Todd Cordell: Calgary Flames Q&A: Predictions, Young Guns, Ramo & More

Todd Cordell: Calgary Flames Q&A: Predictions, Young Guns, Ramo & More
- Todd-Cordell

I think the Flames will surprise a lot of people this year. Yes, I agree they have many question marks in most of the positions, but I really have faith in this coaching staff and system (they even assigned Conroy a new role to ensure the AHL team is playing the same system as the NHL team). The coaches will get the best out of these players (or the players won't play); this means their system will be played (keep everything out of the middle), and the players will be in position to break-up plays, and to score.

I think backland is the one that we need to see a break out year from. He's had a couple opportunities to take the leap into being an essential part of the top 6 for the flames, usually stopped by injuries, but nows his chance to really shine.

With a Baert/Back/Jones line, I'm hoping they can get some chemistry going and show the odd spark of the flames future.

If monahans on a 3rd line, I'd almost rather him play jr. But if paired with Stemper and giglardi, it wouldn't be so bad. Stemper seems like a great vet for a kid to play with, he seemed to enjoy playing with Baert at the end last year.

since there's no other hockey to talk about. Anyone know how the saddledome rebuild is going?

I think the Flames will surprise a lot of people this year. Yes, I agree they have many question marks in most of the positions, but I really have faith in this coaching staff and system (they even assigned Conroy a new role to ensure the AHL team is playing the same system as the NHL team to ensure easier transitions for players). The coaches will get the best out of these players (or the players won't play); this means their system will be played (keep everything out of the middle), and the players will be in position to break-up plays, and to score.
- FL4MES

I'm guessing they'll draft 3rd this year (trade it for a 2015 pick unless reinhart is still there). A few WTF where did that come from streaks will keep them out of last. Simply out of pure effort.

Glenx 30g, baert20g.

I'm guessing they'll draft 3rd this year (trade it for a 2015 pick unless reinhart is still there). A few WTF where did that come from streaks will keep them out of last. Simply out of pure effort.

Glenx 30g, baert20g.
- numbear

Who's going to be worse than the Flames this year?

Who's going to be worse than the Flames this year?
- whipper334

i'm basing this more on the fact that they aren't luckily enough to win the lotto.....florida will be again i think...new jersey?

Please let the season start soon...

Who's going to be worse than the Flames this year?
- whipper334

OILERS!

OILERS!
- FL4MES

Seriously though, Buffalo certainly has the potential tk be worse. Especially if they move Vanek and Miller. I to have my doubts with NJD and FLA. NJD lose their pick anyway so I'm ok with that.

Hey todd, any chance you know the situation with Rafikov? Why wasn't he at development camp?

OILERS!
- FL4MES

no, no, no... they will finish in 9th, 3 points back of a playoff spot...

I'm guessing they'll draft 3rd this year (trade it for a 2015 pick unless reinhart is still there). A few WTF where did that come from streaks will keep them out of last. Simply out of pure effort.

Glenx 30g, baert20g.
- numbear

Trade it?? are you kidding? Don't discount this draft just because you can't get one player. Set us back another year. great plan

Trade it?? are you kidding? Don't discount this draft just because you can't get one player. Set us back another year. great plan
- Talking_hockey1

stocking up on 1sts for mcdavid isn't really a set back in my mind

stocking up on 1sts for mcdavid isn't really a set back in my mind
- numbear

Unless we win the lottery in 2015, 4 first round picks won't get us McDavid.

Unless we win the lottery in 2015, 4 first round picks won't get us McDavid.
- whipper334

gives us four chances though

gives us four chances though
- numbear

Not unless one of them is the first overall pick. And if we don't win it no one will trade it.

gives us four chances though
- numbear

I like the idea of acquiring more kicks at the 2015 draft lottery can, but not by trading out a top 5 or likely 3 pick.

The 2014/15 season i think may see the trades of guys like Gio, Wideman, GlenX or Hudler. Perhaps that can get us a few more lottery spots. Trying to predict who will be in a lottery spot at the draft the year before is a big risk. With the parity in this league, you may be trading the 3rd overall in 2014 for the 30th pick in 2015.