In 71 days...

The Flames will be kicking off the o9/10 schedule! ... (Kind of makes the few days between my last post and now seem somewhat insignificant, wouldn't you agree?) Anyway.. I will start off saying that THIS YEAR WE ARE GOING TO WIN OUR HOME OPENER! Forget those first couple games last year against the about-to-die team we play first thing this year... If that made any sense to anyone the Canucks should have come to mind.. But moving on, I just have to mention how stupid I think it is that the Capitals don't come to Calgary at all this year! Like what is this!? I really don't think I'm gonna be able to fly all the way to Washington.. But we will see ;)

Regarding the recent signings and all.. I can't wait to see how the prospect camp goes. I have a feeling this is going to be a pivotal year for our beloved Flames franchise.. Lets hope we can be a force for years to come.

So, I've been looking at the rooster and been trying to figure out how the lineups could possibly work.. Might post it later, might not. My speculation is all it is, I can imagine Mr Brent Sutter has quite a few unique ideas that we will just have to wait to get a glimpse of..

Sjostrom, Murray, Armstrong sign deals with Flames

Start off with Fredrick Sjostrom (RW) who just signed a 2 year deal worth $1.5 million. Honestly I had never heard of him before but what I've dicovered since then is that he is known for his big physical play and speed. Which is always welcome. The 26 year old (glad to see Sutter is sticking with his getting younger theme) played 79 games for the Rangers last year 7 goals, 6 assists, and 30 PIM. I'm unsure how "good" he is though; as in will he get to enjoy the 2nd line or is he more a of grinder/checker...?

Garth Murray (C) I really have never heard of. He's 27 and his stats for last season are not that impressive. Only playing 10 games for the Coyotes he had no points, only 12 PIM. Not a bad sive, 6'2, 210 lbs... A quick search on you-tube and I have determined that he is our new heavyweight. Sounds good, no offense but there are some guys Prust just can't take on.

Last we got Riley Armstrong (RW). This ex-Shark played only 2 games last year. He's 25 but its hard to say how much ice time he is going to get. More depth is the only thing I can think of..

And apparently the Flames have made a qualifying offer to Dustin Boyd and Chris Chucko so hopefully they both resign as well. I think most people would agree they are important parts of the Flames of the Future..

'09 Free Agent Frenzy

Pretty interesting day I would say. Just a few of my random thoughts concerning the crazy events that took place:

-Cammalleri to Montreal. I really did think he would go to Toronto especially when the twins resigned with Vancouver, thought it was Burke's 'back-up' plan but whatever.. He's a Hab now and I really am sorry to see him go. Great sniper and I'm going to miss his slapshot on the PP. Best of luck in the east, Cammie. While we're on the subject... The Canadiens did pretty good for themselves eh? Gionta was interesting, who knows maybe he got tired of all the defence in Jersey. Always had a lot of respect for that guy, 5'7 and he manages to produce decent points against the monsters of todays NHL.

-Hossa and the Idiots in Chicago. Honestly, what were they thinking!? 12 years!? They are crazy. The guy is gonna be 42 before that sentence is up; these are the kind of moves organizations tend to regret a few years down the road... Especially when I imagine they are going to want to sign a few of their young stars to extensions. Like to see how Dale Tallon manages that.

-Khabibulin joins the Oilers.... I don't like it. All I can say is, I hope he has a career worst up there. No love.

-Gaborik to the Rangers. Think he will be a good fit and all.. If he plays more than 5 games.

-Knuble + Ovechkin + Backstrom = Pretty strong first line over in Washington. This guy will be just what they need in front of the net, along the boards, etc. Add some grit and such to the incredible skills the Caps already have up front. Let's just finish off them goalies... They have a hard enough time with Ovie's shot as it is let alone having a 6'3, 230 lbs wall of muscle in their face.

-Heatley... Did I hear groans...? What in the world is this man doing? What a lack of respect for the Sens and everyone else involved. I would keep him in Ottawa and just bench him for the season. Please, let him not come to Calgary.

-And finally.. Bouwmeester! I am quite happy with the signing and think he will fit in very well with our organization and hopefully under our new coach as well. Very quiet-spoken young man, and I really can't wait to see him out skating wearing the Flaming C on his chest.