RDS: Le Canadien ajoute encore du muscle
From Canadiens.com:
Jul 7, 2008, 5:32 PM EDT
MONTREAL — Canadiens GM Bob Gainey announced Monday the signing of free agent right-winger Ryan Flinn to a one-year, two-way contract (2008-09). As per club policy, financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
Born in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Flinn has seven seasons of AHL experience along with three seasons in the NHL with the Los Angeles Kings (2001-02, 2002-03 and 2005-06). In 2007-08, the 6-foot-5, 230-pound winger played in the AHL with the Springfield Falcons and the Hershey Bears, collecting four points (three goals, one assist) and 135 penalty minutes in 41 games.
The New Jersey Devils’ fifth-round selection, 143rd overall, at the 1998 NHL Entry Draft, Flinn joined the Edmonton Oilers organization as a free agent on July 17, 2007.
Flinn, 28, played four seasons in the QJMHL from 1996 to 2001, with Laval, Acadie-Bathurst, Halifax and Cape Breton.
Habster:
It seems like Bob Gainey is stockpiling NHL and AHL enforcers. Ryan Flinn is a very good enforcer who will play in Hamilton next season and be Georges Laraques backup. By all accounts, he can play fairly well and isn’t a liability when he’s on the ice.
I’ve posted some information on him just below:
Hockey’s Future:
20. (NR) Ryan Flinn (LW)Signed as UFA 2002, 24, 6’5”, 248
For those who have been waiting for a bona fide enforcer on the NHL roster, Ryan Flinn might just be the guy. Flinn has already seen action in 29 games over two seasons, but is probably remembered best for the two demonstrations of physical strength against Brad Brown and Scott Parker.
Racking up the fighting majors and penalty minutes, Flinn is a player who knows his role and plays it to perfection. He spent the greater part of the last three seasons working on the other aspects of his game so that he would not be a liability on the ice. After marked improvement, Flinn is ready to make a full-time contribution to the Los Angeles Kings and provide that added muscle that has been lacking for years. The trade of Kip Brennan to the Atlanta Thrashers has basically cleared the way for Flinn.
Why Could Be Higher: Plays a style that is currently lacking on the NHL roster.
Why Could Be Lower: Plays a style that has been de-emphasized in recent years.
NHL Projection: Top NHL enforcer.
Source: 08-09-2004 – Kings Top 20 prospects