We most likely won't be getting a center in UFA. We will grab one last forward though, and I'm definitely saying it's going to be Raymond. Flames need to give young guys a chance but at the same time we need to have a roster in which we don't waste ELC's if we don't have too.

These lines can go in any order. If McGrattan or Jackman are playing then it will become a line with limited ice time.

Forwards
Baertschi-Backlund-Cammalleri
Glencross-Stajan-Stempniak
Hudler-Galiardi-Jones
Bouma-Knight-Raymond (2 Year - 2.75 mil)
McGrattan, Jackman

Fighting for a spot:

Monahan - Looked awesome paired up with Gaudreau in development camp, he will most likely play 9 games in the NHL then be sent back down.
Granlund - Offensively ready for the NHL, however he will have to keep up his pace if he wants to get his chance at 9 games of NHL time.
Agostino - Clearly talented, but not sure if he is ready for NHL time yet. He will get a good look though.
Gaudreau- Technically not fighting for a spot.. But clearly the most talented and gifted prospect we have. He could get 9 games at the end of season of BC College has an early exit.

Defense
Giordano-Wideman
Brodie-Butler
O'Brien-Russell
Breen-Cundari

Fighting for a spot

Wotherspoon - To me, this guy will be a solid stay at home defense in the NHL. Had another solid season, except he got more points this time around with Seth Jones as his D partner. Looked solid in Development camp.
Ramage - Solid shot, looks steady on Defense. Good Development Camp.
Sieloff - Guy reminds me of a young Cory Sarich, never stops moving his feet and crushing bodies. Will be on the American WJC team.

Goalies
Ramo
Macdonald
Berra - Guy has looked great in camp and if he keeps going he could push Macdonald out.

Fighting for a Spot:

Gillies - I don't normally get excited for goalie prospects, but man this guy looks unbelievable. Will most likely get starter for the American WJC Team, but also the starter position in Abbotsford.
Brossoit - Not much left for him to do in the WHL after two long playoff runs. Guy is clearly ready to take the next step in his career.


Oops.. just started typing and forgot to stop.
- kickazzflames

Don't forget Horak! I don't see either Gillies or Seiloff leaving college early to play in the AHL this season either, however Brossoit will play pro somewhere this year for sure.

Don't forget Horak! I don't see either Gillies or Seiloff leaving college early to play in the AHL this season either, however Brossoit will play pro somewhere this year for sure.
- The-O-G

This is the year to go with what we have & see how these young guys do in a full 82 game season. Not really expecting Monohan to play more than 9 games. Knight is going to get a serious look, pencil him in to start the season. Gilles, Agostini, Gaudreau, Arnold are all going back to College, Seiloff will be back in the OHL, Brossoit will hopefully be in Abby with Berra or Ortio, Horak & Reino will be back & forth between Abby & Flames as injuries hit. Agostini, Gaudreau & Arnold all will be in their last year of College & I expect all of them to get a shot at the lineup next year & Monohan too, I think he has 1 more year in Ottawa, although he's almost ready now. That is why we aren't signing a bunch of long term deals to meh players that were bought out or still UFA's.

Flames need to blow it up and start a rebuild!!!
- jimmc7722

... This is either a horrible attempt at satire or just a stupid comment.

They are looking to upgrade the top 12 spots...
- jimmc7722

We can't all finish near last year after year until eventually we have the past 10 years top 1-3 draft picks in our top 6.

God... forgot about Horak.

I don't see us actually getting anyone anymore.

Feaster has said he gave ownership a preliminary list of potential UFA's but added he and his management team believe UFA doesn't give them the proper solution to some holes.

We most likely won't be getting a center in UFA. We will grab one last forward though, and I'm definitely saying it's going to be Raymond. Flames need to give young guys a chance but at the same time we need to have a roster in which we don't waste ELC's if we don't have too.

These lines can go in any order. If McGrattan or Jackman are playing then it will become a line with limited ice time.

