Flames 2011
Baring a trade or two between now and the start of the regular season the flames roster is pretty much set. Backlund most likely gets a shot at the number one center job to start the year given how he played with Iggy and Tanguay down the stretch and the fact that Morrison won’t be ready to go at the start of the season. All five of Calgary’s centers (including BMO) could potentially see time on lines 1-4, Calgary essentially has 5 2nd-3rd line centermen, although Backlund could become a 1st line guy.
Tanguay $3.5 Backlund $1.2 Iginla $7.0
Glencross $2.5 Jokinen $3.0 Bourque $3.3
Hagman $3.0 Langkow $4.5 Moss $1.3
Kostopoulos $0.9 Stajan $3.5 Jackman $0.5
Extra: Letourneau-Leblond $0.52
Injured: Morrison $1.2 Ivanans $0.6
Could see limited time: Nemisz, Bouma, Byron, Howse, Baertschi, Wahl, Horak, Reinhart, Meyer
The defense is weakened by the Regehr trade however there is some potential in the younger guys who should get more ice time. Gio and Bo will both see more minutes and Babchuk, will have to play more minutes 5 on 5 as will Butler. Brodie, Breen, and Negrin will all get a look at training camp.
Giordano $4.0 Sarich $3.6
Bouwmeester $6.6 Babchuk $2.5
Butler $1.2 Mikkelson $0.72
Extra: Carson $0.57
Could see time: Brodie, Breen, Negrin, Smith, Henry
Kiprusoff $5.8 Karlsson $0.86
Could see time: Irving, Ortio
Overall some of the young guys should get a shot (through injury call ups) however most likely the big changes won’t occur until next year when 21 million comes off the cap. Most likely the flames will again be battling for 7-10 in the west. Depending on where the flames are in the standings it could make for an interesting trade deadline.