Penguins Update: Big Z Claimed by Flames

Hey all. I just have a moment for a quicky post. The Calgary Flames have claimed forward Radim Zohorna on waivers today.

My initial reaction? Good for Big Z and good for the Flames and their GM Brad Treliving, who’s done a masterful job this off-season in the face of extreme adversity.

I’ll expand (expound) later.

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As promised, the follow-up to my original post.

I confess I was disappointed to learn Zohorna had been claimed by the Flames, but not shocked. After all, Big Z’s an intriguing combination of size, smarts, hands and surprising speed for a player of his gargantuan proportions.

I’m also disappointed that he didn’t get more of a look in the ‘Burgh. During 25 regular-season games spread over two seasons, he tallied four goals and 10 points. Solid production considering he averaged only 9:55 of ice time.

No, his numbers with the Baby Pens didn’t presage a budding star…a decent but hardly dazzling 15 goals and 32 points in 51 games. But to me he was one of those rare players who seemed more suited to the NHL than the minors due to his skill level and hockey IQ.

And make no mistake, good things happened when the Czechia native took the ice. During those 25 games with the black and gold he was on the ice for 20 goals for and only three against 5v5. A staggering goals for percentage of 86.9.

When placed on a line with Evgeni Malkin last season Zohorna didn’t look the least bit out of place. Unfortunately, his windows of opportunity never seemed to last.

Given Mike Sullivan’s seeming aversion to bigger players, you have to wonder if he was 5’11” 190 instead of 6’6” 220 if he might have been given more of a look. But I’m probably being unfair.

Truth be told, we only have so many roster spots. My guess? The emergence of former first-round pick Samuel Poulin, who like Zohorna can play wing or center, greased the skids and made the big man expendable.

Here’s hoping Big Z gets a chance to fully display his wares out west.

Our loss is definitely the Flames’ gain.