Glencross and Langkow

A couple updates on two players of interest on the Calgary Flames, one playing right now and one not.  Acting GM Jay Feaster updated the contract situation on pending UFA Curtis Glencross on Monday afternoon while also shedding some positive light on the future of Daymond Langkow.

Glencross will see his contract expire on July 1, a contract which looks pretty darn reasonable in comparison to how he’s performed in a Flames uniform.  Glencross has been a consistent performer in terms of possession and driving the play, and has shown a real nice ability to elevate this season in a true shutdown role.  Regardless if he’s playing against top players on the other side, or being thrown out against depth opposition, Glencross has been pretty darn good this season, save a span of 40 days or so when he completely fell off a cliff.  At 28 years old, he’s set to hit it big on the free agent market, if that’s the route he chooses.

Feaster revealed talks have been held between the two sides over the last little while, with a bit of a chasm between player and team.  A Darren Dreger report suggested the difference between the camps came from the length of a potential contract, something Glencross was hoping to be a little longer than the Flames were offering.  So, while the two sides have had talks, there still seems to be a gap between them which needs to be made up.

It’s all good news when it comes to Langkow, though.  He’s been cleared to return to light workouts, and took an optional skate with the team on Sunday morning.  The update today was a whole lot more promising than even about a month ago, where it was still thought it was doubtful Langkow would ever return to NHL action.  Things are pointing more towards a when as opposed to an if, at least according to Feaster.

The damaged nerve that has affected Langkow for almost a calendar year continues to heal, and the Flames are hoping to get him on a 10 to 12 week fitness program in the near future to get him closer to game shape.  Feaster suggested a late playoff run may be the right tonic for Langkow to return this season, but pointed to training camp next year as a more realistic option.  A full off season of being able to work out may make all the difference.

There is still no guarantee Langkow will be able to resume his playing career, but the nature of Feaster’s comments today were markedly more positive than they’d been for months.  For all the fans of his on this site, we can only hope no setbacks are suffered, and that his progression will remain on track.