[News] Wotherspoon issued challenge by Flames

[sureLoss]

Wotherspoon or any other defenceman that doesn't need to clear waivers won't be the #7.

They will have them in Stockton playing games rather than eating popcorn.

[GGG]

Does Wortherspoon need to clear waivers next year? I see us trying to get 1 new top 4 who will play in the 5 slot when everyone is healthy. Then you resign Schlemko to get 7 and Wortherspoon needs to earn his spot on the roster. We need to be 8 deep on defense and 5 deep in legit top 4 defensemen.

I think we could carry eight D if spoon does need to clear waivers as our guys up front are exempt so we could just carry one extra forward.

[Roof-Daddy]

Wotherspoon is still on his ELC and doesn't have to clear waivers next season.

[spuzzum]

Originally Posted by CroFlames

Where does one get flames undies?

Do we think that there would be more shagging or universal love if our partners wore them at night under the covers?

[Robo]

i honestly would stay away from signing a ufa d man too much money and they rarely live up to expectations

[Tacopuck]

Originally Posted by CroFlames

Where does one get flames undies?

Cowboys

[Resolute 14]

Engelland isn't going anywhere, and he has a spot on the defence locked up tight.

Wotherspoon is battling for one spot. As noted, he won't be the extra defenceman, so if he doesn't land the 6th D spot out of camp, he's going to Stockton.

My guess is Shchlemko and Diaz are both allowed to go UFA. One of them might be retained on a one-year deal or a tryout offer. Smid's two remaining years are a bit of a complication, so if healthy, I suspect he's the extra body. Wotherspoon's competition will be whomever we bring in for a look at camp.

[Cali Panthers Fan]

I'm hoping that Wotherspoon follows through on his commitment to "make the team" next year. We could really use some younger defensemen developing at the NHL level now. Lots of guys in Stockton and only so much time to develop, hence why Kulak was sent to ECHL for part of the year (also needed to work on things).

Can anyone elaborate on Kenney Morrison's chances of making the team? I still know very little about him other than blurbs you can read on prospect sites. Does anyone think he could walk in and take a job out of camp too?

[sureLoss]

Originally Posted by Cali Flames Fan

I'm hoping that Wotherspoon follows through on his commitment to "make the team" next year. We could really use some younger defensemen developing at the NHL level now. Lots of guys in Stockton and only so much time to develop, hence why Kulak was sent to ECHL for part of the year (also needed to work on things).

Can anyone elaborate on Kenney Morrison's chances of making the team? I still know very little about him other than blurbs you can read on prospect sites. Does anyone think he could walk in and take a job out of camp too?

Yeah he could make the team, but is probably more likely to go up and down as a call up.

He isn't at the same level as DeKeyser - likely won't get a top 6 position right away, being a #7 or #8 won't do much for his development.

But if you look at the careers other recent high end college UFA defencemen have had:

Andrej Sustr (TBL) - played 43 NHL games in his rookie year
Trevor van Riemsdyk (CHI) - made the Blackhawks opening day roster this year but injuries derailed his season
Christian Folin (MIN) - played 40 NHL games in his rookie year
Nate Schmidt (WSH) - payed 29 NHL games in his rookie year

You can reasonably expect him to get a look at some point this season. I am inclined to believe that he and Wotherspoon will be the call ups depending on whether they need a LHS or RHS.

[Locke]

I was really impressed with Engelland when he was trusted with top minutes, he really stepped up and helped fill Gio's spot.

Hes going to be a tough one because at paltry minutes per night he was pretty rough but he looked solid and steady playing bigger minutes.

[saillias]

Originally Posted by Locke

I was really impressed with Engelland when he was trusted with top minutes, he really stepped up and helped fill Gio's spot.

Hes going to be a tough one because at paltry minutes per night he was pretty rough but he looked solid and steady playing bigger minutes.

Maybe now that Engelland has proven himself Hartley can spread the minutes out more reasonably.

Top pairing - 22
2nd pairing - 20
3rd pairing - 18

This is roughly how both teams we faced in the playoffs manage their D ice time.

[Flames89]

The playoffs demonstrated we need back end guys like Engelland

[Flash Walken]

Put up or shut up time for Wotherspoon, especially if the Flames walk away from the draft with a couple of bodies that impress in the rookie camp.

The Flames organization is desperate for a defender to step up and show they belong in the big leagues. He's got a spot if he wants it.

[Bandwagon In Flames]

This is a huge summer for Wotherspoon. With Morrison knocking on the door as well, he'll be in tough to stand out. From what I've seen/heard, Morrison's game is better suited for the Flames system of having mobile d-men who can contribute offensively.

Regardless, I'd just be happy to see a Flames rookie defenseman make the team next season.

[ForeverFlameFan]

I think Wotherspoon and Morrison should develop some chemistry in Stockton, then both can most likely make the big jump to the NHL at the same time in 16/17.

Injuries will always occur, so I would rather re-sign Schlemko and have Wotherspoon - Morrison as the top pairing in Stockton.

[TorqueDog]

"I think my expectation for Tyler is dat he goes out like a Tspoon and comes back to camp like a tablespoon." - Bob 'artley in my head

[GranteedEV]

Wotherspoon is the new Sven

[ForeverFlameFan]

Originally Posted by GranteedEV

Wotherspoon is the new Sven

Not even close.

[GioforPM]

It's good he's been challenegd, and it's good he reacted with that kind of statement. I guess it's bad he had to be challenged, suggesting he didn't recognize the need for that ethic on his own.

So if you compare to Sven - Sven had to be reminded to work and earn his spot. But the difference will be the reaction.

[heep223]

Originally Posted by GranteedEV

Wotherspoon is the new Sven

wtf