The Calgary Flames’ calendar includes just one game in a six-day span.
Phew.
The Flames, after playing five times (in five different cities) during an eight-day grind, will certainly benefit from a bit of a rest and recharge. They won’t mind stashing their suitcases for a little while.
While Wednesday was a day off for this 8-6-3 squad, we checked in with Postmedia beat reporters Danny Austin and Wes Gilbertson for the weekly edition of Hot Topics …
Let’s start with a look-at-the-big-picture submission from social media, where BeingDaddy asks: “What positive signs have you seen in terms of developing the young players?”
GILBERTSON: Despite a strong start and even as a playoff bid starts to feel less and less far-fetched, development will be the story of the season for the Flames — and there have been plenty of positives in that department. I have been a big believer in Dustin Wolf, but I’ll be honest, I didn’t expect that the 23-year-old netminder would look this comfortable, this soon. Monday’s victory over the Kings was a prime example. Even after his shutout bid was spoiled in the late stages, even with his team suddenly on the penalty kill as they tried to protect a one-goal lead, he provided the sort of poise and calming presence that you don’t often see from a guy who still qualifies as a rookie. A very good sign.
AUSTIN: Look no further than Matt Coronato if you want an answer to this question. It’s not just that the 21-year-old — he turns 22 on Thursday, so wish him a happy birthday — has seven points in 12 games, it’s also that he’s being trusted to play on a line with Flames captain Mikael Backlund and Blake Coleman. The Flames have put him in high-pressure situations at the end of games and he has thrived. I’d also suggest that everyone take a look at the Calgary Wranglers if you’re looking for proof that the youth movement is moving along in a positive direction. Twenty-two-year-old Rory Kerins is tied for the AHL lead in goals with 10, while 23-year-old Jakob Pelletier is three points off the league lead with 14.
Also on social media, Blair wonders if it’s time for the Flames to try Connor Zary at centre. What do we think?
GILBERTSON: I’ve been wrestling with this one. Zary is on many nights the Flames’ most dangerous threat from the wing, although he’s suffering from a serious case of snake-bite. He has just one point — a marker in Montreal — to show for his past nine games. But I’m also starting to think he could be their best option to fill the void up the middle and I’m surprised that Flames bench boss Ryan Huska has yet to give it a whirl as we approach the quarter-mark of the season. Zary has a ton of confidence with the puck, has the swagger necessary to make the selfish play sometimes and has enough skill to turnstile an opposing defender in a one-on-one situation. Does that sound to anybody else like part of Nazem Kadri’s recipe for success at centre?
AUSTIN: It’s not that I don’t think Zary can play centre, I’m just not sure I love the idea of throwing that responsibility at a second-year player part way through the season. Maybe I’m overthinking things, but Zary is still learning the intricacies of being an NHLer. He’s thriving, no doubt, but why not keep him where he’s comfortable and has already proven he can make an impact? Again, I understand why people are suggesting it — and don’t think it’s crazy — but he only just turned 23 and has 80 games of NHL experience. We saw that Martin Pospisil didn’t exactly thrive at centre despite seemingly having the tools to do so. Maybe the best thing for a young player’s development is to keep them where they feel most comfortable.
Let’s wrap up with a compliment, a comment and then question from Anne. “You guys do a great job,” Anne writes. “Can we have a shout-out for Ryan Lomberg belting out the national anthem every game? He’s just so fun to watch all the time — anyone watching games or ‘The Chase’ or the Remembrance Day feature. Such a great pickup by Craig Conroy. I’d extend him in a heartbeat … So a circuitous way of asking: Who this early merits being in the extension conversation?”
GILBERTSON: Thanks, Anne. The second that the Flames announced that Lomberg was returning to Calgary on a two-year contract, you knew this positive and punchy forward would be a fan favourite. He’s adored in the locker room, too. This roster doesn’t include a ton of expiring deals, so extension targets are limited — you can only re-up in the final year of your current pact. I’m sure the Flames would love to get Zary locked up long-term, although it’s tricky to determine a fair dollar value for a guy with only 42 career points, but a ton of offensive upside. In that case, maybe tops on the list should be shutdown defenceman Kevin Bahl, who like Zary is a pending restricted free agent. At 24, Bahl could be a top-four fixture for years to come.
AUSTIN: I’ll start by echoing Wes — and Anne — by saying that Lomberg has been a breath of fresh air. He seems to be embracing the extra-curricular assignments that the Flames are offering and I loved seeing him visit the Field of Crosses for the Remembrance Day feature. As for extensions, I don’t think there’s any question you’re going to see the Flames reach deals with young forwards Zary, Coronato and Adam Klapka, each of whom are RFAs at the end of the season. My biggest question might be what happens with Dan Vladar? I’m as convinced as anyone that Wolf is the goalie of the future, but Vladar is an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season and has put up a 2.65 goals-against average and .906 save percentage in nine games. He’s worth keeping around, but is it possible?
Is there a Hot Topic that you’d like Danny Austin and Wes Gilbertson to discuss next week? Send your question or suggestion to [email protected] or [email protected]