Due to a variety of reasons, the Flames head into their final game before the all-star break with a juggled lineup compared to the start of this losing skid
The depth chart Calgary Flames coach Ryan Huska uses in his office has every player’s name on individual magnets.
Good thing it’s not an old-school whiteboard, or Huska would be getting carpel tunnel syndrome erasing names to move the players around, with it a very real possibility he will be adding Emilio Pettersen to the mix at forward.
For those Flames fans who were clamouring to see as many prospects in the system as possible, they have certainly received their wish and more … especially of late.
Because of the flurry of injuries, Dillon Dube’s departure from the team and players lost to the waiver wire, the Flames have been remaking a big chunk of their lineup.
In Calgary’s 4-3 loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs on Jan. 18, just over one week ago, the fourth line consisted of A.J. Greer, Adam Ruzicka and Dube. Unless Greer has a bionic ankle or makes a miraculous recovery from the injury he suffered in Thursday’s defeat at the hands of the Columbus Blue Jackets, none of those players will be suiting up when the Flames play host to the Chicago Blackhawks on Saturday with the hopes of snapping their season-destroying four-game losing skid.
If that’s not enough, that Toronto game also included the now injured Martin Pospisil at forward, defenseman Nick DeSimone (lost on waivers to the New Jersey Devils) and serving as back-up goalie, Dustin Wolf, who has since been returned to the AHL Wranglers.
With Matt Coronato skating in Pospisil’s place with Nazem Kadri in the middle and Connor Zary on the left flank, the likely fourth line against the Blackhawks will consist of Cole Schwindt, Adam Klapka and Walker Duehr.
Pettersen, the 23-year-old, 2018 sixth-round pick from Norway who has netted seven goals and 26 points in 37 games this season with the Wranglers could also be a consideration. He is a left wing — same as Greer — although with a game based on playmaking and skill as opposed to Greer’s size and physical nature.
There is the possibility of Calgary recalling Ben Jones (who can play centre) or an older player such as Dryden Hunt or Clark Bishop.
Unfortunately amidst all these moves is the Flames have not had the option to include forward Jakob Pelletier and defenceman Jeremie Poirier.
Pelletier, who required shoulder surgery being on the receiving end of a hit from behind in the pre-season, is slated to return to action tonight and/or tomorrow with the Wranglers. Meanwhile, Poirier has been out of action since October due to a laceration of his arm by a skate.
All that and we are not even through January. Just imagine what the roster will look like after the March 8 trade deadline.