With not much happening in the hockey world - Calgary Flames related or otherwise - I figured now is as good of a time as any to do a Q&A blog.
Let's get right to it.
@ToddCordell Will Sam Bennett be playing 2C, 3C, or 2LW?
— Aron Vad (@aronvad) August 9, 2016
Sam Bennett played quite a bit of wing last season but the organization drafted him as a center and view him as such long-term. I think he'll play primarily center this season. Sean Monahan will center Johnny Gaudreau on the top line and Mikael Backlund will probably take on all the tough defensive assignments. I expect Bennett will center the 2nd scoring line but whether that's clasified as the 2nd or 3rd line overall is subjective.
@ToddCordell more likely to make playoffs this year, Devils or flames?
— * (@henny_kravitzz) August 9, 2016
I think both teams have had solid off-seasons but I'll say New Jersey (by a touch) simply because the East is a weaker conference and, in my opinion, posses fewer playoff locks.
@ToddCordell with the west not being so deep and the additions of brouwer and elliot do you think it's enough to lock down an 8th seed?
— speeDy (@dsf_9d) August 9, 2016
I think the West is the superior conference but as of now I do see the Flames as a Wild Card team. They shouldn't have too much trouble scoring - especially with the offense their defense contributes - and their goaltending should be significantly better this season.
@ToddCordell yep any deals for johnny and sean due soon ?? any other trades/signings likely ?
— mark wright (@markwrightuk88) August 9, 2016
It sounds like an extension with Monahan is closer to being done than one with Gaudreau but I think there's still some work to be done. Negotiations may drag out a little longer but I doubt they will carry into camp.
As for the second part of your question I think the Flames are pretty much done. They may invite some veterans into camp on a tryout basis but I wouldn't expect any notable trades/signings.
@ToddCordell do you think any prospects make the step up to Calgary this year out of camp? If so, who?
— Darrin Harmsworth (@darrinharmy) August 9, 2016
If Hunter Shinkaruk counts I will say him. I also expect one (or both) of Brett Kulak and Tyler Wotherspoon to grab a spot on the back end. Rasmus Andersson and Oliver Kylington will get looks but I think they'll play in the AHL; at least to start. A little more seasoning couldn't hurt.
@ToddCordell how high are you on wotherspoon? How high is the org on him? What would the price to acquire him in a trade be?
— Donnie O'Connor (@DonnieBOConnor) August 9, 2016
The Flames still like Wotherspoon but I wouldn't say they're overly high on his potential. At this point it looks like his ceiling is that of a 3rd pairing defensemen. If they decide to move on from him, which I don't expect, the asking price probably would be reasonable.
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