You can follow Todd on Twitter @ToddCordell or his Flames account @ToddCordellCGY.
As we enter the dog days of the summer, fresh topics to discuss around the NHL come up less frequently.
In today's post I answer some questions surrounding the Calgary Flames from my followers on Twitter.
From @BigRomanvL: Can you explain why on earth Jay Feaster is not offer sheeting Nazem Kadri?
I think the reasoning behind not making such a move is quite simple, really. In order to have any chance of prying him from Toronto, they'd have to offer in the ball park of $4.5 million per season. Considering he's had one good season, he's not worth that and it's not worth the Flames having to give up a 1st round pick to get him. With or without Kadri, the Flames will likely be a bottom feeder next season. Is getting Kadri worth paying him $4.5 million + per season as well as giving up a player like Sam Reinhart or Aaron Ekblad? I certainly don't think so.
From @Volley44: What rookies do you see cracking the lineup to start the year with the big club?
Given the Flames are in the midst of a full rebuild, there's certainly plenty of options. When looking at the depth chart, I think the name that stands out the most is Sean Monahan. I've watched him closely in the OHL over the past couple years and probably have about 20 live viewings, and I think he's the real deal.
He's responsible defensively and is capable at both ends of the ice. With the Flames being so thin at center, I think he's all but a lock to make the team if he has a good camp.
On the backend, I think Mark Cundari has a good shot at making the squad, assuming the Flames don't make another move to bring in a defenseman.
From @ChadCull: Do you see the the need to add a true veteran that can help the youth movement. Someone who has won, perhaps a Hal Gill?
I like Gill and think he can still bring some solid defensive play and leadership to the table, but I don't think Calgary is the right fit for him.
Assuming a guy like Cundari makes the Flames, they'll have two defenseman under the age of 25. Two. The Flames defense has plenty of veterans and I don't think bringing in a guy like Gill is necessary.
I think Gill would be a better fit on a team like Pittsburgh. He could mentor a guy like Simon Despres, while playing some defensive minutes and freeing up Despres, Kris Letang, etc. to do their thing offensively.
From @DarrinHarmy: What position do the #Flames have the most depth and which position do they need to address most?
That's a good question. Considering they're rebuilding, naturally there are a lot of areas that need work. That said, even with some questions in goal, I think their defense needs the most work. Their pro defense is made mostly of spare parts from other franchises. Obviously there are some exceptions (Dennis Wideman, T.J. Brodie, Mark Giordano) but besides those three there's definitely a lot of work to be done.
They have a couple decent defense prospects but besides Tyler Wotherspoon and maybe Patrick Sieloff, none really have top-4 upside.
Basically what I'm trying to say is their pro defense is pretty poor and there's not much in the pipeline. The only way I can see them properly addressing this is through the draft. Aaron Ekblad, anyone?
**
How good is T.J. Brodie?
What is Mike Cammalleri's trade value?
A look at how Calgary should utilize Sean Monahan.
A look at how the Flames 3 1st round picks performed in the CHL last season.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Email:
[email protected]
Columbus Blue Jackets Blogger • 
Join the Discussion:
»