The Marty Party arrived in 2023-24, and now it looks like anything is Pospisil

Now one might naturally think this was driven by Kadri – of course the veteran, Cup-winning centre had an impact, but Pospisil did more to help him than one might think. The one concern I do have is it’s a bit of a predictable attack never shooting the puck from the right wing, but that’s something they can work on growing and developing.

Regardless, offensively Pospisil contributed heavily in terms of generating chances. His offensive/defensive quality rates mimic another come from scraps story currently playing for the Florida Panthers. He certainly can’t shoot the puck like Carter Verhaeghe, but his impact on shot rates is very similar to what he’s producing.

For those that want to quote quality of competition as a reason this comparable is ridiculous then fear not, that’s accounted for in the calculations from Evolving-Hockey. Like I said it’s still not perfect – and their method of how they attack is completely different – but the net total impact on shot rates is next to identical.

That bodes well for the ceiling Pospisil could reach. At worst he’s proven he’s at minimum an every day NHL player.

Being the perfect pest

One last little note on Pospisil – we have got to talk about him being a thorn in everybody’s side.

It’s perfect.

Back when Matthew Tkachuk caved to all the noise and fought Zack Kassian in the Battle of Alberta rematch I felt he sold out from what truly made everyone so mad at him. Not only was he skilled and annoying, he didn’t have to fight back. The Oilers spent all their time trying to kill him back then, as soon as he fought Kassian that was over and Edmonton just focused on just beating them with the higher end skill they won by sucking for so many years.

With his history of concussions not only is Pospisil unwilling (more like unable) to fight, anyone that tries to force him ends up as the bad guy. He has every right to play whistle to whistle as hard as he wants, and by literally not being able to answer the bell teams are going to spend more time focused on getting their revenge on him than playing the actual structured game of hockey. He does need to make sure he keeps the cheap stuff out of his game or the opposition will start going after other young guys and star players, but if he can figure out how to toe the line he not only adds value in wins he gives the C of Red a hell of a lot to cheer for at a live game.

The future

Honestly nobody in this entire organization is safe from the right trade. Pospisil is no exception, but he’s not somebody they are going to actively shop or even entertain offers on unless it’s something special. Do you scoff at including Pospisil in a package for a number one center under the age of 25? Not a chance. Are the Flames in any position to be looking for that? Absolutely not. It’s a safe bet that if you get yourself a Pospisil jersey it will stand the test of time.

Remember, nobody had him playing in the NHL. If they tell you they knew, they are lying to you. None of that matters though, because the Marty Party is only just beginning.