Allowing the rookie to switch to a traditional No. 22 is proof Calgary has elevated the expectations for him
Strength in a new number for Calgary Flames up-and-comer Jakob Pelletier.
Pelletier, looking to become a full-time NHLer this season, has swapped the No. 49 he’s been donning since his first training camp in 2019 for the No. 22. Curiously, it was the same number worn by now-general manager Craig Conroy in his first stint with the Flames.
The Flames also announced on Tuesday that Yegor Sharangovich will wear No. 17, which he skated with while part of the New Jersey Devils and takes over from Milan Lucic, while Jordan Oesterle has claimed No. 82, which he has worn throughout his NHL career. He is the first player to ever wear it for Calgary outside of training camp.
For Pelletier, the number switch is further proof of the expectations placed upon the 2019 first-round draft choice who collected three goals and seven points in 24 big-league games last season. (By the way, that allows the 22-year-old left winger to be a rookie in contention for the Calder Trophy this coming season.)
By allowing Pelletier to rid himself of the training camp number, it says he should claim a roster spot out of training camp, and will be provided the opportunity to grab one.
Pelletier has shown he possesses big-league skill and defensive smarts to earn a place when the regular season kicks off Oct. 11. Plus, his infectious upbeat attitude is a much-needed positive during a long season.
What the Flames also need for Pelletier to contribute more offensively. Like him or not, former head coach Darryl Sutter was correct when he said Pelletier needed “to produce” when given “really good opportunities to be a good player.” The door is open for Pelletier to skate in scoring situations on a regular basis.
By no means does anybody expect him to outgun this year’s top draft pick Connor Bedard of the Chicago Blackhawks, but Pelletier has shown plenty of scoring touch in junior and the AHL. He netted 37 points in 35 regular-season games and a team-high 10 points in nine playoff clashes last season for the Calgary Wranglers.
The Flames need him to parlay that ability into more offense at the NHL level.
Receiving a regular number should be a much-needed jolt of confidence for Pelletier to take that next step. The onus is now on him to make the most of it.
