Vanessa: Training camp is around the corner, and the Flames have more questions than answers. But the biggest one? Who's taking the crease? That answer might surprise you.
Nick: Vanessa, you're talking goaltending, but I think the real battle is up front. Center ice is a logjam, and someone's getting squeezed out.
Vanessa: Welcome back to Beatline, Flames Nation! I'm Vanessa, joined as always by Nick. Today we're breaking down the biggest roster battles heading into camp.
Nick: We've talked about the Nemec signing and the Wild trade all week. Now it's time to see how it all fits on the ice. Three segments, three battles, and we're predicting who's in and who's out.
Vanessa: First up: the crease. Dustin Wolf versus Devin Cooley. Then we'll get into the center ice mess and the blue line competition. And we'll wrap with our roster-cut predictions.
Nick: Let's not waste any time. The crease is the headline, and I think Wolf has something to prove.
Vanessa: So, Nick, Dustin Wolf has been the future in Calgary for a while now. But Devin Cooley is coming off a solid year and he's not just here to hold a clipboard. How do you see this battle?
Nick: Wolf has the higher ceiling, no doubt. He's athletic, he's competitive, and he's been the guy they've groomed. But Cooley is a proven NHL backup who can push for starts. This is a real competition.
Vanessa: We saw Wolf struggle at times last season with consistency. Do you think that opens the door for Cooley to steal the job, or is it Wolf's to lose?
Nick: It's absolutely Wolf's to lose. The organization has invested in him, and he's shown flashes of brilliance. But if he stumbles early, Cooley is a capable option. Goalie battles are always about who gets hot at the right time.
Vanessa: Cooley had a .915 save percentage in limited action last year. That's not nothing. And with the Flames' defense being rebuilt, having a reliable guy back there could be huge.
Nick: Exactly. And Wolf's numbers dipped in the second half. He needs to show he can handle a full starter's workload. I think he will, but Cooley is a safety net.
Vanessa: So what's your prediction? Who starts opening night against the Kraken?
Nick: I'm going with Wolf. He's the future, and they need to give him the reins. But if he struggles, Cooley will get his shot. I'd say Wolf gets the first 20 games, then we reassess.
Vanessa: I agree. And I think Wolf is going to come out flying. He's got that chip on his shoulder after last year. I'm calling it now: Wolf steals the show in camp.
Nick: If he does, the Flames could be dangerous. A hot goalie can carry a team. And with the new-look defense, they might surprise some people.
Vanessa: Alright, moving on to the forward group, because that's where it gets really messy. We've got a ton of centers and not enough spots. Nick, break it down for us.
Nick: This is the most fascinating battle. You've got Mikael Backlund, the veteran, then Morgan Frost, Ryan Strome, Connor Zary, Martin Pospisil, and even Yegor Sharangovich who can play center. That's six guys for maybe four spots.
Vanessa: And don't forget Tyson Gross and Ben Jones, who are fighting for a roster spot too. Are we seeing a trade coming, or does someone move to the wing?
Nick: I think someone's getting traded. You can't carry that many centers, and some of these guys are too good to sit in the press box. My bet is Ryan Strome gets moved, especially with his cap hit.
Vanessa: Strome had a decent year, 18 goals and 35 points. But he's 32 and on an expiring contract. Moving him makes sense if they want to give younger guys a shot.
Nick: And Connor Zary is ready for a bigger role. He's got skill, he's got speed, and he's been developing nicely. I think he's a lock for a top-six spot, probably on the wing.
Vanessa: We predicted Zary for 25 goals this season. You still sticking with that?
Nick: Absolutely. He's going to get the ice time, and he's got the shot. If he stays healthy, 25 is within reach.
Vanessa: What about Morgan Frost? He came over in the trade, he's young, he's got potential. Where does he fit?
Nick: Frost is a wildcard. He could be the second-line center behind Backlund, or he could be the odd man out if they want to go with more physical guys. I think he gets a real shot, but he has to earn it.
Vanessa: So the forward battle is about who wants it more. And on the blue line, it's a different kind of competition.
Nick: The defense is deep now. You've got Nemec, who's a lock on the top pair. Then you've got Jake Middleton, Zach Whitecloud, Kevin Bahl, Jake Bean, Brayden Pachal, and a bunch of young guys like Hunter Brzustewicz and Zayne Parekh.
Vanessa: That's a lot of bodies. Who's on the outside looking in?
Nick: I think Joel Hanley and Michael Benning are fighting for the last spot. Hanley's a veteran, but Benning has more upside. And with the team going younger, I'd give the edge to Benning.
Vanessa: But Benning is 25 and hasn't played a full NHL season yet. Is he ready?
Nick: He's ready. He's got good instincts and he moves the puck well. The Flames need that. Hanley is what he is, a steady seventh defenseman. But I think they want more offense from the back end.
Vanessa: And what about the kids like Parekh and Brzustewicz? Do they have a shot at making the team out of camp?
Nick: I'd say Parekh has a real chance. He's a right-shot, he's got skill, and they need that on the power play. But he might need a year in the AHL. Brzustewicz is a bit further away.
Vanessa: So what's the final look on defense? You've got Nemec, Middleton, Whitecloud, Bahl, Bean, and then one of Benning or Hanley. That's a solid group.
Nick: It's a good mix of veterans and youth. And if someone gets hurt, they've got depth. This is a much better blue line than last year.
Vanessa: Alright, I'm excited about this group. Stick with us, because next we're predicting who's getting cut and who's trending up.
Vanessa: Time for our roster-cut predictions. Nick, you're the numbers guy. Who's on the chopping block?
Nick: Up front, I think Sam Morton and Adam Klapka are the odd men out. They're both hard workers, but there just isn't room. And on defense, Joel Hanley might get waived or traded if Benning wins that spot.
Vanessa: What about the goalies? Are they carrying three or does one go to the AHL?
Nick: I think they only carry two. Cooley would be the backup, and Wolf starts. Devin Cooley has to clear waivers, so they might try to sneak him through, but I doubt it. They'll keep him up.
Vanessa: So who's trending up? Give me a name that's going to surprise people this season.
Nick: I'm going with Matvei Gridin. He's a young winger with a ton of offensive upside. He might not make the team out of camp, but he's going to be knocking on the door real soon.
Vanessa: Gridin has been tearing it up in the minors. I could see him forcing his way into the lineup by midseason. And who's trending down?
Nick: Jonathan Huberdeau. I know he's a big name, but his production has been declining, and with the new additions, he might not get top-line minutes. If he doesn't bounce back, he could be a healthy scratch by December.
Vanessa: Whoa, that's a bold take. Huberdeau is still a talented playmaker. But you might be right, the game is getting faster.
Nick: And that's exactly why I think Zary and Farabee are going to be the driving forces up front. They're young, they're fast, and they're hungry.
Vanessa: Alright, final predictions. We said the Flames would win the opener against the Kraken. Are we sticking with that?
Nick: I am. The Kraken are good, but the Flames have the home ice advantage and a new-look team that's going to be flying early. I'll take the Flames 3-2.
Vanessa: Same here. And I'm sticking with my 92-point prediction. This team has more depth than people think.
Vanessa: That's all for today, Flames Nation. Remember to subscribe, rate, and review Beatline, and share this episode with your fellow Flames fans.
Nick: And follow us on social for more hot takes. We'll be back tomorrow with more coverage as we get closer to opening night.
Vanessa: Go Flames Go!