The Ugly Truth

TKACHUK

Who in Calgary, in all honesty, isn't sick of the Tkachuk saga? I know I am getting tired of hearing all the same answers. No matter how much I ask, I am not going to find out the full truth. To be fair, my source can only say so much. This much we know: they're fighting over the bonus structure. The good news is that the differences in the dollar amounts is not a worry. Tkachuk wants the Marner contract. The Flames have made it clear that under no circumstances are they going to yield to that demand. Well, there is one way — maybe if Tkachuk lowers his cap hit, the Flames will put some of the bonus structure back. See how that works, except if Tkachuk wants as much as he can and is giving up some free agency years. So right now it is a game of chicken or who blinks first. My money is on Tkachuk.

The team has gone through this before and will again. Tkachuk does not have much pull here; sooner or later, he will have to capitulate. The Flames will only go so far.  

GOALTENDING

Jon Gillies 

What are the Flames going to do with him? He struggles with controlling the puck; stopping the puck. In fact, he struggles with anything that has to do with a hockey puck. The Flames pretty much informed him that he has dropped down the depth chart to number four. 

Artyom Zagidulin

The Flames are being cautiously optimistic when it comes to Artyom. He has been flawless, but this the preseason. He is a terrific prospect in which the Flames have insurance if Talbot or Big Save Dave go down. 

Tyler Parsons

The intriguing question is Parsons. Do you put Gillies in Stockton at the expense of him? Parsons has been better than Gillies but can he keep it up for the whole season? The other question is, do they base their decisions only on the camp or does last season play into it? Gillies was the better goalie last year, no doubt. An interesting dilemma. The only thing I am sure of is that Gillies will have to clear waivers this season for sure. 

PTO PLAYERS — MY TOP PICKS

Zac Rinaldo

Zac has shown he has some talent. Making a beauty pass on the Flames second goal was impressive. He has picked up some speed and hustle. He has fit in and has represented himself in Flames colours quite nicely.

Devante Smith-Pelly 

I am a big fan of Smith-Pelly since his Capitals days. I love his no-nonsense style; the Flames lack toughness, and he would address this issue for sure. He might not add much offence, but his style is contagious and would put some fire in the dressing room.