Observations:

April 2013 – The second half of the season has been very good to Aliu as he was utilized as a regular in the Abbotsford lineup. His production is on similar pace as his previous seasons, but his penalty minutes have jumped up to the next level. He is rather involved and noticeable in all the games I’ve viewed him in this season, not always for good things. Before the Flames acquired Brian McGratton, they gave Aliu a short recall to see if he was the right player for that role. If he ever secures himself an NHL role, he would make a very good penalty minute option for fantasy leagues and could chip in offensively from time to time. Jason Banks

January 2013 – Aliu has struggled to keep a regular roster spot in Abbotsford and has failed to produce in his opportunities. His opportunity for NHL promotion has become bleaker as even when the NHL resumes, Calgary is unlikely to recall much from Abbotsford, thus no openings. Jason Banks

July 2012 – After impressing the Flames with his two game sample in the NHL, he earned himself another NHL opportunity. He only signed a single season, two way contact, so he will need to produce and grow to keep his future in the green. Aliu definitely has an outside shot at a roster spot in Calgary because of his grittiness, but will likely start in Abbotsford, only a short flight away.  Jason Banks

April 2012 – Aliu is your typical power forward with great size and physical presence on the ice. He is a very aggressive winger with great agitating qualities that get the best of opponents. He is strong in recognizing offensive opportunities and possesses a quick release; it is his weak skating ability and attitude that prohibits his true development. Aliu played several junior years in the OHL and is now in his third season in the pro ranks spending time within Chicago, Winnipeg organizations, and currently finds himself with the Abbottsford Heat, farm team of the Flames. His three points in two games for Calgary turned some heads and put him back on the fantasy radar. Though obviously a small sample size, it does show his potential as powerforward on a scoring line.

Fantasy Outlook: C-

Aliu is a big; banging power forward although has history of off-ice baggage that may make his climb to NHL more difficult.

Footage:

Akim Aliu scores his first career NHL goal on a deflection for the Flames on 4/7/2012.

{youtube}oIhFSsagPyo{/youtube}

Fantasy Prospects Report Notes (Any FPR’s released in the last 18 months will not be listed here):

Buy the latest Fantasy Prospects Report here.

Akim Aliu statistics courtesy of Elite Prospects