A little news

With the buyout of Brouwer, the Flames have no more excuses for not resigning Hanifin. What is the holdup?  How much do they want to sign him for? Checking around, nobody seems to know what the heck is going on. I mean, we can't go much over six for him. In fact, that is the max I would sign him for. It was everyone's understanding when we did the Hamilton deal that two players acquired in the Canes deal were eager to get this done. The only thing I was thinking was could it be the term? Everyone knows the more years, the more the price tag goes up. If the Flames want eight years, it will mean Hanifin giving up some years of free agency. That is really the only snag. The Flames still have plenty of time as it is early August; but the more time it takes, the bigger the distraction it will be.

The contract negotiation for Hanifin is a hornets' nest. There are four different offers on the table for different numbers of years, but they can't agree on a price.

Meanwhile, the Flames have a logjam on the defence. Nine able bodies for six spots, and one extra spot on the bench. The Flames are working out their options, which pretty much means a trade could be happening. The price depends on which dman is on the block. The Flames would prefer Stone, but they seem to feel it will be one of the kids. They're not getting much interest in Stone. They don't have much interest in trading Brodie anymore; the feeling is that Brodie will rebound playing with Gio fulltime this season.

So who will get the final spot? Kylington is a very solid young defence who is a great stay-home defenseman. He has some offence; he has nothing to prove in Stockton.

Brett Kulak the incumbent. He was here last year. He has experience. He is solid defensively, although he made a few silly mistakes. If he can clear up the mental issues, he can easily be the sixth man.

Rasmus Andersson is a Grade A prospect who is ready right now. He is solid offensively and even better defensively. He still needs improvement, but that will come with experience. Rasmus still needs improvement in his defensive game, but he can rely on Stone to give him the confidence to get by.

The last-but-not-least candidate is Juuso Valimaki, the most talented player of the bunch. The Kid is still young, and you never want to rush defencemen, so the better part of valour may be to keep him away for another year. The Way Juuso has been playing, that decision may be hard for the Flames to make.  Valimaki could make impossible for the Flames to send him down.

The other concern is how far the defence will step back with the loss of Hamilton. Will the improvement of the offence compensate for the loss of the defence? I don't think the decline in the defence is enough to worry about because the offence will be so much improved.

The Flames are very happy with their new top-six forwards. With Backlund, Tkachuk, and Lindholm, the feeling is that they might not have to rely on their front line as much. Lindholm is a huge upgrade, giving the Flames a complete second line for the first time in years. Talking about their front line, it sure got an upgrade, didn't it? James Neal finally gives the Flames a bona fide number one right winger. He is a pure sniper who can put the puck in the net and a very intelligent winger who can think many moves ahead. Basically, they found a sniper with the IQ to fit in with Johnny and Sean.

With the addition of James Neil and Derek Ryan, the days of divisions in the locker room will be over.  This team will be united instead of being a bunch of individuals. Neil will end the "me" attitude and replace it with a team attitude. And he will have company in Derek Ryan, who is a no-nonsense workhorse who will have the Flames outworking the opposition.

Nightmare on Elm Street

UPDATE: The Calgary Flames have their phones open. Right now they are talking to the Toronto Maple Leafs, Columbus Bluejackets, and the New York Islanders.

Yesterday, the new flavour was Artemi Panarin. Of course, the Calgary Flames are doing their due diligence contacting the Jackets.

The Flames seem to believe the Toronto Maple Leafs are making cap space for Tavares. Therefore, the Flames of contacted the Leafs about Marner and Nylander.

Last but not least, the New York Islanders. The Flames are selling Brodie, but the Islanders are going to another table. I'm not sure they will bite.

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Before I start this draft — a little birdie told me that the Flames are looking at  Luke Henman. Obviously, they don't care who I pick!

It is time for the annual crapshoot. Otherwise known as the Nightmare on Elm Street, when I try to use all of my common sense and NHL knowledge to pick the players for the draft. This year is even more difficult, knowing that the Calgary Flames do not have a first-round pick. It is common knowledge that the Calgary Flames are working the phones to rectify that problem. The Flames are talking to the New York Islanders, New York Rangers, Arizona Coyotes, Carolina Hurricanes, and even the Montréal Canadiens.

They're all giving all the same answer—thanks but no thanks. Either the Calgary Flames are not offering enough, or the other teams are just not interested in the Calgary Flames package.  The Flames apparently want too much for Dougie Hamilton. The other problem is that TJ Brodie does not have enough respect to get a first-round pick. The Flames are being too cheap, or the prices are too high, resulting in the Calgary Flames going nowhere. Otherwise known as "no first round pick for you for one year!"

This year’s draft blog consists of who I think the Calgary Flames will try to pick up in the first round through a trade.

