2014 Training Camp Cuts. UPD: Oct 5 - Baertschi, Jooris and Ortio cut

[Rerun]

Originally Posted by _Q_

I think if all the forwards are healthy, a combination of Byron, Bolig, and Gaudreau sit out the first few games.

Setoguchi, Jones and Raymond will be given every opportunity to prove their worth.

I suspect that Setoguchi and Jones will alternate between being on the game day roster and sitting in the press box.

Gaudreau will play as long as he's healthy... in fact I would be totally surprised if he's a healthy scratch. The fans will come to the arena just to see JG play as he and Monahan are the most talented players on the team.

I can see Byron and Bollig being healthy scratches.

[cKy]

I predict all the young kids the fans want to see on Game 1. After the home opener the Flames then go on 6 game road trip and arent back until Oct 21st.
Play who the fans want to see game 1, toss in everyone else on the road.

[Fire]

A lot of people have been suggesting that they should be scratching Bollig. I don't see it happening. The guy played 82 games on the 4th line for the Blackhawks last season but he's not good enough to play on the 4th line on the Flames?

[Kickazzflames]

Setoguchi will be given an opportunity to show that he can still play in the NHL. He, like most veterans.. have a bit of a longer leash when it comes to training camp as they need to use it as a way to get into game shape. Setoguchi will officially be put under a microscope when the season begins and I know for sure Hartley must have had a conversation with him.

We have guys waiting in the pipe that can easily step in and take his role, we took a low risk, moderate reward with him and we will be giving him his chance. Pre-season is definitely an evaluation tool, but it is more of a tool for rookies. Veterans are paid to play the game at a high level consistently, and that begins with game one of the season. Some veterans take pre-season seriously some just use it as a way to get into game shape.

Just because Baertschi, Jooris, and Ferland were sent down doesn't mean they didn't make an impact. They have forced management to keep a close eye on some veterans and if we need to make changes I am sure Trevling will get it done. It forces guys like Jones and Setoguchi to bring it when the season starts.

[Table 5]

Originally Posted by Fire

A lot of people have been suggesting that they should be scratching Bollig. I don't see it happening. The guy played 82 games on the 4th line for the Blackhawks last season but he's not good enough to play on the 4th line on the Flames?

I don't have a problem with Bollig being in the lineup. Like McGrattan and Bouma, their role is different on the team than what guys like Granlund, Baertschi, Ferland etc provide (well maybe a guy like Ferland is overlapping a little bit). Baertschi and Gaudreau would simply not work on the 4th line...so Bollig is never going to be competition to them.

[Imported_Aussie]

I see that Bollig - Bouma - McGrattan line as consistent 4th line. Glencross and Hudler are the two most established wingers at the club, as Raymond is still tuning up after injury. Monahan, Backlund and Stajan are the top 3 centres, order to shift based on performance, but for now, that trio is #1, #2 and #3.
I think the rotation will happen with the wingers in the "middle 6" - Raymond, Gaudreau, Colborne, Jones, Byron and Setoguchi getting chances to play, and if anyone's form is really off, then the organization can make a move to promote Baertschi, Granlund (when fully fit), etc.
Injuries will happen, and in a pinch, you have guys who can play multiple positions = Raymond on either wing, Colborne or Byron at Centre

[Rerun]

Do you think Monahan will the the first line center this year?

[codynw]

Originally Posted by Rerun

Do you think Monahan will the the first line center this year?

I don't think so, at least not right away. He'll start seeing more responsibilities, that's for sure but I don't think he'll quite be a "first line center". I think he'll still be somewhat sheltered throughout the season.

[Imported_Aussie]

Originally Posted by Rerun

Do you think Monahan will the the first line center this year?

He will start as the nominal #1, but I think the team won't have a huge minute disparity from lines 1-3. Whoever plays with Hudler will likely be deemed the #1 IMO.

Stajan will be good to take a lot of defensive zone starts

[MyFlamesFirst]

Originally Posted by Rerun

Do you think Monahan will the the first line center this year?

There's a good possibility he has the most points out of all the centers. However, I still think Hartley will rely on more veteran guys like Stajan and Backlund to play the other teams top competition.

[Vulcan]

Originally Posted by Table 5

I don't have a problem with Bollig being in the lineup. Like McGrattan and Bouma, their role is different on the team than what guys like Granlund, Baertschi, Ferland etc provide (well maybe a guy like Ferland is overlapping a little bit). Baertschi and Gaudreau would simply not work on the 4th line...so Bollig is never going to be competition to them.

I could see McGrattan being sat more than Bollig. It's moving away from the designated enforcer and he won't have many to fight.

[Robo]

Quick question do we need to cut anyone else before the opening game?

[Five-hole]

Originally Posted by Rerun

Do you think Monahan will the the first line center this year?

Depends what you mean .. by minutes, he might be. In terms of drawing tough assignments, I think he gets sheltered behind Backlund and Stajan when necessary.

[getbak]

Originally Posted by Robo

Quick question do we need to cut anyone else before the opening game?

It depends on the injury situation. There are 27 players still in Calgary, but 4 of them are still injured (Granlund, Bennett, Potter, and Wotherspoon). If they are all put on the IR, none of the other players need to be moved.

If any of those 4 are cleared to play, someone will need to be moved to make room. More than likely, Potter, Wotherspoon, and Granlund will be sent to the AHL, and Bennett back to junior once they are cleared.

[Resolute 14]

Originally Posted by Fire

A lot of people have been suggesting that they should be scratching Bollig. I don't see it happening. The guy played 82 games on the 4th line for the Blackhawks last season but he's not good enough to play on the 4th line on the Flames?

Yup. Of those fourth liners, it's McGrattan who's going to see reduced playing time.

[Rerun]

Originally Posted by Vulcan

I could see McGrattan being sat more than Bollig. It's moving away from the designated enforcer and he won't have many to fight.

Why? There's a log jam at left wing (Bollig's position) whereas we really don't have an over abundance of players who can play RW competently.

[Ashasx]

Well McGrattan certainly doesn't play RW competently.

Bollig could probably play on the right and still be much more effective then he is.

[Tacopuck]

Looks Like Diaz is close to signing

Elliotte Friedman ‏@FriedgeHNIC 2m2 minutes ago
CAL is working on closing a one-year deal with Raphael Diaz.

Elliotte Friedman ‏@FriedgeHNIC 1m1 minute ago
Would be worth approx $700k

[Hot_Flatus]

Originally Posted by Rerun

Why? There's a log jam at left wing (Bollig's position) whereas we really don't have an over abundance of players who can play RW competently.

I'd rather move Bollig or someone else over to the RW then continuously play McGratten night in and night out.

[Rerun]

Originally Posted by Ashasx

Well McGrattan certainly doesn't play RW competently.

Bollig could probably play on the right and still be much more effective then he is.

True but there's certainly a lot fewer players to choose from on RW.. sometimes you gotta play who you got just because there ain't nobody better.

As for Bollig playing RW, has he done that before?