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Calgary4LIfe · 09-19-2013, 12:49 AM

I listened to the Feaster interview on the Fan960.

Poirier impressed, but his conditioning was NOT at the NHL level. Feaster said he came to camp fit, but it was a step below the level they expect for the NHL. Not to say that Poirier has any conditioning issues, but there is no point in keeping him up. He also stated that he wants Poirier to have a strong start to his season as they want him to have the best chance to make the WJC team.

Kanzig - didn't go into detail really. My thoughts is that he is physically NHL-ready. He will most likely not make the WJC team of course. Because he is physically ready, I would think the Flames feel it will be a good kick-start to his development playing with and against NHL talent before being reassigned to Victoria. Also gives the Flames a bit more time to gauge where Kanzig is right now, and to figure out where he needs developing the most. Just my own rationalization.

As for Cundari being cut now - well, you can make a case for and against this. I believe he is waiver-eligible. Safer sending him down now rather than later - less risk as teams are trying to send down their own players, right? I expect him to get some time on the Flames. Feaster basically said that every year the Flames burn through 10-12 defencemen (if I remember correctly - listened to it hours ago) and he will more than likely be a recall at some point.

I don't really see any surprises one way or another that can't be rationalized in some way. Begin is the biggest surprise to me really, but I would think that his role on the Heat would be one of leadership. Keeping him around and making him one of the last cuts in camp isn't a terrible idea anyways, and though he isn't exactly NHL-caliber any longer, his conditioning and preparation is top-notch and just further helps the rookies. I expect him to be sent down in the next cut though.

I expect every waiver-eligible player that is on the fence as to making the team or not will be sent down in the next cut as a safety precaution. I THINK in the new CBA that players just need to clear waivers once being sent down and will not need to clear waivers in the future (or there is at least a 'x' number of games they play in the NHL upon recall before needing to clear again if they get demoted a second time.. something like that anyways - anyone know the exact rules?).

Monahan is the most interesting case. He looks NHL ready, and Hartley has definitely praised his maturity level and his 200ft game. However, do you burn an ELC now? The 67's would be ######ed not to trade him to a contender at some point in his season as well. Playing top-line minutes game in and game out will also allow him to further develop his offensive game, and would guarantee (as much as there can be) that he would make the WJC squad (though the Flames would of course have the option to allow him that opportunity if he makes the NHL this year). You can make solid arguments both for and against his assignment this season. I have a SLIGHT preference for him to be sent down as I don't think his development would in any way be hindered, and it saves a year of his ELC, but I would in no way be disappointed that they keep him up either. Will be interesting what they decide to do with him.

09-19-2013, 12:49 AM	#116
Calgary4LIfe Franchise Player Join Date: Jun 2010 Exp:	I listened to the Feaster interview on the Fan960. Poirier impressed, but his conditioning was NOT at the NHL level. Feaster said he came to camp fit, but it was a step below the level they expect for the NHL. Not to say that Poirier has any conditioning issues, but there is no point in keeping him up. He also stated that he wants Poirier to have a strong start to his season as they want him to have the best chance to make the WJC team. Kanzig - didn't go into detail really. My thoughts is that he is physically NHL-ready. He will most likely not make the WJC team of course. Because he is physically ready, I would think the Flames feel it will be a good kick-start to his development playing with and against NHL talent before being reassigned to Victoria. Also gives the Flames a bit more time to gauge where Kanzig is right now, and to figure out where he needs developing the most. Just my own rationalization. As for Cundari being cut now - well, you can make a case for and against this. I believe he is waiver-eligible. Safer sending him down now rather than later - less risk as teams are trying to send down their own players, right? I expect him to get some time on the Flames. Feaster basically said that every year the Flames burn through 10-12 defencemen (if I remember correctly - listened to it hours ago) and he will more than likely be a recall at some point. I don't really see any surprises one way or another that can't be rationalized in some way. Begin is the biggest surprise to me really, but I would think that his role on the Heat would be one of leadership. Keeping him around and making him one of the last cuts in camp isn't a terrible idea anyways, and though he isn't exactly NHL-caliber any longer, his conditioning and preparation is top-notch and just further helps the rookies. I expect him to be sent down in the next cut though. I expect every waiver-eligible player that is on the fence as to making the team or not will be sent down in the next cut as a safety precaution. I THINK in the new CBA that players just need to clear waivers once being sent down and will not need to clear waivers in the future (or there is at least a 'x' number of games they play in the NHL upon recall before needing to clear again if they get demoted a second time.. something like that anyways - anyone know the exact rules?). Monahan is the most interesting case. He looks NHL ready, and Hartley has definitely praised his maturity level and his 200ft game. However, do you burn an ELC now? The 67's would be ######ed not to trade him to a contender at some point in his season as well. Playing top-line minutes game in and game out will also allow him to further develop his offensive game, and would guarantee (as much as there can be) that he would make the WJC squad (though the Flames would of course have the option to allow him that opportunity if he makes the NHL this year). You can make solid arguments both for and against his assignment this season. I have a SLIGHT preference for him to be sent down as I don't think his development would in any way be hindered, and it saves a year of his ELC, but I would in no way be disappointed that they keep him up either. Will be interesting what they decide to do with him.