Forwards
Baertschi-Backlund-Cammalleri
Glencross-Stajan-Stempniak
Hudler-Galiardi-Jones
Bouma-Knight-Raymond (2 Year - 2.75 mil)
McGrattan, Jackman

Fighting for a spot:

Monahan - Looked awesome paired up with Gaudreau in development camp, he will most likely play 9 games in the NHL then be sent back down.
Granlund - Offensively ready for the NHL, however he will have to keep up his pace if he wants to get his chance at 9 games of NHL time.
Agostino - Clearly talented, but not sure if he is ready for NHL time yet. He will get a good look though.
Gaudreau- Technically not fighting for a spot.. But clearly the most talented and gifted prospect we have. He could get 9 games at the end of season of BC College has an early exit.

Defense
Giordano-Wideman
Brodie-Butler
O'Brien-Russell
Breen-Cundari

Fighting for a spot

Wotherspoon - To me, this guy will be a solid stay at home defense in the NHL. Had another solid season, except he got more points this time around with Seth Jones as his D partner. Looked solid in Development camp.
Ramage - Solid shot, looks steady on Defense. Good Development Camp.
Sieloff - Guy reminds me of a young Cory Sarich, never stops moving his feet and crushing bodies. Will be on the American WJC team.

Goalies
Ramo
Macdonald
Berra - Guy has looked great in camp and if he keeps going he could push Macdonald out.

Fighting for a Spot:

Gillies - I don't normally get excited for goalie prospects, but man this guy looks unbelievable. Will most likely get starter for the American WJC Team, but also the starter position in Abbotsford.
Brossoit - Not much left for him to do in the WHL after two long playoff runs. Guy is clearly ready to take the next step in his career.


Oops.. just started typing and forgot to stop.
- kickazzflames

Jones will not be on 3rd line. 2nd if not 1st is all but guaranteed for the beginning of the season. After that, the way Hartley runs lines, it's anyones guess.

Jones will not be on 3rd line. 2nd if not 1st is all but guaranteed for the beginning of the season. After that, the way Hartley runs lines, it's anyones guess.
- IggyOnly

That's why I said the lines could be in any order. Last year, glencross-stajan-stempniak was our best line so I'd assume that is staying together. But the other lines could be anywhere.

If there is a 2nd line center position available or you guys are looking to run three offensive lines, I think grabovski would be a great fit. Even if his production doesn't rebound, he gives his all on the ice, plays fearlessly, doesn't complain, and hates losing. Exactly the kind of guy you want around the kids

We most likely won't be getting a center in UFA. We will grab one last forward though, and I'm definitely saying it's going to be Raymond. Flames need to give young guys a chance but at the same time we need to have a roster in which we don't waste ELC's if we don't have too.

These lines can go in any order. If McGrattan or Jackman are playing then it will become a line with limited ice time.

Forwards
Baertschi-Backlund-Cammalleri
Glencross-Stajan-Stempniak
Hudler-Galiardi-Jones
Bouma-Knight-Raymond (2 Year - 2.75 mil)
McGrattan, Jackman

Fighting for a spot:

Monahan - Looked awesome paired up with Gaudreau in development camp, he will most likely play 9 games in the NHL then be sent back down.
Granlund - Offensively ready for the NHL, however he will have to keep up his pace if he wants to get his chance at 9 games of NHL time.
Agostino - Clearly talented, but not sure if he is ready for NHL time yet. He will get a good look though.
Gaudreau- Technically not fighting for a spot.. But clearly the most talented and gifted prospect we have. He could get 9 games at the end of season of BC College has an early exit.

Defense
Giordano-Wideman
Brodie-Butler
O'Brien-Russell
Breen-Cundari

Fighting for a spot

Wotherspoon - To me, this guy will be a solid stay at home defense in the NHL. Had another solid season, except he got more points this time around with Seth Jones as his D partner. Looked solid in Development camp.
Ramage - Solid shot, looks steady on Defense. Good Development Camp.
Sieloff - Guy reminds me of a young Cory Sarich, never stops moving his feet and crushing bodies. Will be on the American WJC team.

