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Good day sports fans, I thought I’d take a few minutes and write a few words for you as I’ve received some requests to get some chatter going again.
Firstly, I’d like to apologize for the lack of content over the past month as many of you are aware I took a new role in my business which has been taking all my time and energy. While my hands are currently tied, I believe the timing for this promotion was perfect because there isn't currently a whole lot to talk about right now, and by the time the draft approaches, I should be fully integrated within my role and have energy again to write for you guys on a regular basis!
So what has happened since we last spoke? Well, there are reports circulating right now that Karri Ramo is but guaranteed to be signing a contract with the Flames and that fans should see the tender for the first time in Calgary this upcoming season. Although Ramo cannot officially sign a deal until July 5th due to his time spent overseas, expect a formal announcement shortly thereafter as I am sure a lot of the framework has already been discussed. In his four years spent as the starting tender for KHL’s Avangard Omsk, Ramo has posted a 2.01 GAA and a .923 save percentage. While these numbers are quite impressive, don’t expect them to fully translate to the NHL as Karri won't be fully accustomed to NHL sized rinks, among other differences between the two leagues.
In the rumor world - There are three names from the Flames roster that have circulated since the regular season with respect to trades, and those names are Mike Cammalleri, Curtis Glencross, and Alex Tanguay. Of those names, I would only like the Flames to entertain keeping Glencross who has a lot to offer to a team in their position. Tanguay and Cammalleri I wouldn’t lose sleep over if they were moved for prospects or picks because they are both at a stage of their career (moreso with Tanguay) where they want to be a part of a winning team who is challenging for the cup. Now I know what you’re thinking –
Cammalleri is only thirty, what the hell are you talking about? Well, hear me out. I’ve always felt that Mike wasn’t always the greatest team player and wasn’t exactly the kind of guy you want or need in your dressing room when trying to teach and develop younger players. He’s always seemed to me like the guy who comes in, does his thing, and competes. He can be a great asset to many teams…but he simply doesn’t appear to be a player’s player, per se.
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Anyways, the Flames are still in a position where they will be looking to compete this year and also develop their youth. They continue to get younger as the days of Miikka Kiprusoff seem to be all but over. I continue to expect, as I said before the summer began, that Feaster will be busy this offseaon with respect to his draft position(s) and players he no longer feels they need. I fully expect the Flames will be keeping their highest draft selection and entertain trading 1-2 others for NHL ready prospects in order to speed up their reconstruction. As draft day approaches, I will discuss who the Flames will likely select and further, what said player should bring to the club.
A few Calgary Flames prospects have been doing quite well around the hockey world as both Tyler Wotherspoon and Michael Ferland took part in the 2013 Memorial Cup. Goaltender Laurent Brossoit also had a respectable season as he and the Edmonton Oil Kings made it to the WHL finals. Brossoit’s play was worthy of praise, posting a record of 14-5-3 with five shutouts with a 1.82 GAA and a remarkable .935 save percentage in 22 games.
The Flames signed Wotherspoon, Brossoit and Granlund to three year NHL entry level contracts, in addition to signing newly acquired Ben Hanowski and John Ramage to two year NHL entry level contracts.
Before wrapping things up, I’d like to discuss the playoffs a little bit as well. First of all – my western predictions stank! I lost some money with my bad picks…and normally I’m pretty darn good with that. Secondly, what’s going on with Pittsburgh? Boy they do not look like a team with the likes of Crosby, Malkin, Neal, Iginla, Morrow (to name a few!). Goaltending hasn’t exactly been their problem (despite Fleury’s inability to stop a puck), but defensively they’ve been horrid. That team is simply filled with far too much talent to be playing the way they are. I suppose you need to give the Bruins credit for playing them hard and taking them off their game, but I tell ya, the Leafs look like were more of challenge for the Bruins than are the current Pens.
Just as expected, the Hawks continue to play great hockey and show no signs of slowing down. Sure they have had a game or two where they weren’t completely focused, but frankly I don’t see them having any problems taking the Cup this year. I honestly feel as though the Penguins could make a comeback against the Bruins and challenge to knock them out, however if they do….and that’s a big IF….it would require guys like Iginla and Morrow to step it up and use their experience and leadership skills to get their team going again. If the Pens do find a way to turn things around, the finals between Chicago and Pittsburgh (like everyone expected) could be a damn good series to watch. Conversely, if the Bruins continue to play the way they are against the Pens, that too could be great!
Well that’s all I have to say for now…I’ve got a lot on my mind but there’s no sense in rambling on for a few extra pages when I would much rather give you guys a few quality reads this summer instead.
Thanks for reading and enjoy the rest of the playoffs!
Calgary Flames Blogger • 
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