Training Camp Predictions & Discussion

[clintb]

Originally Posted by mdubz

Crazy to think that our points leader last year was Stempniak...

Was Stempniak really the points leader over Cami?

I saw they were tied, but how did he win the tie?

[PeteLFan]

We sign a few more wingers and try to conver them to the center postion.

[PeteMoss]

I would send Sieloff back to juniors rather than Abby. No need to burn a year on his contract if he's playing in the minors at 19.

[Macho0978]

Originally Posted by PeteMoss

I would send Sieloff back to juniors rather than Abby. No need to burn a year on his contract if he's playing in the minors at 19.

I would let whoever is good enough to make the team make the team. Sieloff is ready Butler can sit. Wotherspoon is ready...Russell can sit

Monahan, Knight and Granlund all ready...Stajan can sit or maybe we dump someone

[Alberta_Beef]

Originally Posted by kyuss275

When we picked up Horak he was projected to be a 3rd line player. Not sure why you would think he should show 1st line skill?

Uh what? When Horak was picked up he wasn't even projected to be an NHLer.

But you are right, he has not shown 1st line skill.

[mdubz]

Originally Posted by clintb

Was Stempniak really the points leader over Cami?

I saw they were tied, but how did he win the tie?

Sorry, should have said he was tied for the points lead. Actually, Cammy played less games so he should technically be the points leader.

[cannon7]

I think there are expectations of bigger roster changes from the fan base this year and I think many will be dissapointed. I think we'll see more signifigant roster changes next year.

Glencross-Backlund-Cammalleri
Baertschi-Stajan-D. Jones
Galiardi-Monahan-Stempniak
Ferland-Reinhart-Hudler
Knight, McGrattan

If Ferland has a strong preseason, Jackman becomes expendable. McGrattan sticks for protection. Horak, Granlund, Hanowski on the bubble and are late cuts. There aren't as many legitimate spots upfront as I'd like to see, might see a vet (or two) get moved.

Wideman-Giordano
Brodie-Russell
O'Brien-Cundari
Butler

Sadly Feaster still hasn't given up on Butler. And O'Brien just fills a roster spot. Wotherspoon, Ramage, Sieloff are on the bubble and are late cuts. Would rather see two of those guys over Butler and O'Brien.

Ramo
MacDonald

Ramo will need an experienced vet to play tandem against, MacDonald is the most likely fit. I think Ortio might outplay Berra and earn himself a starting role in Abbottsford. Ortio and Berra on the bubble, late cuts.

[Delthefunky]

Why are so many people discounting Russell!? He's a gamer. My prediction is he ends up surprising people.

[Hatter]

Originally Posted by Delthefunky

Why are so many people discounting Russell!? He's a gamer. My prediction is he ends up surprising people.

Agreed. Very smart player.

[nightfx]

I know if Ferland has a good camp he would fit in the 4th line but I kind of would rather have him in the AHL so he can have some more minutes to translate his offence to pro, it would be great if he could develop into a top 6/9 guy who can be relied on to score.

[stemit14]

Originally Posted by cannon7

I think there are expectations of bigger roster changes from the fan base this year and I think many will be dissapointed. I think we'll see more signifigant roster changes next year.

Glencross-Backlund-Cammalleri
Baertschi-Stajan-D. Jones
Galiardi-Monahan-Stempniak
Ferland-Reinhart-Hudler
Knight, McGrattan

If Ferland has a strong preseason, Jackman becomes expendable. McGrattan sticks for protection. Horak, Granlund, Hanowski on the bubble and are late cuts. There aren't as many legitimate spots upfront as I'd like to see, might see a vet (or two) get moved.

Wideman-Giordano
Brodie-Russell
O'Brien-Cundari
Butler

Sadly Feaster still hasn't given up on Butler. And O'Brien just fills a roster spot. Wotherspoon, Ramage, Sieloff are on the bubble and are late cuts. Would rather see two of those guys over Butler and O'Brien.