Goalies
Ramo
Macdonald
Berra - Guy has looked great in camp and if he keeps going he could push Macdonald out.

Fighting for a Spot:

Gillies - I don't normally get excited for goalie prospects, but man this guy looks unbelievable. Will most likely get starter for the American WJC Team, but also the starter position in Abbotsford.
Brossoit - Not much left for him to do in the WHL after two long playoff runs. Guy is clearly ready to take the next step in his career.


Oops.. just started typing and forgot to stop.
- kickazzflames

Raymond on the 4th is a waste. He can't play that style.

As much as I think he'd do we'll in cgy, the flames have too many wingers like him already.

Ufa wise I say they hold. Or maybe go after johanson on wsh via trade (probably cost gio, but....)

Raymond on the 4th is a waste. He can't play that style.

As much as I think he'd do we'll in cgy, the flames have too many wingers like him already.

Ufa wise I say they hold. Or maybe go after johanson on wsh via trade (probably cost gio, but....)
- numbear

I think you have to do that if Wash will.

This is the year to go with what we have & see how these young guys do in a full 82 game season. Not really expecting Monohan to play more than 9 games. Knight is going to get a serious look, pencil him in to start the season. Gilles, Agostini, Gaudreau, Arnold are all going back to College, Seiloff will be back in the OHL, Brossoit will hopefully be in Abby with Berra or Ortio, Horak & Reino will be back & forth between Abby & Flames as injuries hit. Agostini, Gaudreau & Arnold all will be in their last year of College & I expect all of them to get a shot at the lineup next year & Monohan too, I think he has 1 more year in Ottawa, although he's almost ready now. That is why we aren't signing a bunch of long term deals to meh players that were bought out or still UFA's.
- Kevin R

I can't wait for next year! We'll likely have a top 3 pick and finally will have some serious prospects ready for the NHL.

I think you have to do that if Wash will.
- whipper334

Trade em all! Gio, Glen X, Cammy, everyone. Leave no stone unturned.

... This is either a horrible attempt at satire or just a stupid comment.
- IggyOnly

I have been saying this for over a year on the Calgary blog... I try to stay away because some Calgary fans and the old blogger would yell @ me for saying it!!!

Just having fun... but I see you are not in mood.

Must be the heat, or the lack of direction for your hockey club....

Hey todd, any chance you know the status of Rafikov? He's not at camp.

Hi Flames fans!

Just wondering if you guys would be interested in David Desharnais or Thomas Pleckanec as centre?

David is expected to bounce back from a bad season and Thomas is a very reliable, all around player.

What would you guys give in return if interested?

Looking for size upfront.

Hi Flames fans!

Just wondering if you guys would be interested in David Desharnais or Thomas Pleckanec as centre?

David is expected to bounce back from a bad season and Thomas is a very reliable, all around player.

What would you guys give in return if interested?

Looking for size upfront.
- Tripple_B9

We just traded Tanguay for size up front. (Jones)

Hi Flames fans!

Just wondering if you guys would be interested in David Desharnais or Thomas Pleckanec as centre?

David is expected to bounce back from a bad season and Thomas is a very reliable, all around player.

What would you guys give in return if interested?

Looking for size upfront.
- Tripple_B9

Not sure the flames would be interested in either player. Pleckanec's contract is a year too long, and Desharnais is about two years too long. Salary isn't an issue, but the guys I assume the flames would want would be short contracts that are very movable in the case that the young guys earn themselves roster spots.

Don't forget Horak! I don't see either Gillies or Seiloff leaving college early to play in the AHL this season either, however Brossoit will play pro somewhere this year for sure.
- The-O-G

Gillies is going back, Seiloff doesn't play in college, he moved on to the Windsor Spitfires in the OHL. More than likely he will be playing right up to the first game before they make a decision

We most likely won't be getting a center in UFA. We will grab one last forward though, and I'm definitely saying it's going to be Raymond. Flames need to give young guys a chance but at the same time we need to have a roster in which we don't waste ELC's if we don't have too.

