Aliu is one of the players the Flames want a hard look at as they rebuild for the future. He is a big, gritty winger who had 11 points and 111 PIMs in 42 AHL games in 2012-13 and should earn a roster spot in this fall. In a year or two, he may have some worth in leagues that count penalty minutes, but Aliu still needs to prove he can use his size and grit in a good way in the big leagues. Otherwise, his propensity for mindless penalties will only put his team at a disadvantage.
Aliu ended the season with a bang, scoring three points and picking up 12 penalty minutes in two games with the Flames. Calgary doesn’t really have a player like Aliu, which could give him a shot at making the club in the fall, as he is 6-3, 220 pounds, and can get under other teams’ skin. He hasn’t shown loads of scoring ability in the AHL, but that isn’t his primary role. Expect him to be with the Flames in the next few seasons, if not in 2012-13.
The Thrashers acquired Aliu via a trade with the Chicago Blackhawks that also brought winger Dustin Byfuglien to the team. Aliu split last season between the American Hockey League and the East Coast Hockey League. Although he does possess the skill to get an invite to an NHL training camp, Aliu is a long shot to make the NHL in 2010 given the young talent that is ahead of him on the depth chart. Thus, the chances of him having a fantasy impact this year are slim to none.
Aliu was assigned on Sept. 18, 2009. He will probably spend most of the time in Rockford this season in the AHL. The 20-year-old is still sometime from moving up to the big club.
Aliu signed a three-year deal with Chicago in August and could earn a spot with the Hawks if he has a strong showing in training camp. He'll likely spend the year with the Hawks' American Hockey League affiliate, the Rockford Icehogs.
The Hawks are hoping that Aliu will be more than a curiosity piece as the hockey player who was born in Nigeria. Aliu though has been hampered by so off-the-ice incidents. If he can focus on the ice and stay out of trouble, he could be a long-term possibility to help the big club.
Aliu's rap sheet in junior hockey is legendary -- this kid has had his share of major run-ins and issues. His potential is great; his attitude isn't. Aliu is a project, through-and-through -- if he cleans up the pout and pulls up his socks, he could pot a lot of goals as a power sniper. He could also strike out wildly and never realize his potential.
