Training camp is just a couple weeks away and restricted free agent forward Michael Ferland has still not put pen to paper on a new contract.
Sportsnet's Roger Millions speculated weeks ago that the Calgary Flames, like Ferland, "may have to give in more than they want."
That's surely the hold-up as Flames GM Brad Treliving is probably not anxious to hand Ferland much in either dollars or term before he truly proves himself at the NHL level.
As such no agreement has been reached. Should that still be the case when training camp opens Ferland won't be there, according to Treliving.
On Ferland, Treliving says they're "banging away" on a new contract. Also says "no deal, no camp". #Flames
— Pat Steinberg (@Fan960Steinberg) September 2, 2015I like Treliving's "no deal, no camp" rule. That should put some pressure on Ferland's camp to settle before hand. He doesn't want to miss practices (as well as preseason games) and put himself behind the eight ball right off the hop.
The Flames already have an abundance of forwards trying to make the team and sitting out won't help his cause while trying to establish himself as an every-night player.
Training camp should be about the team preparing for the season - not a player's contract situation - and it appears Treliving feels the same way.
When all is said and done I expect Ferland to sign before camp begins. We'll find out soon if that's the case.
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