Let the battles begin.

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With the start of the pre-season underway for the Calgary Flames, so begins the battles for roster spots. In Calgary GM Jay Feaster has proclaimed a roster based on merit, meaning those who earn a spot will be given one, but don’t expect any major un-seeding in the forward group as the Flames essentially have 13 forwards who will likely make the club. The biggest intrigue from those forwards battling for a job comes from 18 year-old rookie Sven Baertschi who’s performance in the recent Young Stars tournament in Penticton, had observers and fans alike wondering if the Swiss gem had a chance to crack the Flames opening day roster. The short answer? No. The Flames feel they snagged a legitimate blue chip prospect for the first time since Dion Phaneuf and they shouldn’t feel any need to rush Sven into NHL duty. Another point of interest out of camp comes from newcomer Lee Stempniak, the former Phoenix Coyote was acquired late in the summer in exchange for Daymond Langkow and has the potential to be a 30-goal scorer for the Flames who feel that Stempniak is going to provide more secondary scoring for a team that struggled to find the back of the net in the first half of last season. With any luck Stempniak should see himself skating on the 2nd or 3rd line and seeing a lot of power play time with Calgary. But possibly the most intriguing battle out of camp will be on the blue line for the Flames, needing to get some breathing room underneath the salary cap Jay Feaster dealt veteran defensive stalwart Robyn Regehr to Buffalo along with Ales Kotalik and a 2nd round draft pick in 2012 in exchange for up and coming defender Chris Butler and speedy forward Paul Byron. Many felt Calgary were the so called “losers” of the deal but unfazed Feaster quickly used his new found cap space to lock up Anton Babchuk, and sign free agent Scott Hannan (pictured)  to make up for the loss of Regehr but coach Brent Sutter’s decision as to which 6 defenders will suit up against the Pittsburgh Penguins on October 8th is far from determined. Incumbents such as Jay Bouwmeester, Mark Giordano, and Cory Sarich fill what will be the Flames top 3 defensemen but where the likes of Chris Butler, Scott Hannan, Anton Babchuk and even TJ Brodie fit in is still to be decided. Brodie had an impressive showing in training camp last year beginning the year with the big club for the first 3 games before it became apparent he needed more seasoning and was sent to Abbotsford. He made strides while with the Heat improving his defensive game while not sacrificing his offensive skill, expect him to make it difficult for the Flames coaching staff to send him back to Abbotsford. Chris Butler has been solid defensively in 3 seasons with Buffalo but lacks offensive instincts, the 24 year-old has been extremely positive about coming to Calgary we should expect to see him opening night. Last but not least is former Washington Capital Scott Hannan. The rugged defenseman signed a cap friendly 1-year $1 million dollar deal to join the Flames this off-season and is expected to bring a much needed edge to the defensive crops in Calgary. While we wait to see what happens during the pre-season we know the Flames are serious are about making a return to the playoffs this year and to do so they’ll need an all around effort for 82 games no matter who puts on the flaming C come October 8th.