Lauri Korpikoski coming to Flames camp

[Slava]

Rob Kerr just tweeted that "(it's) funny how PTOs work as he is now coming to Flames camp" in reply to a tweet saying the Canucks were a team that was offering him a PTO. I like him, but not sure that he makes the team.

[mrdonkey]

Backlund injury insurance?

Think Jankowski earns that spot but you always need a Plan B, and past Freddie Hamilton there doesn't look to be a lot of NHL-ready options at C waiting. Korpi would be an ok replacement in case Janko requires more time in the minors so you might as well hedge your bets.

[CroFlames]

Backlund insurance most likely.

Hopefully this doesn't mean he's got a bad concussion.

[JiriHrdina]

Hmmmm I actually like this. Not a bad player

[Vinny01]

Looking forward to the comments how much better the Flames are run compared to the tire fire he played for last year in Edmonton

[Itse]

Originally Posted by CroFlames

Backlund insurance most likely.

Hopefully this doesn't mean he's got a bad concussion.

Not so sure it's related, Korpikoski is a winger.

Decent depth guy, and the left wing is mostly just questionmarks so there's definitely a chance for someone to come in and steal a spot.

That said, I don't see Korpikoski outplaying the other options so clearly that the Flames will start moving out those other contracts to make room for him.

[JerryUnderscore]

As a potential consideration, teams have to dress 8 "veteran" players in each pre-season game but players on PTO's can still count as veterans.

Is it possible he was added to count as a veteran body in a couple games until WCOH players get back?

[Otto-matic]

Have to reach the minimum Flames Finnish player quo

[Iniggywetrust]

Like him better than Higgins but doubt any of these guys make the team. Most likely to reach the veterans minimum as previously stated.

[Sylvanfan]

This guy was pretty much blamed for all the Oilers woes last year by the media up here.

[Spinach]

Was he that bad in Edmonton, apart from run of the mill Oiler no-goodness?

Korpikoski had wheels when he was a Coyote. If he hasn't lost a step, I actually don't mind signing him to a short, cheap deal. He can play either wing, and the Flames could use a bit more speed up front.

[Henry Fool]

He's pretty beefy but I don't think he's as fast as he used to be. Haven't seen much play with the puck at the World Cup from him but he's kept his spot over Haula or whoever at least.

Veteran guy on the fourth line at best I imagine. I believe he was declared the worst player in the league by The Hockey News recently. His advanced stats are probably terrible as that is the sole basis of all serious hockey analysis these days.

[dying4acup]

Originally Posted by Henry Fool

He's pretty beefy but I don't think he's as fast as he used to be. Haven't seen much play with the puck at the World Cup from him but he's kept his spot over Haula or whoever at least.

Veteran guy on the fourth line at best I imagine. I believe he was declared the worst player in the league by The Hockey News recently. His advanced stats are probably terrible as that is the sole basis of all serious hockey analysis these days.

I wouldn't mind being the worst player in the NHL... Doubt he sticks, veteran quota, display yourself for other teams, etc.

Not much to see here

[Redlan]

Very interesting. Korpikoski was one of the players I was hoping that the Flames picked in the 2004 entry draft at their original position of 19th. For me, any one of the 3 hyped Finnish players or Dubnyk (also interesting how thing have changed regarding drafting a goalie in the first round; 4 were taken), but specifically Korpikoski. Flames traded the 19th pick to the Rangers, who took Korpikoski, Flames drafted Chucko with the Rangers (previously acquired TO pick).

[tvp2003]

I like it. Send him up to Edmonton for the first preseason game and see what he has left against his old team.

Originally Posted by Otto-matic

Have to reach the minimum Flames Finnish player quo

Same hometown as Kipper and Ortio no less...

[bubbsy]

bottom line winger?

bouma, ferland, chiasson, bollig, hathaway, hamilton, vey, frattin, higgins, korpikosk.

Lot's of players vying for 4th line time, perhaps 3rd line.

Seems like adding a body for camp, and an old Arizona buddy a shot to show all 30 teams what he can do in the hopes of landing a contract somewhere, not necessarily here.

[MarkGio]

This might serve to even out the 3 rosters for the first few games of camp

[Unknown]

Korpedo's always been in great shape. When he was a junior, everyone said to him that he's not good enough hockey player, what got him to train even harder. Not too flashy or good with puck, but at least his attitude is surely a fit. I really hope that he could get a spot from the fourth line.

[activeStick]

Former oiler.......