Expectations are high for Wranglers forward Parker Bell in contract year

Calgary Wranglers forward Parker Bell enters the last season of his entry-level contract with the Calgary Flames this year and is going to want to play in a way to earn his next one. The Flames’ draft pick has taken some time to find his legs in pro hockey, but he has proved his capabilities in previous years in the WHL.

Already, Parker Bell got a good look at the prospect showcase and pre-season and is expected to play with the Wranglers this season. While he may not be knocking on the door for an NHL opportunity right off the bat, he could be a player who surprises everyone this year.

Meets expectations

Bell has not put up insane numbers in the AHL but still brings size and a newly found physical game night in and night out. He played 61 games with the Wranglers last season and recorded 12 points. He was typically a third or fourth line winger last season and that part of the lineup seemed to change the most. He struggled to find consistency with linemates and the consistency in his game that he was looking for.

The expectations of him are to improve on his production from last season. He has a good shot and when he is given the chance to use it, he has success. Now, he isn’t the new guy in the locker room anymore and after playing nearly a full season, the comfort level is going to be even higher.

Exceeds expectations

To exceed expectations, Bell will have to have a Rory Kerins type breakout right from the start of the season. He will have to outwork and outplay the other guys in the lineup to put himself higher in the line combinations to get more opportunities. Bell stands at 6’5” and, as one of the tallest players on the team, can learn to use his stature to his benefit.

If he is able to prove doubters wrong, he may slot into a second line or top line role that puts him on Calgary’s radar for another big bodied forward. He got into a few fights in the last half of last season and the more that part of his game emerges as well, the more his value rises when it comes time to play the tough hitting teams in the AHL or NHL. Even just making his NHL debut this season will exceed his expectations and put him on a path to reach that next level of his career. 

Below expectations

If Bell has a similar season to last year or is passed by other prospects in the system, he will fall below expectations. He has the potential to be leveraged more in bigger game scenarios, but he has to prove it. If his production is slow to start again or his skating falls behind the other players on the ice, he will be hard to keep in the lineup if everyone is healthy. 

He’s shown what he can do as a baseline. Can he raise the bar for himself and prove what stood out to Flames scouts when they drafted him in the first place? It’s in Bell’s hands with a season of opportunity ahead of him.