Baertschi is a great prospect for the Flames, bet he makes the team this year.
- Thehabsfan93

He better I allready have his jersey. Thanks to HBSL

Colin Dambrauskas: The Road Ahead: What to Expect
What to expect from myself, and how the Flames look right now.
- Colin Dambrauskas

Congrats Colin. Looking forward to lots of blogs & from time to time, when it is neccessary, you can travel the same low road Cloutier likes to hang out on.

Am I way off base, or has Hudler played center for the wings?

I thought they used to run a 1-2-3 of Datsyuk-Filppula-Hudler for a while.

Also, who is Roman Cervenka? I consider myself pretty familiar with most all NHL players and upcoming prospects, but hadn't heard of this guy before - and now he's being paid nearly 4 mill per?

Am I way off base, or has Hudler played center for the wings?

I thought they used to run a 1-2-3 of Datsyuk-Filppula-Hudler for a while.

Also, who is Roman Cervenka? I consider myself pretty familiar with most all NHL players and upcoming prospects, but hadn't heard of this guy before - and now he's being paid nearly 4 mill per?
- TommyDeVito

He's a player from the KHL. Andthe 4 figure includes a bunch of bonuses that he has no chance of fulfilling.

He's a player from the KHL. Andthe 4 figure includes a bunch of bonuses that he has no chance of fulfilling.
- flamminghead

huh. well, be interesting to see anyway.

huh. well, be interesting to see anyway.
- TommyDeVito

As mentioned hes a guy they brought over from the KHL who, in many eyes, was the best available player in the league at that time. Flames are weak down the middle and Cervenka will certainly help. There isnt a whole lot expected from him but playing with his old Czech mate Hudler, they may do quite well together.

Morning Folks

The line up you have suggested will have the Flames in a lotto pick next summer. Backlund and Cervenka as top 2 centers? Come on! Cammi scoring 40? Come on!

Good luck getting drunk and being somebody!!!
- The-O-G

Not just somebody, THE somebody... Isn't that what Stampede is all about? that and racking up my expense account...

The line up you have suggested will have the Flames in a lotto pick next summer. Backlund and Cervenka as top 2 centers? Come on! Cammi scoring 40? Come on!


- Iggysbff

Who said they're top 2??? And who said Cammy scores 40? Its the one thing (most) Flames fans agree on is we are woefully weak up the middle... Cammy will be better this year but I think 40 is a bit of a stretch... I think scoring will be tough again this year save a surprise from the unknowns on the Flames... Iggy for 30(ish), Cammy the same, GX at 25-30 and we are in a better place than last year... again, the unknowns are the big question as is Hartley and his coaching staff...

The line up you have suggested will have the Flames in a lotto pick next summer. Backlund and Cervenka as top 2 centers? Come on! Cammi scoring 40? Come on!


- Iggysbff

This blog is to give an idea of how the team looks like right now. The team is strong on the wings, and rather weak down the middle. They have the ability, and moreso need, to upgrade down the middle via trades.

But for the time being Backlund and Cervenka are top two centers...unless Stajan suddenly emerges as a top 6 centerman, which I dont see happening.

Cervenka has yet to play in the NHL but has played with Hudler in the past. What he can do is left to be seen, possible upside there. Backlund is still young and showed promise before getting injured last year. Playing aside Iginla and possibly Baertschi could do wonders for the kid. Also, left to be seen.

There is no real debate that the team lacks in depth down the middle, but as things stand, with no trades so far, this is what we could expect for line combos.

Who said they're top 2??? And who said Cammy scores 40? Its the one thing (most) Flames fans agree on is we are woefully weak up the middle... Cammy will be better this year but I think 40 is a bit of a stretch... I think scoring will be tough again this year save a surprise from the unknowns on the Flames... Iggy for 30(ish), Cammy the same, GX at 25-30 and we are in a better place than last year... again, the unknowns are the big question as is Hartley and his coaching staff...
- geta02it

Unfortunately for those who want guarantees at center, Cervenka and Backlund are by default our top two centers.

Fortunately for them, however, it gives them a chance with no serious competition to prove themselves with top line minutes. Cervenka is a guy who I think will succeed in his role.

Backlund I believe may not find his place as the first line guy, albeit working very hard. It will all depend if him and Iggy can get some chemistry going, I suppose.

This blog is to give an idea of how the team looks like right now. The team is strong on the wings, and rather weak down the middle. They have the ability, and moreso need, to upgrade down the middle via trades.

But for the time being Backlund and Cervenka are top two centers...unless Stajan suddenly emerges as a top 6 centerman, which I dont see happening.

Cervenka has yet to play in the NHL but has played with Hudler in the past. What he can do is left to be seen, possible upside there. Backlund is still young and showed promise before getting injured last year. Playing aside Iginla and possibly Baertschi could do wonders for the kid. Also, left to be seen.

