Quote:
Originally Posted by united
Treliving and Bean back today:
- All players on the Flames' list are in Calgary. Some still finishing up quarantine.
- Treliving confirms the Flames will hold training camp in Calgary, and then head to their hub (Edmonton) on the 26th.
- Schedule not finalized yet but will play their first game on either the 1st or 2nd.
- As of now, roster sizes are 31 players but subject to change as with everything.
- Haven't received any indication or notification of any Flames opting out, though window is still open.
- On Valimaki: still not cleared for contact. Mentions that throwing a player who last played in a real game 15+ months ago into a playoff game is probably not the best. His full recovery is 100% priority. Mentioned they expected an 11- to 12-month recovery which they tried to keep quiet.
- Still no resolution to conditional trades.
- Three days of training camp will be treated as game days to prepare mind/body. Morning skate, video, nap, pre-game meal, scrimmage.
- Possibly one pre-season game??? (I got distracted so probably misheard the context of this)
- Bean again mentions the bowls in the new building will be steeper than in Edmonton, more comparable with Detroit.
- Reiterates they strongly considered the complete inverted bowl as rumoured but didn't want to be the first in existence given getting it wrong for $500 million is a big cost. Again, arena will be a hybrid between existing and inverted - highest seats will be much closer to the ice laterally than the 'Dome's.
- Play-in games will likely be considered regional games with regional broadcasters. Not finalized. Playoffs will be national crews.
- Rink sponsorship issues (on-ice paint, boards) still in discussion. May just go with NHL logos. Also, for instance, Rogers Place's centre ice circle is the Oilers' logo - will that be removed for ice or NHL symbol?
- Treliving recommends Grit by Angela Duckworth as a quarantine read. Sent a copy to all the players.
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Nice summary, other highlights from today for me were:
- Confirmed only one formal ‘exhibition’ game planned in Edmonton
- Roster is still fluid but building it to win it all, not just to beat Jets. When season ended had 26 roster players. Of the 31 expected players some will be taxi squad from Stockton. Mackay not eligible to play in Phase 4 but wanted him to be part of camp experience.
- Don’t feel any real home ice advantages. Confirmed locker rooms would be rotated fairly.
- Emphasized depth on blue line and I got the impression they really don’t expect Valimaki to play
- Appears will be flat cap for next few years. We’re in a fairly good spot with most core players under contract
- Trev said Team are ‘like school kids’ in the locker room, very excited to be back and playing. Taking things seriously and everyone can’t wait to get to Edmonton.