The Calgary Flames began a youth movement this past year, with the team's offense in the post-season being driven largely by 18-year-old Sam Bennett, 20-year-old Sean Monahan and 21-year-old Johnny Gaudreau. In addition to those talented youngsters, the Flames also saw a bunch of youngsters from their American Hockey League club in Adirondack. Some of them turned out really well. Some seemed to need more seasoning.
Here's five youngsters from the AHL ranks that are closest to making the jump to full-time NHL employment.
1) JONI ORTIO
A late-round pick of the Flames way back in 2009, Ortio spent time in Finland before making the jump to North America.