Chad Johnson & Bobrovsky

[Pokerface]

Justin- Curious what your thoughts on Johnson are...even tho he didn't become the backup in NY this year, he does get to be Numero Uno in Hartford, right? Should be better for his development to start 40+ gms in Hartford as opposed to 10 behind the King, no?

Have you had a chance to see Bobrovsky? I know he was in the Flyers conditioning/development camp last week, but haven't heard any opinions on him....


thanks for taking the time.....

[GoalieGuild]

I think CJ is a great young prospect with excellent size and mobility and great upside as a solid NHL backup and a fringe NHL starter. That value and upside will continue to improve as his game improves.

And yes, since Lundqvist is going to play 70 games anyways, Johnson was a much better fit to stay in the AHL. It's a safer, more solid decision. Expect him to have a great season in Hartford and carry the team for the whole season. Matt Zaba is an UFA so I'm not sure who will be backing him up yet.

I've seen grainy video of Bobrovsky and a lot of photos, most of which are recent from his development camp experience with Philly. By most accounts, he improved as the camp went along. Almost all Flyers fans will start to tout him as the next great prospect in goal, mainly because he was brought over with authority by the Flyers and has a lot of energy in the crease, so he plays a very solid game with clear skill and quickness.

But there's no reason to get overly-excited about him just yet. Even if he is able to secure an AHL job over Nicola Riopel, it will only be because of his youthful enthusiasm and great skills. But it will take a few years for him to refine his style to be suited for the NHL. He's a solid prospect for sure, but I think the hype is a little more than his true value. Flyers fans have a right to be excited, but there's no reason to jump the gun. If all goes well, he will be NHL ready in 2-3 seasons. That might change if he succeeds in the AHL this season.