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The Calgary Flames have been slowing trying to acquire newer and younger talent for their roster over the last couple of seasons without giving up too much. Although they continue to attempt to add to their roster, they have recently lost depth at center in Roman Cervenka.

The Flames brought in sought after forward Cervenka from the KHL after displaying a couple of impressive seasons to the point where he was being considered one of the best players outside of the NHL. The Flames management and fan base were excited for the added depth at center, and the potential which he was claimed to hold. Playing only 39 games for the Flames during a shortened season, Roman registered but 18points, -13, and was a healthy scratch many nights.

I have commented several times throughout the year how I felt that Roman brought a great passing game to the team and had something to offer. Though his transition to the NHL from the KHL has allegedly given him troubles, I felt the forward could have been a good addition for the team carrying forward playing alongside Juri Hudler. While Roman certainly had much development required with respect to his game, he showed promise and saw the ice very well. Given the introductory of several youth in upcoming seasons, I assumed management was looking to guys like Roman who have played for several years and perhaps can instill a sense of professionalism and commitment to the game…though who knows, perhaps this was a trait he did not posses himself.

Either way, the loss of Cervenka was not a very large one for the Flames as they acquired him for nothing but cash. He has reportedly signed a three year deal with SKA St. Petersburg of the KHL and does not appear to have any interest at this point to extend his career into the NHL. Whether the forward didn’t get along with the coach who sat him on several occasions, whether his transition into a new country away from family and friends was not pleasant for him, or whether it was nothing more than not finding middle ground in terms of renewing his contract is left to be seen.

"Perhaps he originally imagined his year in the NHL a little bit differently, he wanted to spend more time playing. That is also why he decided to return to the KHL," Volek, from ALVO Sports Management, said.
The Prague Daily Monitor

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With this recent loss the Flames will now have even more need to seek out experienced players to add to their roster or else they risk not having a solid enough supporting cast for their younger, and potentially rising stars.

Below is a list provided by Capgeek, with respect to the top UFA’s this summer. I have highlighted the names which I feel the Flames may look into trying to acquire.


Ribeiro, Mike »
C 33 WAS
Dupuis, Pascal »
R 34 PIT
Elias, Patrik »
C 37 NJD
Jagr, Jaromir »
R 41 BOS
Ryder, Michael »
R 33 MTL
Boyes, Brad »
R 31 NYI
Iginla, Jarome »
R 35 PIT
Prospal, Vinny »
L 38 CLB
Bozak, Tyler »
C 27 TOR
Roy, Derek »
C 30 VAN



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

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