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Flames Potential 2013 Draft Selection...Bo Horvat - Flames Postgame

April 22, 2013, 11:42 AM ET [96 Comments]
Colin Dambrauskas
Calgary Flames Blogger • RSSArchiveCONTACT
Follow me on Twitter!: @ColinDJD

After the Calgary Flames recalled seven Abbotsford Heat players, three of them suited up last night in Minnesota to help the team against the Wild. Cundari was the biggest story after starting the scoring off with a rocket of a shot early in the 1st. He was acquired with Reto Berra from St. Louis in the Bouwmeester trade and played over 20 minutes in last night’s game, proving so far to be a good fit in Cowtown.

One of the other Heat players recalled was Leland Irving, who many counted out after squandering his shot with the Flames back in February when he played 6 games in net. Despite recalling the goalie, the Flames interest remains in Joey MacDonald who was signed to a 1 year, 1 way contract with a base salary of $925,000. This is a good move in Calgary, who have become notorious for not developing goaltenders, and adding MacDonald will give their long list of young goalies some veteran leadership. Not to mention, MacDonald has stood on his head this season despite a dull Flames team in front of him.

In addition to the above, Horak, Reinhart and Baertschi continue to impress as members of the Flames. Both Reinhart and Baertschi had helpers last night, which further extends Baertschi to 7 points this season and a 5 game point streak.

It’s a sign that things are finally turning around in Calgary after a tough couple of years for the Flames players, the franchise, and their fans. Although the wins aren’t exactly what management needs right now, with four straight wins the Flames have passed Nashville, Edmonton, Tampa Bay, and Carolina. The Flames are showing great improvements but unfortunately, as our stock rises, our draft pick lowers. The only thing to note in that regard is that, while being ahead of Edmonton, the Flames have also played two more games and would expect to fall just below them in standings.

Next up, the Flames will head to Nashville to take on the Predators Tuesday night.

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Today’s prospect feature is a new comer to the top 10. Last Monday Bo Horvat moved from 24th overall all the way to 10th and will accordingly be discussed today!

Horvat helped lead his team to a 1st place finish in the OHL Western conference who are currently tied at a game a piece in their conference finals with Plymouth. Horvat reportedly shot up to 10th because of his style of play and leadership qualities displayed this year. He’s a very hard worker who contributes in every end of the ice and isn’t selfish offensively. He scored 33 goals and 28 assists during the regular season for the Knights and has earned 5 goals and 2 assists in 11 playoff games since. He’s not the team’s all star guy, and yet he continues to produce and is still able to find a top spot among his team, even stepping up his game to fill in during injury.

Why might the Flames pass him up? Well, although he’s a solid player, he’s not exactly a player that can turn around a franchise. He would certainly be a strong piece to add, but the Flames may need more from their top pick(s).

Horvat could be the type of player the Flames will want to watch for if he’s around after their 1st selection as he may not go right away. If still available, Horvat is a workhorse that could be very valuable to the Flames for years to come and fits their need as a 6’0, 200lbs center who is still growing.

That’s all for today folks, thanks for reading!


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