These lines can go in any order. If McGrattan or Jackman are playing then it will become a line with limited ice time.

Forwards
Baertschi-Backlund-Cammalleri
Glencross-Stajan-Stempniak
Hudler-Galiardi-Jones
Bouma-Knight-Raymond (2 Year - 2.75 mil)
McGrattan, Jackman

Fighting for a spot:

Monahan - Looked awesome paired up with Gaudreau in development camp, he will most likely play 9 games in the NHL then be sent back down.
Granlund - Offensively ready for the NHL, however he will have to keep up his pace if he wants to get his chance at 9 games of NHL time.
Agostino - Clearly talented, but not sure if he is ready for NHL time yet. He will get a good look though.
Gaudreau- Technically not fighting for a spot.. But clearly the most talented and gifted prospect we have. He could get 9 games at the end of season of BC College has an early exit.

Defense
Giordano-Wideman
Brodie-Butler
O'Brien-Russell
Breen-Cundari

Fighting for a spot

Wotherspoon - To me, this guy will be a solid stay at home defense in the NHL. Had another solid season, except he got more points this time around with Seth Jones as his D partner. Looked solid in Development camp.
Ramage - Solid shot, looks steady on Defense. Good Development Camp.
Sieloff - Guy reminds me of a young Cory Sarich, never stops moving his feet and crushing bodies. Will be on the American WJC team.

Goalies
Ramo
Macdonald
Berra - Guy has looked great in camp and if he keeps going he could push Macdonald out.

Fighting for a Spot:

Gillies - I don't normally get excited for goalie prospects, but man this guy looks unbelievable. Will most likely get starter for the American WJC Team, but also the starter position in Abbotsford.
Brossoit - Not much left for him to do in the WHL after two long playoff runs. Guy is clearly ready to take the next step in his career.


Oops.. just started typing and forgot to stop.
- kickazzflames

There are a lot of flaws in this assessment:

1) Mason Raymond is not a 4th liner. He would be a decent pickup if we could get rid of Cammalleri, but I don't think that is gonna happen until the trade deadline with his huge cap hit.

2) Markus Granlund is not a junior player, so he isn't subject to the nine game window. Granlund will be playing pro and will be in Abbottsford unless he surprises in training camp and makes the team.

3) Kenny Agostino has already said he will not be playing pro, and will be going back to Yale for his senior year. So he will not be getting a good look.

4) There is no way Jon Gillies will be the starter in Abbottsford because he already stated he is going back to Providence so he will not be fighting for a spot.

Here's my two cents on the centre situation. Pick up the phone and call Paul Holmgren in Philly and ask about Sean Couturier or Brayden Schenn. According to capgeek.com, Philly is just over 2 million OVER the cap and need to shed salary. Look at their centre situation, clearly Giroux is their #1, Lecavlier (based on his contract terms) would have to be their #2, Scott Laughton (20th overall in 2012) got 5 games at the end of last season and looks ready to make the jump and would probably be their 4th line centre. That means Schenn and Couturier would be fighting for the third line role. To me, Sean Couturier deserves more than a 3rd line role and should be available for trade. He would be a great fit on a rebuilding team in the Flames top 6. Brayden Schenn does have a higher cap hit at 3.1 million so he should also be available. Both Schenn and Couturier are RFA at the end of the year and Philly won't be able to afford both of them. IMO, the price to get Schenn would be lower than the price for Couturier because he is older and doesn't have as much offensive potential as Couturier does. If we were to try and trade for Couturier we would probably have to take a big contract back like Andrej Meszaros who Philly is trying to offload his 4 million cap hit but is a UFA at the end of the year so it wouldn't affect the Flames future on the back end at all.

