Is Calgary’s Roster All-But-Set?

The dust has more or less settled from the wild draft weekend, and qualifying offers for restricted free agents are due today. But for the Calgary Flames, a quick glance at the roster reveals a few things about the team’s current composition, and perhaps a hint at further moves to come.

As we prepare for Wednesday’s kick-off of unrestricted free agency, let’s see where the Flames sit.

Here’s a quick rundown of the players that, as of the beginning of the season, are on one-way deals OR are waiver eligible (and would likely be claimed by other teams) OR are 19-year-old Sam Bennett, who Brad Treliving has said recently is on the team.

So that’s two goalies, six defensemen, and 15 forwards. Everyone on this list would require waivers to be assigned to the minors except for Bennett, who can only be returned to the OHL next season. The vague timeline the media has been given regarding Smid is 6-9 months from his February surgery, which would indicate a return date of anywhere between August and November. I’d presume unless we hear otherwise that Smid won’t begin the season on the active roster.

Of this list, Shore and Ferland didn’t spend their entire year in the NHL, but they ended up on the NHL roster for a good chunk of the season and all of the playoffs. Based on their contracts and waiver status, they’re basically stuck on the NHL roster.

The Flames have 23 men that are more or less slated for their roster right now. If they’re going to make any changes to their playing roster for next season, or open up spots for anybody to make the team out of camp ala Josh Jooris, they’re going to either move somebody out over the summer, or look for a move in the fall. I don’t think anything’s imminent, but if the team wants to add somebody like Michael Frolik – for instance – or for anybody, they’ll need to open up a spot somehow via trade or the waiver wire.

Positionally, I doubt that anything happens regarding the team’s centers. That’s a strength area. The seventh defensive spot to open the season might be Tyler Wotherspoon’s, unless the team decides to retain one of their pending free agents (David Schlemko and Raphael Diaz). I wouldn’t be surprised if Treliving attempted to upgrade the wings, but it’s unclear what he would do with any of the existing personnel if such a move happened.

Let the frenzy begin.