Gotta take a flyer on older guys from Europe sometimes. Most of the time it doesn't work out, but you get a Rittich every now and then
Ehliz was one of the offseason’s depth signings, brought in after a strong Olympic peformance and (likely) familiarity with new Flames associate coach Geoff Ward, who has coached Team Germany in the past. He wasn’t expected to be much at the NHL level, but the thought was that he could provide some pro experience on a relatively fresh-faced AHL roster that featured plenty of turnover.
However, that low bar couldn’t even be cleared. Ehliz was a sparingly used fourth liner who only played four games out of a potential ten. He took a few shots on goal and that was pretty much it. Ehliz has likely received an offer to go back to Germany (or any other spot in Europe) so that’s likely why this move was made.
AKA the average income man's Matt Stajan.He will play with matt stajan in that case.
BT needs to own this.
There was an interview with a European ex-Oiler the other day where he said pretty much the same things. Life as a minor leaguer/tweener in NA is a lot different from being a regular in Europe, and if you're not Panarin-level it's probably not worth it for them most of the time.Ehliz in an interview with German paper "Welt" today:
"If I hardly play or not at all, then I assume there is something wrong or the coach doesn't like something and that he tells me what it is, like it is custom here [in Germany], but that doesn't happen. (...) No-one of the Flames organization told me what they expected from me or what I didn't do well. No-one exchanged a single word with me. (...) There is no communication. Human warmth doesn't exist. You're just a random and exchangeable number."
In terms of being the head guy, Treliving has to enforce being a top notch organization. If he brought the young man over that young man and the organization have every right to expect that he is treated respectfully and honestly. If that didn't happen in Stockton, Treliving needs to have a little chat with Pascall and the coaching staff. The Flames brand name has to be protected.I honestly don’t think he really cares. He took a small risk on a free asset, he’s not going to lose any sleep over it. But it’s clear Stockton didn’t give him any sort of chance to succeed.