Brady Tkachuk

The chances of the Calgary Flames picking up Brady in the first round are slim to none. This Boston College forward is a monster, with size and talent the boot. Imagine Gijoe on skates. Highly skilled, he can handle the puck and take out the trash.

Vitali Kravtsov

I may not be able to pronounce his name, but I know size when I see it. A rugged right winger who stand up for himself. He gives the offence some punch and will score his share of garbage goals. He’s going to get in from the slot and get his share of rebounds chances. He has the ability to capitalize on the opportunities. If the Flames are committed to getting bigger, Vitali is exactly what the doctor ordered.

Martin Kaut

An extremely fast skater who will force the defence to back up when carrying the puck into the offensive zone. He will need to beef up and work out in order to stay on his feet when he gets hit.

Ryan McLeod

Big nasty centermen who dominates the face-offs. The Flames are one of the weakest teams on the draw. Ryan would be a big boost to the Flames dismal face-off woes. He could be a two-way player in the Flames' future

I guess I will try to figure out now who the Calgary Flames will pick in the fourth round they have two picks.

The rest of the picks, I will just list them without (much) explanation.

105 Michael Ivan

Has decent speed and will fight for the puck. Will be a typical number three or four defenceman.

108 Jeremi Gerber

A strong skater with decent puck skills. He will help in the offence game.
A very smart hockey player.

167 Mikhail Bitsadze

198 James Maim

Dearen's comments

First of all, I want to say that the annual draft blog by Randy is my absolute favourite. I am sad that Brad Treliving traded away the draft picks this year and robbed me of Randy's CORRECT First Round Selection.

Randy asked me to give some response as to who I think the Flames may trade or want to trade for at the draft in terms of a highly-ranked draft-eligible prospect. The Flames do not draft until their two selections in the fourth round. This makes it for a very boring draft if they do not improve their draft position. Ideally, we would want to see the Flames draft in the top ten, especially after missing the playoffs. If this were to happen this draft, it would mean the Flames traded up and gave up a serious asset to do so. I think it is safe to assume that Rasmus Dahlin goes first overall and Andrei Svechnikov follows him at number two. I will even say that Filip Zadina goes number there to Montreal. I believe that neither one of these three draft picks get traded.

So, where can the Flames get into the top ten in terms of a draft pick? Ottawa, Arizona and Detroit follow Montreal at number three. Could one of those three teams be willing to part with their draft pick? If you offer Dougie Hamilton, they may listen. I keep reading that Dougie Hamilton is a trade chip for the Flames and that makes sense, if you are strictly looking at getting something of significant value back in return. However, I just do not know how you trade a 24-year-old right-handed defenseman, under contract, and one who averaged 45.6pts in his last three season with Calgary. Not to mention that he has only missed one game in the past three seasons. Am I Dougie's biggest fan? Nope. But again, how do you remove him from this roster and believe you are a better team? Do you wish Dougie was more physical? Yes. Could there be character issues that are the reason for these rumors of Dougie being available? Sure. Are the Flames a better team with Dougie Hamilton in the line up and arguably still getting better as a player? Absolutely.

Brady Tkachuk. Would the Flames love to bring Brady Tkachuk to Calgary and have him play on the same team as his brother? Of course, the Flames would. Brady who is much bigger than his older brother Matthew would be a welcome addition to any team. I guess my question becomes, do you trade Dougie Hamilton to let say Ottawa or Detroit, draft Brady Tkachuk, and expect the Calgary Flames to be a better team next year or the year after? I don't see it. Sure you would add some cap space that you could use, but I do not believe the Flames would be a better team. Sometimes we get excited and mesmerized with young players, and you turn on the TV and they are making it sound like every prospect in the draft is the next Alexander Ovechkin.

The Flames are starting to create a backlog at defence. You have a young defenseman like Rasmus Andersson, Oliver Kylington and Juuso Valimaki who are expected to make a serious push to take a roster spot at camp this coming October. Looking at our current NHL defenseman group, Michael Stone appears to be a guy you can look to move out. Two years left at $3.5M, but has a modified no-trade clause (15 team no trade list). Perhaps the Flames can look to move Stone to acquire a late round draft pick or a depth player to fill a spot in the AHL. Or the Flames can look to move TJ Brodie who has two more years at $4.65M left on his contract with an eight team no-trade clause. TJ Brodie had a poor season, and his value likely dropped significantly. However, Brodie can skate and is only 28 years old. Then you can look at players like Sam Bennett, Michael Frolik and Micheal Ferland who may offer some trade value, but they will not get you into the top ten of the draft this year.

