Jump for joy, hockey is back. Preseason is opening up across the league and it's time to get this show on the road for another season. It's the last eight game preseason before the schedule change as part of the new Collective Bargaining Agreement. So let's take a look at who to watch for the Flames.
Zayne Parekh
The most obvious one for Flames fans. The question I have is can Parekh show that he learned from his experience in camp last year and show the Flames he is a National Hockey League player. With no other option than NHL or OHL the way Parekh plays in these games will determine that he's too good to play in major juniors. We're also going to get a look at him quarterbacking a powerplay.
Ivan Prosvetov and Devin Cooley
A little self explanatory, the only camp battle that's been a discussion since before training camp began was who would back up Dustin Wolf. Both goaltenders have one-way contracts and if sent down to the AHL, would have to go through the waiver process. There's a chance that the Flames keep three goaltenders on the roster to avoid that scenario, but unlikely that they would elect to go that direction.
Matvei Gridin
Gridin's showcase in rookie camp was impressive, we'll soon see if that is something that will continue in main camp. He's expected to be on a line with Nazem Kadri and Matt Coronato to start the preseason against the Oilers in Calgary's split squad game.
Axel Hurtig
The Flames should know all about Hurtig, after all he's played in the same building with the WHL's Calgary Hitmen. Flames head coach Ryan Huska said he was "pleasantly surprised" by Hurtig's play in the rookie showcase, could mean having an extended look at the young defenceman.
Samuel Honzek
Honzek said in a pregame interview that he feels like he can use his size more effectively along the boards and in protecting the puck. If he's able to show that at an NHL level he could provide an excellent forecheck in the middle six of a lineup and cause some chaos and havoc on defenders looking to make a quick first pass. Add on the skill and hands in close and he could be a power forward in the league.
There's a lot for Flames fans to watch for in the coming games, the Flames retooling looks to be almost complete, the missing pieces could very well come from what happens throughout camp.