There is no real debate that the team lacks in depth down the middle, but as things stand, with no trades so far, this is what we could expect for line combos.
- Colin Dambrauskas

On your lineup, you slotted Baerschte with Iggy & Backlund, if that were the case, you didnt reslot Tanguay anywhere. Are you thinking he would be traded? Part of the reason why I think Stajan just doesnt fit into this mix & needs to be moved, same as Babchuk, you think he is a better option than Brodie in the 5-6 pairing. Quite frankly, I think Sarich & Babchuk pairing looks terrifying. I think the following:

Tanguay Cammi Iggy Lets try it out, gift them sheltered minutes.

Baerschte Cerevenka Hudler Lots of skill & lets see if they can give 2ndary scoring

GlenX Backlund Stempniak Hope this line can carry possession & tough minutes

Jackman Jones Comeau Probably one of the best 4th lines & could fill to 3rd line
Bouma/Aliu for depth
JBO/Gio great top 2 pairing
Wideman/Butler Interesting to see if they can form chemistry
Brodie/Sarich Hope Brodie can improve even more from a great last year
Smith/Wilson Depth Dmen

Kipper/Irving or Karlsson
Salary around 61-62 million
Need to move Stajan/Babchuk. Not opposed to some big trades to go young as I think this lineup will have some pretty good nights but still concerned with consistency. Maybe new coaching staff can prove us wrong. Prediction 11th in West Conference.

On your lineup, you slotted Baerschte with Iggy & Backlund, if that were the case, you didnt reslot Tanguay anywhere. Are you thinking he would be traded? Part of the reason why I think Stajan just doesnt fit into this mix & needs to be moved, same as Babchuk, you think he is a better option than Brodie in the 5-6 pairing. Quite frankly, I think Sarich & Babchuk pairing looks terrifying. I think the following:

Tanguay Cammi Iggy Lets try it out, gift them sheltered minutes.

Baerschte Cerevenka Hudler Lots of skill & lets see if they can give 2ndary scoring

GlenX Backlund Stempniak Hope this line can carry possession & tough minutes

Jackman Jones Comeau Probably one of the best 4th lines & could fill to 3rd line
Bouma/Aliu for depth
JBO/Gio great top 2 pairing
Wideman/Butler Interesting to see if they can form chemistry
Brodie/Sarich Hope Brodie can improve even more from a great last year
Smith/Wilson Depth Dmen

Kipper/Irving or Karlsson
Salary around 61-62 million
Need to move Stajan/Babchuk. Not opposed to some big trades to go young as I think this lineup will have some pretty good nights but still concerned with consistency. Maybe new coaching staff can prove us wrong. Prediction 11th in West Conference.
- Kevin R

9th... 3-5 points out AGAIN!!!

On your lineup, you slotted Baerschte with Iggy & Backlund, if that were the case, you didnt reslot Tanguay anywhere. Are you thinking he would be traded? Part of the reason why I think Stajan just doesnt fit into this mix & needs to be moved, same as Babchuk, you think he is a better option than Brodie in the 5-6 pairing. Quite frankly, I think Sarich & Babchuk pairing looks terrifying. I think the following:

Tanguay Cammi Iggy Lets try it out, gift them sheltered minutes.

Baerschte Cerevenka Hudler Lots of skill & lets see if they can give 2ndary scoring

GlenX Backlund Stempniak Hope this line can carry possession & tough minutes

Jackman Jones Comeau Probably one of the best 4th lines & could fill to 3rd line
Bouma/Aliu for depth
JBO/Gio great top 2 pairing
Wideman/Butler Interesting to see if they can form chemistry
Brodie/Sarich Hope Brodie can improve even more from a great last year
Smith/Wilson Depth Dmen

Kipper/Irving or Karlsson
Salary around 61-62 million
Need to move Stajan/Babchuk. Not opposed to some big trades to go young as I think this lineup will have some pretty good nights but still concerned with consistency. Maybe new coaching staff can prove us wrong. Prediction 11th in West Conference.
- Kevin R

I left Tanguay as a possibility on the first line, if Baertschi dosnt work. However (as my next blog to come will discuss) I feel there could be changes to the top 6.

Backlund should be given a chance to play on the first while the opportunity is there, the second line with Cervenka as the center works fine and Stajan could fill the third for the time being. If Backlund cannot handle the first with Iginla, he may be dropped to the third.

I do however anticipate Baertschi playing second line, maybe even third line depending on how things go.

Unfortunately for those who want guarantees at center, Cervenka and Backlund are by default our top two centers.

Fortunately for them, however, it gives them a chance with no serious competition to prove themselves with top line minutes. Cervenka is a guy who I think will succeed in his role.

