cccsberg

Just thinking about the rest of the summer and realized its likely going to be very quiet with the Flames for at least the next 4-6 weeks. Outside of a signing or three and the slim possibility of a trade or two, it likely will be pin-drop quiet till guys start ramping it up for the World Cup in early September, with the odd WJC try-out camp thrown in for good measure. Time to bring the kids and grandkids up to speed on the basics of fishing.... and get out and enjoy the mountains and trails....

I guess the only thing I am wondering is if he tries to get another 1-2 players on 2-ways for the Flames, it may impact overall Cap, and he's waiting. As far as our Camp Invites go, you'd think we would have first chance to sign them so unless he's sent out some TC invites and its not announced yet, I'd expect the longer we wait, the less chance any of those guys actually sign with us.

Yes, very definitely. They could use some vets to provide experience and stability, but then again I wouldn't mind if a couple of Development Camp invites got a contract either. And re-signing Arnold and Shore wouldn't be all that bad as well. I am wondering if all signings have been put on hold until after the Gaudreau-Monahan signings are done? It would make some sense, since they might impact available dollars....

One of the problems with the Stockton team is so much youth transitioning, and the resultant team that is very young. Of course, massive injuries at key positions, like G don't help either.

The top-level prospects, yes, but I'm not so sure about the mid-level or lower guys. The only ones I can think of are Jooris and Ferland, both who got a chance 2 years ago and last year, respectively. That doesn't really sound like a team "giving youth a chance" There hasn't been a defenceman in years (Hamilton was a 3 year vet when we got him), and goalies? Last year doesn't really qualify as "a chance" for Ortio. It has been especially galling to see many over-the-hill vets brought in which has gummed up the works and saddled the team with temporary contracts, and some of the LT contracts signed a few years back that we are still waiting to clear. Management mis-judged the development and impact of the top-level prospect's we've been able to bring in who have taken off like rockets, dragged down by excess vet baggage that we can't cut loose. I think directly as a result we've lost some pretty useable pieces, like Byron, Arnold, Agostino, Jooris and even Colborne. That's the way it goes, but hopefully management has learned some lessons and it changes going forward. Certainly at this point it appears to be the case, but unfortunately there still is most of the summer and who knows whether BT signs another 2-3 guys?

Yes, absolutely correct. And who is Bollig bumping off the roster? Unfortunate but that's the reality. We have to hope BT can make some deals, and hold onto the best of the prospects till things open up.

I'm not sure where would be the best. However, since he is from Europe and not CHL-restricted, it is worth having the discussion, and for the Flames to investigate and provide input to him where he would be best served. Personally with limited viewings and knowledge, I do note he is physically mature and plays a tough, physical game that is common in NA but not in Europe. I would therefore think he would likely be better served in NA(to advance that game with better competition), and I'm not assuming its the CHL just because that's the normal/required for CHL players here. For him, like Kylington last year, the AHL is an option and needs to be weighed out thoroughly rather that what seems to be jumping to conclusions. If the CHL wasn't restrictive I am sure we would regularly see guys go straight to the AHL, and I'm very curious about Tuulola in this specific case.

I'm tempering expectations too, however certain players have already proven in their past certain things so you take that into consideration as well. Even tempering expectations, I expect Tkachuk will have a very good chance of making the team right out of training camp as he is physically quite mature, emotionally more mature than many and has shown a skill level better than other options. Hopefully he will prove that during the Fall. With Tuulola the scrimmage was good, but getting him to the AHL (my preference) is based on the fact he is very physically mature and has an opportunity to make that jump because he's from Europe and needs to play against tougher/bigger competition to advance his game. If CHL players were able to make the jump prior to their age 20 year, we would be having this discussion over multiple players every single year, but since they can't, we don't.

I would agree, lots of good guys coming down the pipe and some landing in the AHL as soon as next year. Actually I'm hopeful Tuulola lands there this year, a la Kylington, as he's already physically mature and the competition would do him good. That's going to put pressure on Ferland, Chiasson, Vey, Morrison, Rittich, Kulak, Culkin and Hathaway as RFAs after next season that'll be replaced unless unless they really step up and prove themselves this year and secure a contract going forward.

Sounds like you need to just relax. The Gaudreau & Monahan deals require two parties, and they seem to be working on it.

I agree. Seems some people have their favorites or a preconceived notion that when not met lead to blind criticism.