Ramo
MacDonald

Ramo will need an experienced vet to play tandem against, MacDonald is the most likely fit. I think Ortio might outplay Berra and earn himself a starting role in Abbottsford. Ortio and Berra on the bubble, late cuts.

I agree... but I would be very happy with the line up that you have listed. I think Russell is very under rated because he has been playing on a team with a lot of great defensemen so he's gone under the radar... This guy was once the CHL defenseman of the year.

If that ends up being the team, the flames would have 5 solid puck-moving defencemen to start the season in giordano, wideman, cundari, Brodie, and Russell.

Plus, having 4-6 rookies make the team would be quite a lot. Very excited for this season.

[thymebalm]

Any word on if Kanzig is faltering against NHLers? I was shocked to hear how well he performed in the Penticton tourney considering how poorly the pick was received...

Shocked, and happy.

[MrMastodonFarm]

Originally Posted by thymebalm

Any word on if Kanzig is faltering against NHLers? I was shocked to hear how well he performed in the Penticton tourney considering how poorly the pick was received...

Shocked, and happy.

I'd be shocked if he isn't faltering against NHL players. The vast majority, even the ones that go on to long careers, tend to.

[clintb]

Originally Posted by Delthefunky

Why are so many people discounting Russell!? He's a gamer. My prediction is he ends up surprising people.

I don't think people are discounting him

Just a lot of other higher profile assets to watch

[PeteMoss]

Originally Posted by Macho0978

I would let whoever is good enough to make the team make the team. Sieloff is ready Butler can sit. Wotherspoon is ready...Russell can sit

Monahan, Knight and Granlund all ready...Stajan can sit or maybe we dump someone

If he can make the Flames he can stick with the Flames... I'm saying I would send him to juniors instead of Abbotsford if he doesn't make the Flames.

[clintb]

Originally Posted by PeteMoss

If he can make the Flames he can stick with the Flames... I'm saying I would send him to juniors instead of Abbotsford if he doesn't make the Flames.

Why would you not to send him to Abbotsford?

Not sure how the Juniors are a better spot for him instead of Development?

[PeteMoss]

He's 19. Let him play with people his own age. Plus it makes no sense to burn a year off his contract/time until free agency if he isn't playing in the NHL. If he had been drafted out of the OHL he'd be in the same boat as Monohan and not able to play in the AHL... I doubt its going to hurt his development to go back to junior.

[clintb]

Originally Posted by PeteMoss

He's 19. Let him play with people his own age. Plus it makes no sense to burn a year off his contract/time until free agency if he isn't playing in the NHL. If he had been drafted out of the OHL he'd be in the same boat as Monohan and not able to play in the AHL... I doubt its going to hurt his development to go back to junior.

You don't think it could potentially hurt his mental development to feel like he's going "back" a step?

But yes, it would be nice to keep that extra year off his free agency development

[SeanCharles]

^I can see the value of putting Sieloff in the minors if he is close. He could be an injury recall.

This is how I see things for the roster:

Hudler-Backlund-Cammalleri
Glencross-Stajan-Stempniak
Baertschi-x-Jones
Bouma-x-Galiardi
Jackman,McGrattan

Giordano-Wideman
Brodie-Russell
O'Brien-Butler
x

x
MacDonald

There are at least 4 spots available. If a youngster comes in and beats out Jackman, McGrattan or Bouma for a spot there could be more.

Chances are players like Knight, Horak, B. Jones, Smith and Ramo fill those holes.

But there is still a chance players like Monahan, Granlund, Cundari, Breen, Rienhart, Ramage, Ortio, Bera etc. outplay vets. Mgmt said if a young player beat out or was just as good as a vet they would give the job to the young player. You never know..

[Ped]

Originally Posted by mdubz

Sorry, should have said he was tied for the points lead. Actually, Cammy played less games so he should technically be the points leader.

Unless they changed something (always possible), the initial tiebreaker is goals.

So, Cammy.