Backlund I believe may not find his place as the first line guy, albeit working very hard. It will all depend if him and Iggy can get some chemistry going, I suppose.
- Colin Dambrauskas

Hate to be that guy, but the Czech league and KHL < the NHL. Shortened season and a much lower talent pool might make Cervenka seem better than he is. My guess he starts on the 3rd line till it is proven he can keep up in the NHL. That leaves Backlund and my boy Stajan as top centers. I'd give the nod to Stajan to be the top guy, at the start of the season anyways. Maybe Cerv and Backlund can show their worth as the season goes on, but this is all preseason speculation.

Hate to be that guy, but the Czech league and KHL < the NHL. Shortened season and a much lower talent pool might make Cervenka seem better than he is. My guess he starts on the 3rd line till it is proven he can keep up in the NHL. That leaves Backlund and my boy Stajan as top centers. I'd give the nod to Stajan to be the top guy, at the start of the season anyways. Maybe Cerv and Backlund can show their worth as the season goes on, but this is all preseason speculation.
- B_def

Given his experience with Hudler and the rankings from scouts, I believe he will actually succeed in his role on the 2nd line.

Is he a 2nd line guy on most teams? No...but with the depth (or lack thereof) down the middle, he may be the right fit.

I just hope Stajan can atleast maintain good enough play to be slotted in as a 3rd line guy. Maybe if Backlund suffers and Stajan's play emerges, he could try out first line minutes...but this is desperation as I dont see him pulling it off, frankly.

Given his experience with Hudler and the rankings from scouts, I believe he will actually succeed in his role on the 2nd line.

Is he a 2nd line guy on most teams? No...but with the depth (or lack thereof) down the middle, he may be the right fit.

I just hope Stajan can atleast maintain good enough play to be slotted in as a 3rd line guy. Maybe if Backlund suffers and Stajan's play emerges, he could try out first line minutes...but this is desperation as I dont see him pulling it off, frankly.
- Colin Dambrauskas

Let's hope so, I just have this overwhelming feeling we signed Fabian Brunnstrom 2.0

Let's hope so, I just have this overwhelming feeling we signed Fabian Brunnstrom 2.0
- B_def

Low risk, high reward?

Low risk, high reward?
- Colin Dambrauskas

I'll agree with that, just making sure fans don't have very high hopes. Another example:

2010/11 - 51Gp - 61Pts (on a line with Jagr)
2011/12 - 54Gp - 39Pts (no Jagr)

I'll agree with that, just making sure fans don't have very high hopes. Another example:

2010/11 - 51Gp - 61Pts (on a line with Jagr)
2011/12 - 54Gp - 39Pts (no Jagr)


- B_def

So, what youre saying is....we need Jagr?

I'll agree with that, just making sure fans don't have very high hopes. Another example:

2010/11 - 51Gp - 61Pts (on a line with Jagr)
2011/12 - 54Gp - 39Pts (no Jagr)


- B_def

Also, he put up decent points with one NHLer in Jagr...what do you think he could do with two

Also, he put up decent points with one NHLer in Jagr...what do you think he could do with two
- Colin Dambrauskas

He put up decent points playing against 5 KHLers... how do you think he'll do against 5 NHLers

He put up decent points playing against 5 KHLers... how do you think he'll do against 5 NHLers
- B_def

Valid point, but hes also playing with 4 NHLers himself, and its not to say that the KHLers are miles below the NHLers in talent.

Either way, I anticipate Cervenka doing well in this role, given the amount of competition he has at center.

Colin Dambrauskas: The Road Ahead: What to Expect
What to expect from myself, and how the Flames look right now.
- Colin Dambrauskas

Why would you have butler in over brodie??? Honestly butler was by far the worst flmes d-man all year, granted part of that is because we used him as a top 2 guy when he's acctually a 5-6 guy. AND. Dear God why would you have stajan in the lineup??? WTF He is the the worst flame since he's joind our sorry club. As you will come to find out i despise stajan. And would have sent him to abbotsford with a 6 pack of bud and said he wasnt allowd anywear near the heat. And that he would play hockey again until he was a part of a differnt organization

This blog is to give an idea of how the team looks like right now. The team is strong on the wings, and rather weak down the middle. They have the ability, and moreso need, to upgrade down the middle via trades.

But for the time being Backlund and Cervenka are top two centers...unless Stajan suddenly emerges as a top 6 centerman, which I dont see happening.

Cervenka has yet to play in the NHL but has played with Hudler in the past. What he can do is left to be seen, possible upside there. Backlund is still young and showed promise before getting injured last year. Playing aside Iginla and possibly Baertschi could do wonders for the kid. Also, left to be seen.

There is no real debate that the team lacks in depth down the middle, but as things stand, with no trades so far, this is what we could expect for line combos.
- Colin Dambrauskas

I honestly expect Cammy to be playing center.