Last year we added two key pieces and just figured everything else the same so playoffs plus. But everything else wasn't. Keeping that in mind let's look at next year.1. There have been significant changes on the team, nowhere more so than in coaching. I expect the new coaching style to be more conducive to our players, and even though GG doesn't seem to be as much a performance-driver as BH, that should be offset by players doing their best to impress the new coaches and a more effective style. Add in the advance in youngsters with this new coach and I'm expecting a gradual improvement over the season, culminating in a very strong second half. Overall a significant improvement which will get them close to playoffs. 2. Goaltending goes from a goalie who gave up on a city and ended league-worse, to the NHL's top goalie with a chip on his shoulder with something to prove. Add in his work ethic and being a fierce competitor even in practice I expect this to be a huge improvement over last year which could single-handedly drag them into the playoffs. 3. New players: The team swapped out Russell for Jokipakka which is a big improvement, but nothing else on the trade front to date. Additional trades likely to clear space for better prospects. Speaking of which this season will be a continuing story of trying to move out vets and bring in prospects, such as Stajan, Wideman, Bollig, Smid, Raymond and maybe Jooris and Colborne out with Shinkaruk, Poirier, Jankowski, Wotherspoon, Kylington and Pribyl waiting in the wings. Hopefully they will re-sign Nakladal and possibly Grant but we shall soon see. Overall the team will get better the farther BT can push this along, but it's going to take time, especially with the league's renewed focus on cheap players. For the team, a wash with slight improvements as the season goes on. 4. Injuries: This plays a critical factor every year and if it's to key players it could be devastating (I.e Brodie). However given the young guys are likely upgrades in many positions I'm thinking this will likely be a wash. 5. Opposition: Whereas Anaheim's changes are definitely focused on winning this year, and I expect a very strong year from them, the LAK and SJS are likely going to decline and Vancouver is treading water. Edmonton still has no D and are unwilling to pay the price to get some, so not expecting much there and Arizona had our number last year which isn't going to happen again. It's still going to be around 90-94 PTS for the playoffs. Overall I expect the Flames to improve significantly, with the speed of getting the team up and playing a new style and ability of BT to turn over some over-the-hills guys critical in final results. They should be in the 90-100 point range so right in the playoff mix till the very end.

In the draft interviews BT made several comments about how he really likes Ortio which seemed to indicate at the least that re-signing him as our backup is a given, unless they can find someone better at a cheap cost. Having both goalies at a total of around $3.5mm really opens up the possibilities for signing a tough, veteran RW like say a Brouwer, Okposo or even Ericsson. Any of those guys would be a great fit for the Flames 1RW, while Tkachuk/Pribyl learn the ropes and fight it out for 2RW with Bennett.

Yes, they want that pick but Bishop has got to be one of the top goalies in the league right now and age is OK, so giving up #6OA might be worth it. The problem is getting a commitment on an extension and what that will cost, and getting all this done in the next 23 hours.

That's not correct. Las Vegas has a fixed number of F(14), D(9) & G(3) they HAVE to draft, totalling 26 players. They still have an additional 4 picks that can be anything, including 4 more goalies. I'd expect them to take at least 4 G to cover their NHL and AHL teams, and possibly more if the options are good and they can then turn around and offer them as trade bait for better Forwards.

Absolutely not, you NEVER take that risk, especially since we'll know for sure re his eligibility within 12 hours. If he is eligible you also do not take that risk because his history is outstanding and he'd immediately be the future for the Las Vegas team.

It's not clear that Murray is ineligible from an expansion draft because of his AHL time which would put him over 2years. If so MAF with his NMC could force Pittsburg to trade Murray, and nothing they could do about it. More clarity tomorrow.

hmmm.... I thought it was still unclear as to Smid's health? OK, I guess its LTIR then.

Exactly, but out of my 22 predictions I'm thinking 50% would be pretty solid. I guess the main thing is that the next 10 days are LIKELY to be very hectic.

Expectations: Wednesday/Friday: 2x Flames Buy-outs.... (Smid & Raymond?) Thursday: Coach and Associate Coach announcements....(Rierdon/Gulutzen?) next Tuesday: 8x RFA qualifications.... (Colborne, Jooris, Shore, Ortio, Hamilton, Arnold, Agostino, Wotherspoon) next Wednesday(22nd): Expansion announcement.... (Las Vegas) next Thursday(23rd): 2x Flames Re-signings.... (Gaudreau & Monahan) next Friday(24th): 2x UFA Re-signings.... (Grant & Nakladal); Goalie Trade Announcement.... (Anderson & Ritchie=Ferland & Switch of 1sts); Pick Trade.... (CBJ's 3OA=Backlund & Hickey & Colborne); Draft.... (3OA-Puljujarvi, 24OA-Pascal Laberge?); Draft Trade.... (3x 2nd Rounders & Wideman=Boston's 14OA-Clayton Keller) OK, a guy can Dream...

You're correct. Now, where are the past comments about Schultz who also has his name on the Cup?

Hmmm..... must have been on holidays or something to avoid that list of comments..... Actually, I think Kessel is just fine as a player, but not interested as it wasn't a good fit for the Flames, just like Stamkos probably isn't a good fit for us this summer either. PS: After many "discussions" with my wife over many irrelevant things, I've learned that arguing over who is 'right' and shoving that stuff into another's face doesn't really get you too far in the world, probably not too helpful on blogs either......

Although I'm not a great MAF fan, I believe he would be a very big upgrade over what we just went through. Considering the likelihood that he would be a reasonable cost, versus say an Anderson who would likely be way more expensive (and a UFA after 1 year) he is certainly at the or near the top of goalie targets for the Flames, all things considered. JJ, just curious, but could you please name the 2-3 goalies you believe are, or should be our top targets? Might as well discuss actual goalies rather than a bunch of blog bickering....

Hmmmm... thinking Rittich may be the back-up. Stay tuned folks.

Thanks, we'll see how things work out, but he'll likely start with his countryman Pribyl in the AHL. This certainly came out of left field....