[News] Update: Volchenkov suspended 4 games. Ferland has concussion

[GioforPM]

Yay. That was the suckiest thign to happen this year. Guy gets called up, is playing well, gets knocked out by IMO a very dirty hit and has IMO the worst possible injury from it (because it potentially changes a career).

[monkeyman]

Originally Posted by sureLoss

@SUNGilbertson: A note on #Flames LW Michael Ferland -- 22-year-old has resumed skating, is making positive progress in recovery from concussion.

I'm really pulling for this guy. I really hope he can stay healthy.

[Matt Reeeeead]

Maybe Ferland can get through a full NHL game next time around (as long as there isn't some goon headhunting around?)

[Travis Munroe]

Ferlands a tough guy - hope he makes Volchenkov answer the bell against him next game & then Gratts gets to enjoy the remainder of the game playing against his line.

[GioforPM]

Originally Posted by Realtor 1

Ferlands a tough guy .

Yup when he sees the other guy coming, he can take care of himself. Just ask that guy who tried something outside the bar.

[foshizzle11]

Originally Posted by GioforPM

Yup when he sees the other guy coming, he can take care of himself. Just ask that guy who tried something outside the bar.

Low blow!!

I think he will come back and play well. He has had a good success story so far in his career considering his personal life. I know Hartley is pulling for him, so that is a good sign in the organization.

[Flames Fan, Ph.D.]

Originally Posted by Textcritic

This is part of the problem, but I think the biggest contributing factor is that those sitting in the office of disciplinarian are too close to those who oversee the game. The position was once held by Brian Burke, who was succeeded by Colin Campbell. Campbell was a former coach who will likely find work with another team or back with the League before long. Burke was an agent and a GM before taking the job, and returned to working for an NHL team. Shanahan has gone on to work as a team executive after his stint, and I have no doubt that Stephan Quintal will likely also find more work in the NHL when his term is done.

If the league was serious about discipline, then the office would be truly independent. It would be staffed with people who have no ties to the League or to any particular team. They would be nobodies with no past and no future in hockey.

With the information we have about concussions now, and longer term follow ups on sports athletes in general, we the public have a better understanding of the ramifications of an injury shortened career. We can now see ways in which two instances of "having your bell rung" can really stop a career in its tracks... while also debilitating the player in his post-sports life.

With people on the outside better realizing the full ramifications of these injuries, I think the punishment meted out seems less and less sufficient.

[GioforPM]

Originally Posted by foshizzle11

Low blow!!

I think he will come back and play well. He has had a good success story so far in his career considering his personal life. I know Hartley is pulling for him, so that is a good sign in the organization.

Not meant as a low blow to Ferland - I believed his story.

[sureLoss]

Pat Steinberg @Fan960Steinberg
Michael Ferland on the ice for practice this morning. #Flames

Pat Steinberg @Fan960Steinberg
For Ferland, it's his first time with the main group since suffering a concussion against Nashville on Halloween. #Flames

could be the Flames need to send someone down soon

[Gaskal]

Waive Setoguchi.

[GioforPM]

Still a ways away from being ready to play. I don't think you've waive anyone until you've seen him in action, which would mean sending a non-waiver guy down first.

[ForeverFlameFan]

I think Baertschi will get sent down. Seto probably won't be waived until one of Raymond, Colborne, Backlund are coming back.

[Pierre "Monster" McGuire]

Excited to see Ferland get back at it. He was juuust starting to look comfortable and confident, then Volchenkov had to be a dick.

[KootenayFlamesFan]

If anyone gets sent down it will be Sven. Clearly has some work yet to do to be a full time player in the bigs. I hope he can do it, but it's up to him.

Glad to see Ferland is doing well, really want to see what he can do for a few games.

[sureLoss]

Lines
@Fan960Wills: #Flames forwards:
Glencross-Monahan-Jones
Gaudreau-Granlund-Hudler
Baertschi-Byron-Jooris
Reinhart-Bouma-McGrattan
Bollig-Ferland-Setoguchi

@Fan960Wills: #Flames defence:
Giordano-Brodie
Russell-Wideman
Smid-Engelland
Diaz

Goaltenders:
Hiller
Ramo

[Pierre "Monster" McGuire]

I like those lines, especially if it means Seto and Bollig are the extras and Ferland is still getting back into game shape.

Then once Ferland's ready, send Sven or Reinhart back down and you've got yourself a lineup.

[Enoch Root]

lol, the Flames currently have 7 ELCs on forward and 11 guys earning under $1m.

They could ice a 12 man roster for a total cost of $9.67m right now.

[Azure]

Reinhart had a good game though. He deserves a longer chance to stick with the big club.

[FBI]

Yeah usually the 5th line would be the line not playing, so Reinhart would get another chance.

[MissTeeks]

Calgary Flames‏@NHLFlames41s42 seconds ago

Hartley says Raymond and Colborne skated this morning - "They're still far but it's always good to see them on the ice."