--C Mikael Backlund, Calgary's first-round pick in the 2007 draft, signed a three-year, entry-level contract. Backlund, who has spent most of the past two seasons playing in the men's league in Sweden, has multiple options in the coming season. Even though he's only 19, he could remain in Sweden, and is being chased by some Elite League teams, or come to North America where he could play for the Flames, their AHL affiliate or even the major junior ranks.
--The Flames have the No. 17 pick in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft, making it potentially the first time in five years they'll choose in the top 20. Then again, Flames general manager Darryl Sutter has shown a penchant for trading down to receive more picks.
In 2004, the Flames had the 19th selection, but traded it for the 24th selection -- where they took Kris Chucko and a pair of third-round choices to nab Brandon Prust and Dustin Boyd.
Las year, the Flames had the 18th pick, but traded down to 24th -- where they selected Backlund -- and a third rounder, which was used to select highly-touted defenseman John Negrin.
QUOTE TO NOTE "As good as it was, it made me realize how much I want to be back in the NHL. It's a good life and all that, but if you want to play in the best league in the world, you have to play in the NHL. I think I can do that and want to prove that, most importantly, to myself and other people, too." -- Mark Giordano, on his time spent in Russia.
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I have come to grips with the fact that an NHL board on an American web site will be pretty slow during the off season, especially in between the Stanley cup, and free agency. I was just wondering if anyone sees this and they here anything that is happening with the Flames, if they could post it?
Rumors, trades, hirings, firings, c
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Well, we lost in the first round for the third time in a row. We have an aging team, which is funny, it seems that we went from the "young guns" to a "veteran filled lineup" in the matter of a few years with nothing really to show for it. I am just wondering, do we blow it up? get rid of a few bad apples (Huselius, Tanguay)? or do we keep it the same as much as possible?
I just came over here to see how the posts were going and what did I see? Nothing. C'mon Flames fans....I know you're out there......let's get to posting.
With Calagrys comeback tonight after being down 3-0 in the first period im going to have to say that Calgary is going to win this series for sure tonights game has completely taken the heart out of the Sharks. The
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Well, our mini collapse down the stretch cost us the 6th seed. Fortunately we are in the playoffs and we have an opportunity to up set one of the favorites to win the cup. I would be lying if I said that this is who I wanted to face in the first round, but it is what it is, and we get to play San Jose.
What does everyone think of our chances? Why do you think (if you do) we will win the seri