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If most of you are anything like me, you’ve already started breaking down your 2013-14 selections for your fantasy league(s). With that being said, I thought it would be interesting to break down a few players from the Calgary Flames who may be of value to keeper leagues, and even others for regular pools in terms of overall production.
The only issue when assessing players from the Flames for individual pools will be the number of different criteria used between groups, so we’ll assume all assessments are made keeping overall production in mind(pts, gp, pp, +/-, hts, sv%, gaa).
Now I know what a lot of you are thinking – Why in the world would I take players from a rebuilding team like Calgary for my pool!? Well here’s the thing – despite being a rebuilding team, the Flames have several players who are likely to breakout given extra ice time which is likely to be provided, and others who are looking to make an impression in order to gain a new contract or attention from other GMs. So, let’s get started.
Forwards
W/C – Mike Cammalleri
The first obvious pick which many could have interest in either short or long term is Mike Cammalleri. Playing a bigger role for the Flames last year, Mike posted 32 points in 44 games and was largely used during their power plays. I would expect a strong season from Cammalleri this year, not only because of the role he will play with the team, but also considering he’s in the final year of his contract and will be looking for a big paycheck from either the Flames or as a free agent.
Keep in mind that the Flames have openly admitted to seeking a trading partner for Cammalleri and the possibility that he is moved as a rental player toward the TDL is still very much there. Mike could be a good addition in the later rounds to your team, though you will need to take a hit on his +/- as I expect him to suffer in that stat while playing with the Flames.
LW – Curtis Glencross
Another strong veteran for the Flames this year, I would expect some positives out of Glencross this year playing alongside Lee Stempniak and likely TJ Galiardi. Given that Glencross plays a physical game, he averages in the mid 70’s in terms of games played, but can be good for a larger number of hits. Curtis typically finds himself in the 45pts range, but with stronger line mates than previous years he could hit 50. Glencross hasn’t been used in too many power play situations over recent years; however being one of few veterans on the team, we could see an increase there. Hartley likes to have a guy park in front of the net and Glencross could help in that regard.
RW - Lee Stempniak
One of few players to reach around a .70ppg pace and also end the year with a positive +/-, Stempniak would be a solid choice for a consistent right winger who will get a lot of playing time, especially on the PP. Despite missing a few games over the past two years due to injuries, I do not feel this should be a big concern with Stempniak as he is noted to be 100% in terms of health. The 30 year old forward should be good for around 40-50pts.
LW – Sven Baertschi
Looking to play his first full NHL season, Baertschi would be a solid addition to a keeper league fantasy team. Aside from what his potential holds, the young forward is hoping to take his game to the next level and could be a nice surprise to have on your roster. Coach Bob Hartley is likely going to test the rookie in all areas of the game including time on the PP. Last year the 20 year old was good for 10pts in 20 games played. The Flames first round selection from 2011 will be looking to earn a top 6 role this year in Calgary and could, as a result, put up some very respectable numbers.
Honorable mentions
C - Mikael Backlund
Depending on how weak you are down the middle, or how big your league is, Backlund has some upside and potential to his game and could have a break out year with the Flames. The 24 year old center is slatted as Calgary’s top line centerman (depending on how things go with Galiardi/Monahan), and as such will have a ton of opportunity to prove himself. Having only 172 NHL games under his belt, the young centerman has really not broken out yet and, if you’re really patient, could pay off down the road.
C - Sean Monahan
The big question in terms of immediate impact with Sean will be whether or not he plays with the Flames this year. Given his play so far in preseason and training camp, he is going to make it tough for the coaching staff to send him packing. If he does stay, the 6th overall selection will likely play as the 3rd line center and could work his way up depending on production. While most feel he should return to juniors for development, many others feel this young man is proving he’s ready to play and could be a very solid long term investment.
Defensemen
Dennis Wideman
Need points from your defensemen? Dennis is your guy. He will certainly be good for around 50pts of production and a lot of time on specialty teams. Despite being known for a poor +/- game, Wideman is a solid choice for just about any fantasy league as he brings a ton of offense and isn’t bad in terms of hits, either. The 30 year old is expected to be the Flames top pairing defender this year and will get a ton of opportunity to prove his worth.
TJ Brodie
Having just signed an extension with the team, Brodie is looking to prove that the Flames brass made the right choice. Over the next two years TJ will be working his butt off to earn himself a long term contract with Calgary. Brodie has the potential to rack up a respectable number of points in addition to being safe in terms of +/- stats. Though not a big hitter and not one to take too many penalties, the defender will be given plenty of ice time this upcoming season on the backend and could soon breakout in the NHL.
Mark Giordano
As with most of the vets of this team, Giordano will be taking on a much bigger role with a rebuilding Flames squad this year and as such, could see an increase in production. The 29 year old defenseman has been up and down in terms of point totals, however expect a larger number of hits and time on the PP with Giordano. Depending on what type of piece you’re looking for as an addition to your fantasy team, Gio could be worth a look as he assumes a large leadership role with the Flames and potentially being introduced as their next captain.
Honorable mention(s)
Shane O’Brien
Need a guy who will likely log a ton of PIM’s, good number of hits, handful of fights and a few points? O’Brien could be a good option. Though he isn’t expected to get a ton of ice time or PP time, he could be a viable option for an increase in +/- and, although he didn’t drop the gloves last year, he should be good for around 5 fights for the year.
Goaltenders
I’ll be frank – it’s not likely a good idea to select a goalie from a rebuilding team who isn’t expected to succeed beyond the bottom five spots in the NHL. With that being said, the Flames have three goalies right now who could all put up some very respectable numbers, notwithstanding a few too many losses. If you’re crazy enough to take a risk on such a goalie, Karri Ramo would be my selection as I expect him to take on most of the workload this year with Joey MacDonald backing him up.
*Update for players who were cut yesterday:
Sent to the American Hockey League’s Abbotsford Heat (13) — G Laurent Brossoit, G Joni Ortio, D Mark Cundari, D Brady Lamb, D James Martin, D Zach McKelvie, C Paul Byron, C Brett Olson, LW Carter Bancks, LW Turner Elson, LW Ben Hanowski, RW David Eddy, RW Greg Nemisz
Returned to junior (6) — D Brett Kulak (WHL Vancouver), D Ryan Culkin (QMJHL Quebec), D Eric Roy (WHL Brandon), LW Morgan Klimchuk (WHL Regina), RW Coda Gordon (WHL Swift Current), RW Emile Poirier (QMJHL Gatineau)
Yeah, I was a little off with my predictions but I was also being a little biased ;).
That’s all for today folks, hopefully I’ve provided enough background on some of the Flames players who could be of use to you all throughout your fantasy league transactions.
Thanks for reading!
Calgary Flames Blogger • 
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