[TheIronMaiden]

In preparation for camp. I have compiled a list of players to watch. Mostly for my own enjoyment. I am curious to hear other peoples scouting reports as we get ready for what is likely to be the most exciting pre season camp in some time. Maybe I am optimistic, but there is a good chance that four or more of these players opening the season for the Flames.

In brackets are their prospect ranking polls.

Players who will push for a spot on the team.

#63 Ruzicka (Gratduated) - I know he is technically a graduated prospect, that said the book is far from written. For a stretch he looked really good last year, though some combination of team management and old habits (streaky effort) left him an odd man out. This is going to be an important year for his career, and it will be interesting to see if he comes into camp guns a blazing.

#71 Walker (Graduated) – Duehr . He is already a fan favourite for good reason. Who doesn’t love a lunch pail player. IF he can keep up the pace and chip on offense now and then, he is going to sell some jerseys. It will be fun to watch what he brings to camp.

#32 Wolf (1st) - I am not going to pretend I know what makes a goalie good outside of stopping the puck. All I know is folks are really down on the Tandem of Vladar and Markstrom and are really high on the possibility of wolf being a franchise defining goalie.

#39 Coronato (2nd) – He had a pretty quite young stars, though it is clear that he is very dangerous with the puck. He plays with a goal scorers swager. I am not sure he kicks down doors and finds big minutes early. Though it will be interesting to see how he fits in with some of the play makers on the Flames. I think he will still need development to become an elite goal scorer. That said, he should be a lock to start the season with the Flames.

#22 Pelletier (3rd) – I am high of Pelletier, higher than most. It is obvious he plays away from the puck like a pro. Hard stops and starts, a great eye for passing lanes. Time will tell if he can become an impact player with the puck. It would be a shock if he didn’t crack the lineup to start.

#47 Zary (5th) – I am very low on Zary. We didn’t get a chance to see him in the young stars. But we know that he had a good camp last year. If he can repeat that then the sky is the limit. I don’t know if skill can carry him on to the team. He will need to do the little things right often if he is going to make it.

# ?? Poirier (6th) - Really hard to say what Poirier will bring. Rehabbing an injury to start camp is never a good thing. I know that the Flames could use his offensive flair, especially in light of moving on from a few roster players as the season progresses. I am doubtful he starts on the Flames, but I think we will see him get a game in the meat of the season.

#43 Klapka (17) – He was a clear stand out in Penticton. He uses his size and speed well to create space. Strong on the puck. I think he makes some moves in camp, though he will have to find a role.

Prospects who are not ready this year, but the future looks bright.

This isn't their year, but I think the Flames may have a couple of future NHLers here.

#42 Honzek ( 3)
#59 Morin (7)
#73 Lipinski (20)
#74 Ciona (14)

Honorable mentions.

These prospects are just a step behind the first grouping. Their window for making the team has opened, and it will be interesting to see if they find the next gear that gives them a shot at the show.

#37 Kuznetsov (9)
#65 Stromgren (10)
#77 Nikolaev (24)
#24 Pospisil (21)