Curtis Glencross, Re-Introducing Your Calgary Flames
By Len Nunes
Oct 26, 2013; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Calgary Flames left wing Curtis Glencross (20) signs autographs before the game against the Washington Capitals at Scotiabank Saddledome. Calgary Flames won 5-2. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports
A quote from Calgary Flames 31 year old forward Curtis Glencross (taken from a Calgary Sun article on March 16, 2014):
"“I’m one of those guys — I don’t like watching, I like playing …” Glencross added. “When you can be out there and anytime you can be a factor and make a difference, it means a lot.”"
Therein lies the problem which faces the Calgary Flames while negotiating an extension with their assistant captain. How do you judge if a player, now in his 30’s, is still a top six forward OR now more suited for a third line role?
"“It’ll be a little bit different this time around,” (Curtis) Glencross explained. “I told them when we did the last deal that I love playing at home and I’ll take kind of a hometown discount hit so we could make this team a better team.“I might only have a couple more contracts left in my career, and this is probably the biggest contract of my career. The Flames have to know that as well, and hopefully they take it into consideration, what I did the last four years.”"
Judging from the above statement by Curtis Glencross (taken from here), he believes he is still a top six forward now and moving forward. Looking ahead to the 2014-15 season, Curtis Glencross’ last year of his current contract, the Calgary Flames need the veteran forward to return to full health as the club tries to recover from the free agent loss of Mike Cammalleri.
In his first five seasons as a Calgary Flame, Glencross always finished in the top seven in team scoring. Injuries plagued Glencross throughout last season. Mr. Glencross originally missed 15 games due to a sprained knee. A high ankle sprain would force Glencross out of the lineup for an additional 29 games.
The Calgary Flames and their fans have high hopes for this year’s 4th overall draft pick Sam Bennett, Hobey Baker Award winner Johnny Gaudreau, and 2013 1st round draft pick (28th overall) Morgan Klimchuk. The Calgary Flames and their fans have already seen their 2013 1st round draft pick (6th overall) Sean Monahan fulfill some of his potential.
As the youth movement begins to take hold in Southern Alberta, how do you pay a forward a top six wage which he has earned while knowing you will be cutting his ice time as the rookies develop? One can understand why the Calgary Flames may be more inclined to have Curtis Glencross play the season with an expiring contract. The Calgary Flames also have to plan for contract extensions to 25 year old forward Mikael Backlund and 24 year old defenseman TJ Brodie.
Here is what The Hockey News lists as Curtis Glencross’ positives and I couldn’t agree more:
"Positives: Is an industrious, physical forward who usually keeps the game as simple as possible. With good speed, he can score goals in bunches and is a solid role player. Takes care of his end, and can even contribute on the penalty kill."
I look forward to a healthy and productive season from Mr. Glencross. I’m 50/50 on whether or not he is still a Calgary Flame after the trading deadline. I will shave my legs if Glencross signs anything other more than 1 year contract with our Calgary Flames after this season.