The Calgary Flames are continuing to make cuts and are starting to shape up their final roster. However, there is a tight battle for the remaining spots in camp, and there will be players who get sent down to the AHL that may make people scratch their heads. At the end of the day, the Flames have a difficult choice to make with their younger players.
Sam Honzek is having a phenomenal preseason, as is Matt Coronato. Jakob Pelletier is looking to make a name for himself after returning from injury. Adam Klapka has impressed, as has Sam Morton. This begs the question, who gets the last roster spot on the Flames? We asked, you answered.
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Responses from readers
We presented the below poll to our readers.
Matt Coronato
The overwhelming favourite for our readers was Matt Coronato, and honestly, how can he not make the team? He has once again led the team in preseason points and has shown flashes of brilliance.
Over the past two years, Coronato has scored 12 points in nine games. Yes, it’s the preseason, but that is incredible production from the 21-year-old. He has a chance to take on a top-six spot on the roster and showcase his goal-scoring in the NHL. Something that the Flames desperately need.
Jakob Pelletier
This really feels like a make-or-break season for Jakob Pelletier, who was once the Flames’ top prospect. He got hurt in the preseason last year, and it never really felt like he got back to speed during the year.
This year, Pelletier will need to prove he belongs in the league and earn a spot on the team. Additionally, the team faces the risk of losing Pelletier on waivers if he doesn’t make the roster this year. Do the Flames want to risk losing a player who was once their top prospect? I don’t think so.
Adam Klapka
Adam Klapka has scored three goals in three games this preseason. He has been impressive and has shown good growth in his game. However, many of the voters believe that he may not make the team. There is just too much competition for roster spots as of now. If Klapka does play NHL games this season (which he will), it will likely be due to an injury on the roster or a trade that frees up a roster spot.
Sam Morton
Sam Morton has impressed the organization ever since he was in the NCAA. Then, once he put on the Calgary Wranglers jersey, he put up seven points in 13 games in the AHL and also produced four points in six games in the AHL playoffs. He is 25 years old, which makes him one of the older players of the younger group. However, he has shown that he is reliable, and as an older player, he may be more used to the NHL pace of play.
Not everyone can make it
Tough decisions will need to be made by the season opener, and certain players will have to start in the AHL and try to earn a job through a call-up. The Flames have committed to allowing younger players to play NHL games. The real question is, how many of those younger players will play those games and stick around? This season, we will find out.
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