So, unless you are trading a Dougie Hamilton, Sean Monahan, Matthew Tkachuk or Johnny Gaudreau, I do not see the Flames being able to move into the top ten of this year's draft. And to be honest, I don't want the Flames trading into the top ten of the draft, because I feel we will come out of it as a weaker team. I have seen comments like trading Adam Fox and Sam Bennett or Jon Gillies with Oliver Kylington etc., I do not know what kind of return those players may get you, but I would be more inclined to explore trades for younger established players in the NHL that could be available. The Flames may not draft until the fourth round, but perhaps they pick up a second-round pick in a trade where they acquire a right-winger.

This and that edition of the Flames

The Flames are over the place. They are letting teams know they are interested in getting into the first round. The names that are being thrown around in the wonderful world of the internet are Hamilton, Brodi, and especially Fox. The word is that the Flames are getting worried that he might not sign.

Obviously, the Flames would love to get Tkachuck, but we all know that is not likely to happen unless the Hamilton trade happens. There are a few teams with more than one pick, namely the Islanders and Rangers. Finding a right winger has to be a top priority.

The trials of and tribulations of finding a right winger. For the last little while, the Flames have tried to get Fereland, Brouwer, and Bennett. That is why the major rumour of bringing in Kessle is so huge. Although his rep is not the best, it would give the Flames the biggest name since Iggy on the right wing. The right wing is a real eyesore; it has to be addressed soon. The other option, of course, is young Spencer Foo. Is he ready? My honest opinion is not quite yet.

Another rumour is the same old, same old, only this time it makes sense. The rumour I am talking about is Brodie and Hamilton. With the emergence of  Valimaki,  Andersson, and Kylington all ready to battle for a spot, the Flames may have to make room for the kids. Defence is a logjam and the Flames will have some decessions to make on which route to take.

Another rumour is that the Flames are dangling the rights to Fox. Word is that the Flames might be concerned about trying to sign him. They may see a package acquiring a first-round pick.

The Flames are heavily addressing the need for first round pick. They are letting teams know they're open for business. Although getting a pick in the top 5 out is out of the question, there are still more options. The Isles, the Rangers,  the Flyers, and the Wings all have more than one pick. It is believed that Brodie is bait for a first pick (Islanders) and Hamilton is the bait for landing a top RW.

So within a couple of weeks, I will be doing a blog, discussing what the Flames might do in the Draft and who they might pick.

Life of a Blogger

There are times I really wonder when to mention a rumour. More to the point, it is so difficult to figure out when a rumour is true. I have not been able to find a reliable source until recently.

Even with a source, the next step is trying to figure out what to report. Over 80 percent of the info I get on discussions does not end up happening. There is an art to determining what has the best chance of happening. That does not mean the information was not true; but just because a team is talking, it doesn't mean they will agree on a package and announce deal.

The Flames have talked to many teams about receiving a number one pick in a trade. Trust me on this; in trying to figure out which ones are going to happen, I am bound to be fooled from time to time.

It is already going full tilt. Canes, Habs, Rangers Oilers, Islanders, Sens, Canucks, all with rumours of their picks in play. Then there is the John Rivers saga. Rumours of Habs, Sharks, and Knights leading the pack. Up to 15 teams want his services. Then there are the Flames trying to make a major trade to dump one of the top four dmen. It is common knowledge that the Flames have three young dmen who could be ready now. The Leafs, meanwhile are desperately looking for a top right dman. They need to shore up their defensive core. Meanwhile, in Long Island—my kingdom for a goalie. The Isles are in dire need of a starter.

Then there is the Lou sweet Lou. Say it isn't so. Are you leaving or are you staying? Oh, the dilemma. Again, I have been assured by every hockey insider in North America that he is leaving.

So please forgive me if I have a mental breakdown as we enter the most active offseason in years. I expect it to get even crazier as we get closer to draft day.

So sit back and share some of the popcorn.

Time to reflect

There is a time for hockey then there is is a time for life.  My heart goes out to Erik Karlsson and his wife Melinda for the loss of their boy.  There are no words I could even come up with to comfort them over the loss of their child. Hockey is just a game; my heart and sympathy go out to the couple. May the Lord comfort them is the time of need. 

Now back to a world of hockey. What happened to the Flames this season? Well, I can give you some reasons, every one of which would make you say "Duh." It is trying to figure out how to fix it that would make our hair turn gray.

Let's discuss what went wrong first season.

Obviously, the powerplay is total garbage. The powerplay has to be the biggest eyesore this season. It lacks any imagination, whatsoever. Everyone knows what is coming. There has been no fear in taking a penalty against the Flames this season.  Every night, fans are losing their hair over the lack of execution on the powerplay.

