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Calgary Flames Daily: Many Free Agents, Who’s Staying?

By Ramina Shlah

Apr 17, 2017; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Calgary Flames right wing Kris Versteeg (10) celebrates his goal with teammates against the Anaheim Ducks during the first period in game three of the first round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 17, 2017; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Calgary Flames right wing Kris Versteeg (10) celebrates his goal with teammates against the Anaheim Ducks during the first period in game three of the first round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Happy Tuesday Calgary Flames fans! It’s a cold and snowy day here in YYC, but I’m sure a lot of the guys have gone home. Let’s look at some Flames news.

Of course after the hockey season ends for the Calgary Flames is when it gets cold and snowy here in Calgary. A lot of the players have most likely started to head to their respective homes where they’re from.

There are some players though who are already home – Chad Johnson and Kris Versteeg. Both of these guys have grown up in Calgary. Well, Versteeg grew up in Lethbridge, but close enough. And they both grew up as Flames fans. Now, on July 1st, they’ll both be free agents. But would they like to come back and play for Calgary?

Via Calgaryflames.com:

"“I can’t properly put into words how much I’ve enjoyed this season.” Said Versteeg. “It’s been so special. Just having everyone around – family, friends – has made me super comfortable. My kids being consistently around their grandparents, you can’t put a value on that.“It’s made my, our, living situation so much better. I’ve been away for so long, in other cities, and I think everyone wonders what it’d be like to be able to play in his own backyard. The other places I’ve been through my career have all been great experiences.“But you only have one home, right?“So from a personal standpoint, I could not have asked for more.“And this team? Like a band of brothers. Just fantastic.”"

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Calgary Flames

Versteeg also said last week on locker cleanout day that if he’s in Switzerland come September, his agent’s getting fired. I like this guy, he’s funny. Let’s hope he stays.

Now, we also have another hometown hockey kid.

Via Calgaryflames.com:

"“It was fun to play here. The fans are great, as I know. My family enjoyed it and my wife enjoyed it. More importantly it was a great hockey team to be a part of, a great organization and one heading in the right direction.“I want to be a part of that. There’s always issues with contracts that have to be figured out and things like that, but my heart is here. There’s no denying that.“I’d love to remain here in Calgary.”"

I know many fans would disagree in Johnson staying here, but I wouldn’t mind. It’d be nice for him. Ok, I take that back, please don’t yell at me.

It’d be nice for him, but I’m not sure if the team has room for him right now, unfortunately to say. Would he like to stay? Absolutely. But life isn’t always easy like that.

Some links surrounding the Flames to get you through your day

Backlund reflects on what was a career season with the Calgary Flames (Calgary Herald).

The Calgary Flames should make a play for Ilya Kovalchuk (Matchsticks & Gasoline).

Wideman’s departure signals end of an era in Flames hockey (Matchsticks & Gasoline).

Peter Watts: The Playoff Trail (News Talk 770).

Other links surrounding hockey and the NHL

Ryan Johansen and P.K. Subban have the Nashville Predators looking like Contenders (FanSided).

Five off-the-board NHL coaching candidates you should know (Sportsnet).

Sens’ Craig Anderson headlines Masterton finalists (CBC Sports).

‘I remember crying myself to sleep for two months’: Former NHL coach Ted Nolan (The Star Phoenix).

Next: Flames need to pursue Ben Bishop in the off-season

That’s all in this edition of Flames Daily! Thanks for tuning in.

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