The Calgary Flames certainly seem to be scouting the market for some extra pieces, if recent scout sightings are anything to go by.
A recent American Hockey League game between the Ontario Reign and Texas Stars; affiliate teams of the Los Angeles Kings and Dallas Stars respectively, saw a large number of scouts in attendance. The Calgary Flames were among the teams represented by a scout:
Huge list of scouts at AHL @ontarioreign tonight vs @TexasStars – including CBJ, TOR, CHI, CGY, COL, ANA, BUF, DET, NSH, VAN, WSH, & TBL.
Huge list of scouts at AHL @ontarioreign tonight vs @TexasStars - including CBJ, TOR, CHI, CGY, COL, ANA, BUF, DET, NSH, VAN, WSH, & TBL.
— The Mayor | Team MM (@mayorNHL) January 6, 2016
Meanwhile, a leaked listing to TSN1200 (Ottawa’s Sports Radio) of those in the press box at the recent game between the Ottawa Senators and Florida Panthers has a Calgary Flames scout among those in attendance, also.
It's that time of year. A few extra teams scouting tonight's game. pic.twitter.com/NhWEPGcW7L
— TSN 1200 (@TSN1200) January 7, 2016
Whether any of these scouting trips lead to any activity on the trade market is anyone’s guess, but clearly there is a piece or pieces that the Calgary Flames are actively searching for.
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The three stars in the AHL game all went to Ontario Reign players as their team took the game 3-2 in overtime. Justin Auger was named the first star, whilst Kevin Gravel and goaltender Peter Budaj got the second and third.
Gravel and Auger are very much prospects, whereas the goaltender is the wrong side of thirty to properly be looked at. Whether these guys turn out to now be the targets of attention from the Calgary Flames organisation is anyone’s guess.
Scouting missions are generally out into the unknown for those fans watching on with intrigue. Maybe the Calgary Flames were looking at one specific player, maybe they were looking at a host of players, maybe they were seeking a prospect piece for a much bigger deal with the affiliated NHL side.
It’s truly anyone’s guess.
Likewise, the Florida Panthers and Ottawa Senators have plenty of potential pieces available to the Calgary Flames, but are they seeking a couple of playoff rentals or looking at a more long-term equation.
Anyone’s guess.
Next: Flames Captain Leads By Example Against Tampa
Who do you think the Calgary Flames were looking at? Let us know in the comments section below.