Oct 31, 2014; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Calgary Flames left wing Michael Ferland (79) is coming back soon. Does that end either Sven Baertschi’s or Max Reinhart’s audition? Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports
Our Calgary Flames are close to getting back one of the bodies from their Injured Reserve list. According to the article from the Calgary Flames website:
"Michael Ferland made another appearance at practice and is inching closer to a return.“He’s cleared,” Hartley said. “He’s a big body and I feel that he kind of lost his step. He lost a step with his concussion being totally shut down and that’s normal. He’s a young player. Right now we’re just working on his pace and as soon as his pace will be back where we feel that he can contribute in a game, he’s going to be back in the lineup.”"
If/when Michael Ferland is removed from the injured reserve list, the Calgary Flames will be forced into a corresponding roster move. I see one of four situations (listed in order of likeliness) happening in the near future to accommodate Ferland’s return:
- Coach Hartley has admitted that Ferland has lost a step due to his injury. Ferland had just found that step after missing half of last season at the AHL level with an injury. I would not be surprised with the Flames if they returned Ferland to the AHL for a “conditioning stint”. In doing so, the Sven Baertschi and Max Reinhart auditions get a small extension.
- One of Devin Setoguchi or Brian McGrattan is diagnosed with a mysterious ailment that requires them to be IR’d for a couple games. Again, it would just be an attempt to extend the auditions of Baertschi and Reinhart. It’s also a safeguard against Michael Ferland as he is far from a lock to stay with the Calgary Flames.
- Max Reinhart is demoted back to the AHL. This move would force either Lance Bouma or Paul Byron to become full time centers until Joe Colborne returns.
- Sven Baertschi has been steadily improving in his 1st and 2nd periods of play BUT apparently is not allowed to play much in the 3rd period. He may be sent back to the AHL to practice on his 3rd period skills. That and protecting the puck when on his side of center ice.
What do you think will happen when Michael Ferland returns to the Calgary Flames lineup?