund can lead to a development in chemistry that will replace the missing offensive production due to Raymond’s injury, establishing Gaudreau’s spot with the Flames.
Shaun Lavery is a Calgary Flames writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter, or add him to your network on Google.
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