Investigating Tim Jackman
Kent Wilson
August 19 2010 10:40AM
Spurred by this conversation at M&G, I decided to take a deeper look at one of the clubs more uninteresting acquisitions this summer: tough guy Tim Jackman. The 29 year old has scored all of 28 points in 191 career games and is known far more as a tough guy than a capable NHL player as a result. The assumption is that he was acquired to skate around for 5 minutes a night with a scowl on his face and little else.
The Utility of Craig Conroy
Kent Wilson
August 18 2010 10:39AM
While the reaction to the Conroy signing was mostly positive, there were a few voices raised in protest when the old man's deal was announced. I'm sympathetic to the argument that the Flames seem to be once again squeezing the kids out of the equation this year (having made similar protestations in the past), but given his skill-set and the price, I think this signing is a clear win for the club.
Flames Hire Michel Goulet as Wetsern Pro Scout
Kent Wilson
August 18 2010 09:48AM
Calgary continued to remake their organization beneath the surface today, naming former NHL star Michel Goulet as the club's western pro scout. Outside of serving as the director of player personnel in Colorado for several years (and playing in the NHL), I'm not sure what other credentials or experience Goulet has.
The move, while minor, is another indication of an unspoken impetus in the org to change things after a disappointing season. One wonders what will happen if the Flames fail to make the post-season for a second straight year...
UPDATE - TSN notes that the Flames have also hired Finnish scout Ari Haanpaa and Ottawa based Fred Parker.
On the Mend
Steinberg
August 16 2010 07:17PM
It was one of the scariest moments I can remember watching hockey. Flames forward Daymond Langkow suffered a neck injury on a seemingly innocent looking play early in the second period of a game in Minnesota on March 21st. The immediate good news was delivered shortly after Langkow left the ice, in that he was moving around. However, the injury would end Langkow's season, and it has put in doubt his return to start the upcoming season. But from who I've talked to over the last few weeks, things seem to be looking up, which is only good news for the Flames.
Bright Spots - Mark Giordano
Kent Wilson
August 16 2010 10:38AM
There's no getting around the fact that last season was a big disappointment for the Calgary Flames. Many of the big money players and notable acquisitions had off-years. The team missed the post-season for the first time under Sutter as GM. The club boasted one of the very worst offences in the entire NHL.
Of course, there were a few enduring bright spots last year. In this post, the first of a series, we'll look at perhaps the single best silver lining - the play of Mark Giordano.
