NEWARK, N.J. — It might sound like a made-up statistic, something an agent would invent to promote their player.
Stick checks.
While it’s not a stat that will be added to fantasy leagues anytime soon, it reveals a lot about a player’s reach, timing, and ability to anticipate plays.
It’s not a glamorous skill, but it perfectly describes Kevin Bahl‘s game.
Despite missing nine games this season, the impressive 24-year-old Flames player leads the league with an average of 2.3 stick checks per game.
“I’ll take that,” Bahl said with a smile when he learned about his league-leading stat.
“At least I’m leading in something.”
Relatively unknown when he was acquired with a first-round pick in the Jacob Markstrom trade last summer, the 24-year-old has already surpassed expectations.
Bahl’s playing style reflects his personality: he’s a quiet defenseman who consistently plays a strong defensive game, fitting well with Rasmus Andersson on the Flames’ top defensive pairing.
Andersson’s comment when asked about his left-handed partner speaks volumes about how well the player from New Westminster, B.C., has integrated into the team.
“That guy’s got two brain cells, and they’re constantly fighting,” Andersson joked, making sure his teammate could hear him.
“He’s huge, like nine feet tall, and his stick feels like it’s 12 feet long sometimes. He has incredible reach, and his stick is everywhere. Sometimes he even pokes it away from me.” More laughter followed from across the room.
Bahl’s reach is enhanced by his six-foot-six frame, which allowed him to request and receive a two-inch extension for his stick.
It often gets in the way.
He uses his long stick to disrupt numerous offensive plays, as highlighted by this unusual statistic.
“Yes, it seems like it’s a new stat,” Flames coach Ryan Huska commented.
“He has an excellent stick. He’s not the type of defender who will physically dominate you, but he can quickly close gaps and take away space due to his size and stick.
“He knocks away a lot of pucks, which I think helps his partner gain possession more often. We’ve relied heavily on our top four defenders lately, and they’ve been outstanding. Kevin has been a significant part of that.”
Only two Flames players average more ice time than Bahl’s 21:17, underscoring his importance to a defensively solid team that depends heavily on its defensemen.
Without him, it’s uncertain how effectively the Flames would have solidified their top four.
The trade that brought him to Calgary might become GM Craig Conroy’s best move, providing the team with a foundational defenseman, creating an opportunity for Dustin Wolf to thrive, and acquiring a first-round pick in the upcoming draft.
Bahl is a restricted free agent this summer who expresses his love for Calgary and his intention to stay with the team long-term.
He returned to New Jersey on Thursday, where a four-goal third period brought the Flames within two points of the final Western Conference wild-card spot, thanks to a thrilling 5-3 victory over Markstrom’s Devils.
It was in New Jersey, just a year prior, that Bahl turned a strong training camp into his first full NHL season, tasked with shutting down opposing top lines.
A significant challenge for a player in a position that typically requires years to master.
“It was a very similar role to what I have here,” said Bahl, a second-round pick by the Coyotes in 2018, who achieved a plus-90 rating over two seasons with the Ottawa 67’s.
“I was nervous coming to Calgary, but at the same time, I felt confident because I had played significant minutes the year before.
“I learned so much, and I know I can still improve a lot. It’s always about getting better each year.”
Huska mentioned he was pleasantly surprised by Bahl’s playmaking abilities, which are more developed than initially expected for a defensive-minded player.
“For a young player, he’s exceeded our expectations significantly,” Huska stated, whose team concludes their four-game road trip on Long Island against the Islanders on Saturday afternoon.
“I would take two, three, or four more just like him if I could.”
Tristan Blackwood