Calgary Flames

Western Conference Predictions

October 5, 2011

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Before the season begins, i thought I'd take a stab at predicting where each team will fall in the 2011-12 season. So, without further ado:

Vancouver Canucks – They might have a slow start coming out of the gate, as two of their top six players in Kesler and Raymond are out to start the season, but this is still a darn good hockey team. The Canucks will be icing basically the same roster as they did last season, minus Christian Ehrhoff, and I do not see any reason why they won&#...

Roman Empire: Horak looks to stick with the Flames

September 30, 2011

Derrick Newman

0 Comments

Roman Horak is quickly allowing Calgary Flames fans to forget about Tim Erixon.

Horak, who came over from the New York Rangers for the highly touted Erixon, has been 2011’s version of TJ Brodie – in other words a rookie who has surprised everyone by sticking around in the big city.

With today’s demotions of both Paul Byron and Lance Bouma, it seems almost a given that Horak will make his NHL debut next Saturday against the Crosby-less Pittsburgh Penguins.

Horak is 20-years-old and was fully expected to head to Abbotsford, but instead has beaten out players like Bouma, Byron, and Greg Nemisz – all players that have some NHL experience – and s...

Langkow OUT - Stempniak IN

August 29, 2011

Derrick Newman

2 Comments

Following Robyn Regehr and Ales Kotalik out the Scotiabank Saddledome door this summer is yet another high-priced contract in Daymond Langkow.

Set to make $4.5 million this season and coming off a near career-ending injury, the 35-year-old certainly wasn't getting any younger.

Sure, Langkow is a serviceable, reliable veteran who can play anywhere from the first to the third line without a peep or complaint, but, simply put, he was not in the long term plans of the team. Flames general manager Jay Feaster most likely saw a chance to shed some more salary and give the Flames added flexibility heading into the new season, while keeping the team competitive.

In return, t...

Is Jokinen "Flamed Out"?

August 17, 2011

Caleb Pass

2 Comments

One question I've seen buzzin' a little lately is if our boy Jokinen can rebound to his 70+ point seasons. Actually, I feel like I've heard this topic for a few seasons now.

Let me start off by saying that I like Jokinen. He's one of the few players that has declared some serious passion for a team and loves where he is. Obviously, it's important to be happy where you're playing. With someone of his talent, I gladly welcome him and his love for the flaming C.

Some say that it's impossible for him to bounce back to his 70 or 80 point levels, like his days in Florida. I certainly don't think it's IMPOSSIBLE, but I will say it&...

Scott Hannan: Newest Flame

August 14, 2011

Derrick Newman

4 Comments

I remember a time not too long ago when Scott Hannan was considered one of the premier shut down defenceman in the NHL.

I even remember him being constantly compared to another shut down defenceman – Robyn Regehr.

Where did the time go?

Regehr is gone and Hannan is now a Flame. Not traded for one another, but you can’t help but think that one is replacing the other – even if Hannan is not on the same level as a Regehr at this point in his career.

Hannan had his best days as a San Jose Shark and most of them before the lockout. He is 32-years old, so not quite over the hill. For one million dollars, there is no real risk in the signing.

Calgary Flames in July

July 20, 2011

Derrick Newman

0 Comments

Well now that the two-week party known as 2011 Calgary Stampede is over, I can get back to writing.

By the way, if you have never been to the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth, I would highly recommend it. It’s...a lot of fun.

Anyways, enough bull bustin’, let’s talk some puck.

The Flames have been busy of late making a couple of signings and a small trade.

Jay Feaster traded a fifth rounder to New Jersey for tough guy-grinder-checker Pierre-Luc Letourneau-Leblond, or P-to the triple L.

Leblond has had a prolific career in the NHL putting up three assists in 37 games over a period of three seasons. Prolific might not have bee...

The Flames: The Weekend

July 5, 2011

Derrick Newman

2 Comments

I go to Idaho for three days and the entire NHL loses it freaking mind.

James Wisniewski 6 yrs, $33 million? Erik Cole 4 yrs, $18 million? Ville Leino, 6 yrs, $27 million?

Is everyone taking crazy pills? And that’s not even half of the outrageous deals that have been handed out over the past couple of days,

What about the “Pick up as many players as possible and sign them to 4 year contracts” strategy that Dale Tallon has employed in Sunrise, Florida?

Unfortunately Jovo Cop can’t even say he’s taking his talents to south beach, because A) Sunrise is long, long ways from South Beach, and B) Jovo Cop’s talents are severely di...

Regehr and Tanguay

June 27, 2011

Derrick Newman

3 Comments

The Robyn Regehr era in Calgary has come to an end.

After spending 11 seasons dawning the flaming C, Regehr will have a new address in Buffalo, NY.

The durable defenceman (he has only missed 15 games in the last 5 seasons) was one of the Flames true leaders, and the second longest tenured player behind the one, the only, Jarome Iginla.

He will be missed in these parts.

I think the happiest person in Alberta right now has to be Ales Hemsky though. Hemsky will no longer have to endure getting tossed around like a Raggedy Ann doll in the corners by the hulking Regehr. For so many years, Regehr has made it his top priority to ensure that Hemsky can’t even p...

Robyn Regehr to Buffalo?

June 23, 2011

Derrick Newman

1 Comment

It looks like Robyn Regehr could be on his way out of Calgary. The second longest tenured Flame and a perennial team leader could be packing his bags and moving to Buffalo. This move would free up $4 million for the team and open the door for another move – a move that would have something to do with Ryan Smyth becoming a Calgary Flame or so the rumours are saying. It’s also being speculated that Stajan and/or Hagman could be involved in the Regehr deal as well, which would really help the team shed some serious dough. Am I happy to see Regehr leaving? Yes and no. He’s been a fixture on the blue line for the last 11 years. He has the ability to instil fear in forw...

Karlsson re-signs.

June 20, 2011

Derrick Newman

0 Comments

The Calgary Flames have re-signed back-up goalie Henrik Karlsson to a two-year contract worth $1.725 million. He posted a 4-5-6 record last season with a .908 save % and a 2.58 GAA. Comments from Jay Feaster regarding the signing (taken from flames.nhl.com): "We are very pleased to have Hank under contract and welcome him back,” said Flames General Manager Jay Feaster. “Last season he demonstrated that he is more than capable as a dependable back-up goalie to Kipper who can win games for us when needed and get us valuable points in the standings. Hank’s game performances, especially after long layoffs and in relief efforts, his work ethic, and his positive personality earned hi...