Calgary Flames: Brendan Mikkelson Claimed off Waivers

The Calgary Flames claimed Brendan Mikkelson off waivers today. Mikkelson is 6’3” and 205 lbs. so he will provide a physical presence on the blue line. The Anaheim Ducks drafted Mikkelson in the second round of the 2005 NHL Entry Draft. Mikkelson will not see power play time and will play on the third pairing. Mikkelson is a solid defenseman who has a limited offensive upside. 

Mikkelson has never scored more than 29 points in a league but brings winning experience to the Flames blue line, well at least junior winning experience. Mikkelson was a member of the Canadian Gold Medal Team at the 2003-2004 Under-18 World Juniors Hockey Championship and is a Memorial Cup Champion.

Mikkelson played in the WHL and his best season was with the Vancouver Giants during the 2006-2007 season where he scored 29 points in 66 games. During this season, Mikkelson won the Memorial Cup with the Giants and was named to the Memorial Cup All-Star Team.

Over the last 3 seasons Mikkelson has played for 3 different AHL teams. Mikkelson has spilt the last 2 seasons between the NHL and AHL. His best AHL season to date was last season playing for the Toronto Marlies where he scored 22 points in 49 games.

Mikkelson is a dependable defenseman who has decent puck handling skills. Mikkelson needs to play with more consistency in order to stick in the NHL for a full season.

On a fantasy note, Mikkelson has absolutely no fantasy value but should develop into a strong, reliable NHL-er. Mikkelson’s NHL career potential is a gritty shutdown defenseman who chips in with 20 points.