Calgary Flames: Fasten your Seatbelt, it's Time to Make Some Decisions

 

The Flames have to make some decisions in the locker room as the UFA'S are climbing up, especially on the blue line: Travis Hamonic, Derek Forbert, Michael Stone, and TJ Brodie are free to test the market. So who do we keep and to who do say adieu?  

Travis Hamonic

I do not think we have much choice on this one; Travis is testing the market. I think he wants to be closer to home. I expect Hammer to sign in the Peg (Jets). The Flames are going to miss him, but I think he has run his course in Calgary. 

TJ Brodie

If the Flames can afford to keep him, I think they might. The problem is, I think TJ has priced himself out of the Calgary market. The Flames really need to keep one of these defencemen; I am hoping it's TJ.

Derek Fobert

He is what he is: a fifth or sixth defenceman. Manageable, but easily replaced. I suspect the Flames are planning to go young, so I am not expecting Fobert to come back. Strangers things have happened, though.

Michael Stone

Stone has no desire to come back and his services will no longer be required. I would be shocked if he signs here. However, he is feasible as a number seven. 

Last word 

The Flames are active, as we all have heard, looking for a new goalie. Expect them to be clearing space if they feel they can sign Hall. Fasten your seatbelt—I am expecting a fun ride. 

Randy

Flames pick the easy way: hire Ward back?

 

With the hiring of Geoff Ward back as the head coach, the Flames are signalling they do not want to put the moola into a coach. I will be honest: I wanted Laviolette, who took his act to Washington. With this hiring of Geoff Ward, it is thought that the Flames may not part with Gaudreau. Some people think that maybe the Flames Management thinks they are closer to winning the championship than most of us. 

I will say this; Ward brings with him a familiarity with the players. This move also gives the players confidence that the ownership is behind them. I mean, it might provide them with the chance to finish what they started—Management is showing that they liked what they saw in Ward. As I said earlier, the cynic in me thinks the Flames did not want to put the bucks into coaching.

Then there are the rumours the Flames are going after the Coyote goalie, Darcy Kuemper. Then Flames' goaltending troubles are well-known, as the meltdown in game six against the Stars exhibited. That might have ended the talks between Talbot and the Flames.  

Speaking of Gaudreau, there is some chatter that the Flames could go with all offence. Could the Flames fit Hall and Gaudreau? If that happens, Brodie and Hammer will be departing. I question the logic of keeping Monahan, Gaudreau, and Hall.  

Last word

The Flames would love Connor Mackey and Juuso Valimaki to step in now. They might just bring in a new goalie and sign a big name forward. They also have Kylington and Yelesin if they chose to use them. The point is, they may want to give the young legs a chance to run with the puck. Or should I say, skate with it.  

Randy