To Calgary: Sean Couturier and Andrej Meszaros
To Philly: Mark Giordano and a 2014 2nd round pick

Here's my two cents on the centre situation. Pick up the phone and call Paul Holmgren in Philly and ask about Sean Couturier or Brayden Schenn. According to capgeek.com, Philly is just over 2 million OVER the cap and need to shed salary. Look at their centre situation, clearly Giroux is their #1, Lecavlier (based on his contract terms) would have to be their #2, Scott Laughton (20th overall in 2012) got 5 games at the end of last season and looks ready to make the jump and would probably be their 4th line centre. That means Schenn and Couturier would be fighting for the third line role. To me, Sean Couturier deserves more than a 3rd line role and should be available for trade. He would be a great fit on a rebuilding team in the Flames top 6. Brayden Schenn does have a higher cap hit at 3.1 million so he should also be available. Both Schenn and Couturier are RFA at the end of the year and Philly won't be able to afford both of them. IMO, the price to get Schenn would be lower than the price for Couturier because he is older and doesn't have as much offensive potential as Couturier does. If we were to try and trade for Couturier we would probably have to take a big contract back like Andrej Meszaros who Philly is trying to offload his 4 million cap hit but is a UFA at the end of the year so it wouldn't affect the Flames future on the back end at all.

To Calgary: Sean Couturier and Andrej Meszaros
To Philly: Mark Giordano and a 2014 2nd round pick
- AdamFlamesFan91

Replace Mez with Timonen and I think that's closer. Kimmo has already been virtually replaced with Streit and also has a year left at a 6 mil hit. It seemed like the consensus that last year was that he can no longer perform up to his high standard.

Replace Mez with Timonen and I think that's closer. Kimmo has already been virtually replaced with Streit and also has a year left at a 6 mil hit. It seemed like the consensus that last year was that he can no longer perform up to his high standard.
- fry

Not a bad idea. With Streit coming in and also Gio, Timonen would become expendable. I would prefer to get Couturier, so maybe the Flames eat some of Gio's salary?

Gillies is going back, Seiloff doesn't play in college, he moved on to the Windsor Spitfires in the OHL. More than likely he will be playing right up to the first game before they make a decision
- Talking_hockey1

Yeah I just meant I don't see either leaving their respective teams early, especially Gillies.

I don't think Seiloff is ready for the NHL, if anyone is going to surprise on the the back end I would expect it to be Wotherspoon who will play pro somewhere this year.

Replace Mez with Timonen and I think that's closer. Kimmo has already been virtually replaced with Streit and also has a year left at a 6 mil hit. It seemed like the consensus that last year was that he can no longer perform up to his high standard.
- fry

Although I think that is a good deal either way, what does that do to our center position when we look at having Backlund AND Monahan coming up?
I guess have an abundance of young talented centers is not a bad thing, but one will have to go eventually.

Here's my two cents on the centre situation. Pick up the phone and call Paul Holmgren in Philly and ask about Sean Couturier or Brayden Schenn. According to capgeek.com, Philly is just over 2 million OVER the cap and need to shed salary. Look at their centre situation, clearly Giroux is their #1, Lecavlier (based on his contract terms) would have to be their #2, Scott Laughton (20th overall in 2012) got 5 games at the end of last season and looks ready to make the jump and would probably be their 4th line centre. That means Schenn and Couturier would be fighting for the third line role. To me, Sean Couturier deserves more than a 3rd line role and should be available for trade. He would be a great fit on a rebuilding team in the Flames top 6. Brayden Schenn does have a higher cap hit at 3.1 million so he should also be available. Both Schenn and Couturier are RFA at the end of the year and Philly won't be able to afford both of them. IMO, the price to get Schenn would be lower than the price for Couturier because he is older and doesn't have as much offensive potential as Couturier does. If we were to try and trade for Couturier we would probably have to take a big contract back like Andrej Meszaros who Philly is trying to offload his 4 million cap hit but is a UFA at the end of the year so it wouldn't affect the Flames future on the back end at all.

To Calgary: Sean Couturier and Andrej Meszaros
To Philly: Mark Giordano and a 2014 2nd round pick
- AdamFlamesFan91

Not too shabby!