Who takes the final spot in the top 9?

[ForeverFlameFan]

A two way forward with the same $’s as Valimaki via trade.

[Macindoc]

Why is everyone forgetting Ruzicka in their lineup projections? He has looked as good as any of the rookies or PTOs, and the Flames are clearly impressed with his off-season work. And he's waiver-eligible, so they can't send him down without risking losing him.

The last spot in the top 9 is Ruzicka's to lose at this point.

Edit: I see boogerz mentioned him.

[TheScorpion]

I disagree ... I think Ruzicka has looked really off. I do think they'd be more worried about losing Ruzicka on waivers than Phillips, though. His profile jumps off the page a lot more, whereas Phillips has already cleared once before — albeit after a year where his surroundings tanked his numbers quite a bit.

I actually wonder if they keep Ruzicka as an extra forward to start or try slipping him down in the big batch of waivers at the very end of camp.

[Enoch Root]

Ruzicka has been very under-whelming, IMO

But the tools are there

[TrentCrimmIndependent]

Originally Posted by Macindoc

Why is everyone forgetting Ruzicka in their lineup projections? He has looked as good as any of the rookies or PTOs, and the Flames are clearly impressed with his off-season work. And he's waiver-eligible, so they can't send him down without risking losing him.

The last spot in the top 9 is Ruzicka's to lose at this point.

Edit: I see boogerz mentioned him.

in the game thread people were saying he has looked terrible . so what is it?

[Macindoc]

Originally Posted by TheScorpion

I disagree ... I think Ruzicka has looked really off. I do think they'd be more worried about losing Ruzicka on waivers than Phillips, though. His profile jumps off the page a lot more, whereas Phillips has already cleared once before — albeit after a year where his surroundings tanked his numbers quite a bit.

He did look like he needed to make some adjustments moving to the wing. I didn't see tonight's game, did he look out of place at centre as well?

[Textcritic]

Originally Posted by jg13

Is there any chance we try

Huberdeau Kadri Lindholm
Mangiapane Dube Toff
X Backlund Coleman

No. No chance. Sutter has been unwavering from his vision of Lindholm, Kadri and Backlund down the middle.

[Textcritic]

Originally Posted by Macindoc

He did look like he needed to make some adjustments moving to the wing. I didn't see tonight's game, did he look out of place at centre as well?

I thought he was quiet tonight.

[Paulie Walnuts]

Originally Posted by TrentCrimmIndependent

in the game thread people were saying he has looked terrible . so what is it?

He hasn't done anything to grab a sopt. Everything Sutter has said he needs to do going back to last season he doesn't do on the ice. No second and third efforts awful in draws, not making plays.

His off ice effort isn't translating to the ice.

[Samonadreau]

Originally Posted by Textcritic

No. No chance. Sutter has been unwavering from his vision of Lindholm, Kadri and Backlund down the middle.

Agreed, and thats the only way this team is a real threat.

[Burning Beard]

Camp ain't over yet and someone might still take it. I'm just glad that Mackey and Meloche are playing decent with Kylington absent.

[saillias]

Probably Milano. He hasn't been magnificent but he's also been adequate. hasn't been worse than Toffoli. still looks like a better player who can contribute now more than any of the prospects including Ruzicka. doesn't make a whole lot of sense to decide to cut this guy because he didn't have a Jankowski-esque blow the doors off preseason. Then what, you hope a trade falls in your lap or its Eakin/Ritchie/Lucic/Lewis in your top 9.

[iggyloob12]

The way it's looking, it could be "none of the above" for the top 9. I could see Ruzicka as the 13th forward. They might not want to risk waiving him.

[Sandman]

Would love to see Zary make the team, he's been fantastic since Penticton. He'll go down to the Wranglers, though. I think we'll trade for another F to fill that spot.

[dino7c]

Originally Posted by saillias

Probably Milano. He hasn't been magnificent but he's also been adequate. hasn't been worse than Toffoli. still looks like a better player who can contribute now more than any of the prospects including Ruzicka. doesn't make a whole lot of sense to decide to cut this guy because he didn't have a Jankowski-esque blow the doors off preseason. Then what, you hope a trade falls in your lap or its Eakin/Ritchie/Lucic/Lewis in your top 9.

Yeah I think people over rate goals and assists in such a small sample size...Milano is playing surprisingly well away from the puck and is still learning the systems. We know he can score at the NHL level and away from the puck was supposedly his major weakness. I bet he gets a look with better players next week.

[TrentCrimmIndependent]

if Milano can get on the score sheet playing next to Kadri or backlund next week he probably gets that $1m contract . Zary or phillips are the most deserving but don't have the leverage of nhl experience that Milano has

[Camronius]

Originally Posted by jg13

Is there any chance we try

Huberdeau Kadri Lindholm
Mangiapane Dube Toff
X Backlund Coleman

IF you’re going this route I’d prefer:

Hub-Kadri-mange
Dube-Lindy-Toff

And then swap Lindy/Kadri depending on chemistry.

[TheScorpion]

I think Milano and Phillips should both play against Seattle on Monday.

If you'll remember, Kylington had his breakout preseason game at home against the Kraken last year. Would be fitting if a winger had a similar game this year ...

[ForeverFlameFan]

Originally Posted by TheScorpion

I think Milano and Phillips should both play against Seattle on Monday.

If you'll remember, Kylington had his breakout preseason game at home against the Kraken last year. Would be fitting if a winger had a similar game this year ...

If Phillips has a strong outing, I’d love him with Coleman and Backlund game 1.

[dammage79]

I dont think Sutter much likes any of his options. Tree said he'd wait to see what camp shook out. I suspect he'll go do some shopping if nobody's wants to grab it by the horns and wrestle it away from everyone else.