Oct 2, 2014; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Calgary Flames right wing Josh Jooris (86) scores on the Winnipeg Jets goalie Michael Hutchinson (34) during the third period of preseason action at Scotiabank Saddledome. Flames won 4-2. Mandatory Credit: Candice Ward-USA TODAY Sports
Preseason wins may not count in the standings but they should do make Friday mornings easier to wake up to don’t they? Good morning Calgary Flames fans!!
Here is the link for the Flame For Thought game review of the Flames 4-2 win over the Winnipeg Jets adeptly called, “Josh Jooris, Johnny Gaudreau Not Leaving on a Jet Plane“.
The question about Jooris & Gaudreau has to be – – who do you cut/reassign to put them on the Calgary Flames opening day roster? My answers – – Devin Setoguchi and Brian McGrattan.
Setoguchi has struggled through the preseason with a minor injury and has not rekindled any memories of his 31 goal 2008-09 season with the San Jose Sharks. He would have to clear waivers for the Flames to send him to Adirondack. Being that as a free agent Setoguchi waited until August 23rd for the Flames to sign him, the NHL market was already cool on him. Mr. Setoguchi has not accomplished enough in this preseason to change that perception of him.
Brian McGrattan is a noted NHL enforcer and Calgary Flame “locker room guy”. McGrattan is understandably popular with the fans and I believe if put on the waiver wire McGrattan would be scooped up by another team. That said, to make room for “kids” like Josh Jooris and/or Michael Ferland, McGrattan’s contract is MUCH MUCH easier to move than a Curtis Glencross (who I still believe is a NHL fantasy sport sleeper) or a David Jones.
The preseason wraps up this Saturday night in Winnipeg. The real games begin Wednesday October 8th. If our Calgary Flames are 5-3 after eight regular season games, especially remembering five of the first eight games are on the road, I would be ecstatic!
Have a great day Flames fans!