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While the rumors concerning Mike Cammalleri persist, it should stand to reason that we discuss how he’s doing in terms of his current concussion, given that it will play a large part in determining his value.
Cammalleri skated for the first time on his own yesterday morning and, according to bystanders, looked good. While his intensity levels are not at peak performance, per se, he is appearing to be much closer to returning than some feel.
As I’ve made mention to last week, I am sure that the rebuilding Flames are in no hurry for Mike to return unless he is more than ready. There is too much to risk if he returns and re-injures himself, ultimately causing the Flames to lose an opportunity to secure an extra draft pick or two via trade.
Despite the fact that this was the first on ice workout for Mike, he has been working out in the gym and from the reports which I’ve read, he has not been experiencing post-concussion like symptoms during any rigorous off-ice training.
Good sign for the team and, more importantly, Cammalleri.
If you were to ask me to put a timeline on his return, I would say we could very likely see Mike on the ice again with the Flames for their game against the Sharks this upcoming Thursday. This should afford him plenty of time to get in an extra couple of on ice skates, and rejoin the team during their practices.
The interesting part of all this, which I actually find surprising, are the continued reports that the Flames are fielding several offers for Mike’s services. Typically speaking, when a player is injured with a concussion, most teams back off. That said, I imagine that GM’s are using this to their advantage and are lowballing Burke, hence the update a few days ago regarding the possibility of an extension.
I mentioned a few teams yesterday who may have a slight interest in Mike but are likely not going to pay full price, and another team whose name comes up has been the Ottawa Senators. Currently sitting just outside of a playoff spot, the Sens could use that extra fire power on their wing, alongside Jason Spezza. Though as I’ve mentioned that they are very likely going to be a team who won’t pay Burke’s asking price, I could see Bryan Murray making a phone call or two.
If the reports are accurate that as many as 4-5 teams are interested, perhaps my original assumption that the Flames will not be walking way with a first round draft selection will be inexact.
That said, and as things stand, my money still sits on a 2nd round draft pick and B or even A- level prospect…but we will wait and see how things develop.
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The Flames will take to the ice tonight against the Nashville Predators who are on a two game winning streak, with four wins in their last five played.
The Flames who have recently won a game themselves will be looking to extend their home record to two wins after finally putting an end to a seven game losing streak in front of their own fans.
Struggling to get scoring from more than one line, Calgary has been relying most heavily on guys like Hudler, Giordano, and Monahan for points. Recently, however, players such as Lance Bouma, David Jones, Matt Stajan, and Mikael Backlund have been stepping up to the plate.
More times than not, when the Flames have had more than one line contributing offensively, they either won the game or were able to keep it very close. Likely a challenge moving forward given the overall strength/depth of their current roster, Calgary will need to rely on their 2nd/3rd line guys to work hard and chip in a few goals if they are going to find any success.
On that note, the Flames have still managed to stay ahead of the Oilers by five points, with one game in hand. Not sure how most of you feel about this as I’m sure you’re hoping for a very high draft pick this year, but it’s always nice to outperform Edmonton even though this was supposed to be the year they improved. Ah well, there’s always next year right? Sigh.
It seems as though Hartley will continue to experiment with Joe Colborne, or “Colbie” as he’s been nicknamed, on the wing. Colborne was struggling to find much success playing down the middle with the Flames so far, but Hartley is not ready to give up on developing the 23 year old.
Keep in mind folks, playing and developing into an NHL centerman is one of the most difficult tasks for young players; generally why you see a lot of drafted centerman end up on the wing throughout their careers.
That said, Colborne is not one to give up and is taking each game one stride at a time. The team has the luxury of awarding him with patience, and if he’s able to develop into that big two way centerman which Burke feels that he can be, there’s no doubt it will pay dividends.
"I feel that because of Colbie with his size, he can work the boards. Right now he's learning a new position. I think that whether we put him back at center or keep him on the wing, it's going to make him a better player."
The Flames are expected to start Karri Ramo again tonight, and there doesn’t appear to be any line changes to speak on. They will have a few days break after tonight’s game, as their next bout will be against the Blackhawks on Tuesday.
Thanks for reading!
Calgary Flames Blogger • 
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