Wrong players on the powerplay unit. A coach's role is to put a player in a position to succeed. The Flames continue to make the same silly mistakes over and over. What is the definition of insanity? Doing the same thing and expecting different results. Every year, the Flames have the same problem. 

The Flames continue to build around the defence, which continues to let the team down. I am not sure where the blame is on that. Is it the coaching or the players? The system has to change. Fix it, because it is broken.  The players do not trust the system. Brodie's confidence is gone. Hammer has not quite fit in.  It took the Flames most of the season to settle on the number six dman.

Add the bottom six?  Or should I say the awful six? There has been no consistency. The right wing on the third line in Calgary has gone downhill. They have to figure out a winger with Janko and Bennett. The Jagr debacle was a massive failure. 

Then there is the ugly trade by our GM. Two first-round picks gone in the Hammer trade. What happens to Brad if the Isles win the lottery pick with the Flames' pick? He has to take some of the blame for this year. The Flames have some decisions to make. This is one ugly eyesore. Time to get it cleaned up. 

Oh, the ugly came out to play.

The title speaks for itself.  Mr. Ugly came out to play, he brought some friends, and they pitched their tents for a spell. The Flames forgot how to skate, how to play defence, and most of all, forgot how to use their brains.

So what happened? Defence slipping, blowing leads, relying on the first line, no support. Smith was weak during the losing streak, giving up bad goals at the worst time. It was like the Flames were looking for ways to lose. They are in charge of their own destiny; they can't rely on other teams losing.  

The powerplay lacks any continuity. No one seems to know where anyone is. Spending so much time overthinking and not enough shooting. Plain and simple, there is no magic. It's like a magician forgetting his magic — the players are lost and have no idea how to fix it. Mr. Cameron has to figure out what is going on and how to fix it. Because at this moment, the powerplay resembles the Keystone Cops.

I wonder if it is the system itself or the players?  Are the coaches putting players in the wrong positions? There seems to be no logic to who the coaches put on the powerplay.  The coaches' job is to put players in the best position to succeed. The Flames seem to be using players' weaknesses instead of their strengths. Unless the players can turn their weakness into strengths, the coaches may have to consider other options.

Third-period collapse rears its ugly head. Every game, the Flames have fallen apart. The defence was running around like a chicken with its head cut off. The forwards like they're the reason for the defence and are too scared to try to save them.  They panic under pressure. And just when they have things under control, Smith lets in a stinker. Panic breeds panic; once it starts, it grows like a weed. The Flames have to bring back the calm. Stop trying to lose instead of trying to win.

Despite alll this, the Flames snapped their six-game losing streak last Saturday. This is a huge lift for the Flames, perhaps the turning point in the season. Their powerplay was still terrible, but they held the third-period collapse at bay.  The Flames seemed to hold it together under pressure. They were more relaxed in the third period, trying to win instead of trying to lose. The biggest improvement was in the forwards. They were supporting the defence, not being outskated. It was nice to finally see.

They backed that up with a win on Tuesday over the Hawks.  They came up with a decent third period again.  The Flames need to keep up the effort for full 60 minutes. Flames were awful for two periods in Chicago.  In the third, they got some breaks and capitalized on them. Smith put in a full 60-minute game.  Let's see how one of the best teams on the road does in their next five.

The Flames are still tracking the Sens.   They seem to scout Hoffman and Smith.  Hoffman seems to be a major target according to many sources.  A new name that seems to in the Media is Grabner. I like his speed.  He is an intriguing piece that could help the Flames make a playoff push.

What has Changed?

So what has changed? How have the Flames turned it around?  Have they improved that much? What is the main reason? Since the Coach's display and the throwing of the stick, the Flames have won four in a row.

I will take it a step further. Since Ferly has developed into the forward he can be, the Flames have been on a roll. Ferland is learning where he is supposed to be. The first line is playing like a first line.

Another key ingredient in the Flames is the emerging number 6
Brett Kulak is slowly growing into an NHL quality defencemen; Stone has found his partner. Brett is good, competent dman who knows his abilities and plays within his zone. I like Brett because he knows his role and does not try to do too much. He contributes where he can. He is only going to get better.

Another cog in the success of the Flames is that they have found a backup goalie. David Rittich has come out of nowhere and has been a feel-good story. David has given the Flames every chance to win especially with the last 40-plus save performance against the Panthers.  Dave has not lost a game in regulation this season. Each game better than the last.  He is a steady goalie who plays the angles and gives the Flames chances to win each game.

Trade deadline

I have been told the Flames are expected to be a big fish come deadline. No names have been named.  I am guessing the Flames will call on Hoffman from the Sens, unfortunately, Kane from the Sabres and a long shot Pacioretty from the Habs. All three names are out there. It will be interesting to see what the Flames will do, if anything.