Prospect Profiles - Lance Bouma
Kent Wilson
June 10 2010 10:26PM
A graduate from the Vancouver Giants, Bouma is less about points than grit. In that sense, he's similar to recent departee Brandon Prust, who worked as the checker and muscle for the dominant London Knights teams back when Crosby was in junior. The similarities between the two are uncanny and a comparison may help to illustrate the type of player Bouma is and may yet be for the Flames.
Congratulations to the Chicago Blackhawks
Kent Wilson
June 09 2010 09:10PM
Your 2009-2010 Stanely Cup Champions.
Truly one of the best teams I've seen in recent memory.
Ta-Ta Toskala
Kent Wilson
June 09 2010 01:27PM
While I've seen and heard many folks hope for a Toskala signing this off-season, I personally count the news of his imminent departure in the "plus" column. He had a spotty record with the Flames (a couple good games, one miserable one) during his brief stint in town, but the truth is Toskala has been one of the worst puck-stoppers in the league over the last 3 seasons. He may be a veteran, he may have been good once upon a time, and he may in fact be Kipper's best buddy, but just about any other available NHL goaltender is a better option.
Prospect Profiles - Matt Pelech
Kent Wilson
June 09 2010 10:55AM
Behind Mikael Backlund, Matt Pelech is the Flames prospect closest to make the leap to the big leagues. In fact, some could argue after three years in the minors, Pelech is closer to NHL ready than the young Swede. A first round choice from Calgary's disastrous 2005 draft, Pelech has been held back by depth and injuries. He'll turn 23 years old this September and is nearing the critical point when a prospect goes from "viable future NHLer" to "fringe player". The obstacles facing him at this point, however, aren't trivial.
The Cupboard Wasn't Bare
Kent Wilson
June 08 2010 09:39AM
A common refrain around town is that Darryl Sutter had to rebuild the Flames prospect pool from scratch when he took over in 2003-04. The perception, I think, comes from the messainistic glow that infuses Sutter's tenure, specifically when it comes to the early years. The truth of the matter is the Flames prospect pool wasn't totally absent talent and, in fact, has yet to markedly improved.
