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Calgary Flames To Finally Give Nakladal A Chance

By Luke Ryan

Sep 21, 2015; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Oilers center Matt Hendricks (23) and Calgary Flames defenseman Jakub Nakladal (33) fight for position in front of Calgary Flames goalie Joni Ortio (37) during the third period at Scotiabank Saddledome. Edmonton Oilers won 3-1. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 21, 2015; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Oilers center Matt Hendricks (23) and Calgary Flames defenseman Jakub Nakladal (33) fight for position in front of Calgary Flames goalie Joni Ortio (37) during the third period at Scotiabank Saddledome. Edmonton Oilers won 3-1. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports /
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With confirmation of Dennis Wideman’s suspension, the Calgary Flames have finally made the call to bring up former KHL defenceman, Jakub Nakladal as a blue-line replacement.

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The recently confirmed suspension of Dennis Wideman for his hit on linesman Don Henderson has left an open spot on the Calgary Flames blue-line, and it has seen Bob Hartley look to the AHL affiliate, the Stockton Heat for someone to fill it.

Jakub Nakladal has been a solid defensive guy all year in the American Hockey League and has certainly looked like he has the ability to play for the Calgary Flames; thankfully this has been noted and a chance has now eventuated, circumstantial or not.

The suspension of Wideman could’ve just seen Ladislav Smid moved into the line-up and not much else happening, but instead the wiser move has been made and the Calgary Flames will now have a twenty-game window of opportunity to assess Nakladal at NHL level.

Related Story: Calgary Flames 4 Best Options To Replace Wideman

In an interview with Wes Gilbertson of the Calgary Herald, Nakladal was clearly raring to go and confident in his ability to play up a level, “I feel ready. Completely ready, I know a couple of things I have to do better, but completely I think I can play in the NHL. I believe in myself,” said Jakub post-practice on Wednesday.

It remains to be seen when he will first see ice-time for the Calgary Flames this year, but the fact he is now travelling with the Calgary Flames roster and not the Stockton Heat one is the first step.

“I feel ready. Completely ready.” – Jakub Nakladal (Calgary Herald)

Should he perform, the 28 year-old has every chance of staking a longer-term claim for a spot in the line-up, especially given his current cheap deal. Kris Russell would be the most likely person for him to usurp, given the longer and somewhat cap-prohibitive contracts floating around among the rest of the Calgary Flames defensemen.

Next: Calgary Flames Boast Solid Depth In Defence

Alternately, maybe Nakladal can perform well in this month and end us as a great piece of trade bait come deadline day?

Stranger things have happened.

What do you think of the fact that Nakladal is finally being given a shot with the Calgary Flames? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.

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