[sureLoss]

Just scanning the names of first time waiver eligible this season and one name that has been previously linked to the Flames stands out: Kerby Rychel.

Rychel was the 19th OA pick in the 2013 draft. Asked for a trade out of Columbus back in 2015 as he felt he wasn't going to get a fair shot to the NHL there with their forward depth. The Flames were reportedly scouting him heavily in the AHL during the 15/16 season but Columbus' asking price at the time was too high. BJs ended up traded him at the 2016 draft to Toronto.

He is now waiver eligible for the first time this season, which MAY bring up interesting scenarios depending on how Toronto's training camp plays out. Toronto already has potentially 15 or 16 forwards ahead of him and barring injuries they may be forced to try to sneak him through waivers or trade him.

No guarantees that the Flames are still that interested in him as Tkachuk has been drafted and established himself since then. Also if the Flames were to claim him on waivers or trade for him, he would have to stay up on the NHL roster or risk losing him on waivers again. If the Flames still think he needs significant time developing in the AHL, then they probably have little interest unless they acquire him after clearing waivers.

How Shinkaruk, Poirier, or any other young player fighting for a winger spot at camp perform would also potentially influence the level of interest the Flames have.

Just something to keep an eye on heading into training camp and the start of the season. A current description of his current level right now could be Ferland three years ago- an emerging power forward with truculence.