[News] Wotherspoon issued challenge by Flames

[sureLoss]

The challenge was discussed yesterday at the press conference, but thought the response from Wotherspoon was good (at least saying the right things):

http://www.calgarysun.com/2015/05/13...-by-the-flames

“This summer is big for me, especially having a full off-season to train healthy. That’s huge,” the 22-year-old Wotherspoon said after Tuesday’s season-ending exit meetings with the Flames’ brass. “They said, ‘Have a great mindset coming into camp. Have a confident attitude to come in and really make a statement and take a job.’

“So that’s what I’m going to plan for and work really hard this summer to achieve.”

Proof of Hartley’s argument that you must be patient with defenders, it’s worth noting Flames captain Mark Giordano was 22 when he made his NHL debut in January of ‘06. Wotherspoon already had 14 big-league outings on his resume — all of them last season — when he turned 22 in mid-March.

“When you’re young, and I went through it, too, it’s an experience thing as a d-man, just learning how to be patient in your own zone and not run around and all those little things,” Giordano said. “But I think (Wotherspoon) is on a good path. He’s a young guy, has good poise with the puck, makes great plays. He’ll be fine.

“I wish I was in his position when I was his age, that’s for sure.”

Starting in October, Wotherspoon wants to be in the position Giordano is now — a full-time employee on the Flames’ back-end.

“It just puts that fire into me to kind of come in next year and expect more out of myself,” Wotherspoon said. “That’s my goal right now is to be on that roster on opening day. That’s the goal I’m going to set for myself. I have to set the bar high. That’s what I’m going to look forward to and work this summer to get.”

[jlh2640]

Would love to see these 7 be our regulars next year.

Brodie Gio
Russell Wideman
Smid Worherspoon
Engelland

[Da_Chief]

Originally Posted by jlh2640

Would love to see these 7 be our regulars next year.

Brodie Gio
Russell Wideman
Smid Worherspoon
Engelland

So a broke down Smid makes your top 6 yet Engelland who gave it all is your #7? Jeez.

[getbak]

I liked Treliving's comments about not being happy to just go home with some underwear with a Flames' logo on it.

[KootenayFlamesFan]

I really, really like Spoon. Still think he can be a top 4 guy for many years. Needs some confidence and playing time and he should take off. Hope he can grab the bull by the horns next fall.

[kyuss275]

Originally Posted by getbak

I liked Treliving's comments about not being happy to just go home with some underwear with a Flames' logo on it.

I'd be quite happy to go home with some free flames underwear . I guess that's reason # 214 of why I will never be a professional athlete .

[CroFlames]

Where does one get flames undies?

[Geeoff]

Originally Posted by jlh2640

Would love to see these 7 be our regulars next year.

Brodie Gio
Russell Wideman
Smid Worherspoon
Engelland

I'm expecting at least one significant change to our back end.

[N-E-B]

Originally Posted by jlh2640

Would love to see these 7 be our regulars next year.

Brodie Gio
Russell Wideman
Smid Worherspoon
Engelland

I take Schlemko 10 times out of 10 over Smid. I might also take Diaz over Smid too...

[Street Pharmacist]

Originally Posted by N-E-B

I take Schlemko 10 times out of 10 over Smid. I might also take Diaz over Smid too...

I'd take half our AHL guys over Smid

[bc-chris]

Originally Posted by CroFlames

Where does one get flames undies?

the end of season "used equipment sale"



...gross!

[OzSome]

Originally Posted by jlh2640

Would love to see these 7 be our regulars next year.

Brodie Gio
Russell Wideman
Smid Worherspoon
Engelland

I think Ladislav Smid is done and will retire soon. I am thinking the Flames will offer Schlemko a contract. Would love to see Wotherspoon make the lineup but he has to earn it in the training camp. I like his mindset right now and I hope he backs it up. He need to get bigger and gets faster.

[albertGQ]

Smid will go on LTIR before retiring (like Pronger). No way he gives up all that guaranteed cash

[hockey.modern]

Brodie-Gio
Russell-Wideman
Morrison-Wotherspoon

Schlemko
Engelland

[Yanda]

Im no expert in who can play what side but..

Brodie - Gio
Schlemko - Russell
Top 4 UFA - Wideman

Engelland, Morrison, Tspoon, Pre-season Tryout

If Russell and Schlemko paired together in Jr then why not try them together.
We could also split ice time alot more evenly too.

[automaton 3]

Russell and Wideman have been dynamite together, I don't see any point in breaking them up.

I think the top 4 is pretty decent, but another physical D would help round out the lineup.

[Roof-Daddy]

If the Flames bring back Schlemko, and don't trade anyone else....Wotherspoon is going to be in real tough to make the roster out of camp without injuries (to anyone other than Smid).

....and that's if Schlemko is the only other guy the Flames bring back or add via trade/UFA.

Hopefully he does it, would be great to have a 23 year old Dman force his way in.

[JohnnyT]

Should be an interesting training camp, Spoon, Morrison and Culkin will all be fighting to be the rookie that makes it on the back end

[BigRed]

All engelland needs to be effective is a decent, complementary partner. The playoffs showed that as he played with Brodie. Schlemko is a good complement to what he brings. Would like to see him signed and spoon in at #7

[Yamer]

Let's try to not kid ourselves, Smid at full health is a top 6 defender on the current roster. Probably a #5 or #6, interchangeable with Engelland.