- Calgary has made a pair of moves, announcing (Twitter link) that center Byron Froese has been sent from the taxi squad to AHL Stockton while center Adam Ruzicka has been recalled to the active roster from the taxi squad. Froese hasn’t played anywhere in more than a month while Ruzicka has a goal in five assists with the Flames this season.
Flames Rumors
Calgary Flames’ Arena Construction Deal Terminated
The Coronavirus pandemic has claimed another victim. The long-awaited construction of a new arena for the Calgary Flames will no longer begin this year. Instead, the deal is dead. CBC reports that the agreement between the city of Calgary and owners of the Flames on a new arena has officially been terminated. A project that began gaining steam back in 2017, was finalized in 2019, was set to begin construction in 2022, and set to open in 2024 is now completely erased and the Flames are back to square one.
The $600MM project has hit some funding roadblocks along the way as both the city and ownership group have suffered losses during the pandemic. This past summer, with inevitable construction delays on the way, the initial agreement was amended, groundbreaking was pushed to 2022, and the Flames took on an additional $12.5MM in costs. Yet, it seemed like the plan was still on track. However, Calgary mayor Jyodi Gondek stated last month that the team had informed the city that they could not proceed with the agreement as currently constituted. Today, the city announced that the termination of the agreement had been made official due to “unresolved issues”.
Meanwhile, it is estimated that the two sides already contributed $20-25MM into the project, which is now all for not. The city is set to discuss the situation further in the near future, while there has been no word from the Flames side. Today’s announcement did imply that there was no possibility of reformation of any part of the deal, but with financial commitments already made and a concrete plan hammered out, hopefully some semblance of an alternative path forward can be reached.
Otherwise, where the Flames go from here will become a pressing issue in Calgary. The team will continue to play at the Saddledome in the interim, but the old arena is severely outdated and in need of renovations – or replacement, as the team had hoped. Back in 2017, Flames CEO Ken King even publicly threatened relocation of the franchise if the city of Calgary would not help to fund the arena. It then took several years of often heated negotiations for the two sides to reach an agreement. If they have to start from scratch now, the future of the team in Calgary could be cast back into doubt.
NHL Postpones Nine More Games
As a result of attendance restrictions in Western Canada, the NHL has postponed eight more games. The games affected are as follows:
Monday, Jan. 3
Minnesota @ Ottawa
Wednesday, Jan. 5
New York Islanders @ Vancouver
Saturday, Jan. 8
New York Islanders @ Edmonton
Tuesday, Jan. 11
New York Islanders @ Calgary
Wednesday, Jan. 12
Minnesota @ Edmonton
Friday, Jan. 14
Vegas @ Edmonton
Saturday, Jan. 15
Vegas @ Calgary
Sunday, Jan. 16
Edmonton @ Winnipeg
In addition to those contests, the Islanders’ road game in Seattle on January 4th has also been postponed due to the other games on their West Coast road trip being postponed.
No make-up dates for any of the games were announced but in the release from the league, it was noted that the games “will be rescheduled for dates later in the season when such restrictions may be eased or lifted”. These postponements bring the running total to 90 games that the league will need to reschedule in the coming weeks and months.
Dustin Wolf Recalled On Emergency Basis
The Calgary Flames will have a backup goaltender tonight with just 19 games of AHL experience. One that was selected 214th overall in 2019. One that is just 20 years old. They’ll also have a backup goaltender who has lost just six games since the end of the 2019-20 season.
Dustin Wolf has been recalled by the Flames under emergency conditions as Dan Vladar has been designated non-roster for tonight’s game against the Seattle Kraken. Brett Ritchie will also be unavailable as he was placed in the COVID protocol and did not travel with the team. Byron Froese has been assigned to the taxi squad.
Wolf, 20, was deemed too small in his draft year, so fell all the way to the seventh round, nearly going undrafted altogether despite leading the WHL in both save percentage (.936) and goals-against average (1.69). He went 41-15-2 for the Everett Silvertips that season and came back in 2019-20 to once again league the league in both categories, taking home CHL Goaltender of the Year honors. His 2020-21 season with the Silvertips was much of the same, as Wolf posted a .940 and 1.80 GAA while going 18-3.
He’s too small for professional hockey, some said, but Wolf has continued that outstanding play this season in the AHL. With a 14-0-2 record, .940 save percentage, and 1.84 GAA for the Stockton Heat, he’s done nothing but stop the puck at the pro level. While there’s still a long way to go before he puts up numbers like that in the NHL (or even receives playing time), it’s hard to bet against–and easy to root for–the young netminder.
All Of Calgary's Players Clear COVID Protocol; Tyler Pitlick Injured
- It was almost a full group of players for the Flames at practice today as all of their players that were in COVID protocol have returned. However, Sportsnet’s Eric Francis notes that winger Tyler Pitlick cleared protocol but is dealing with an undisclosed injury that kept him off the ice today. The 30-year-old has two assists in 21 games in his first season with Calgary after being acquired from Seattle following their expansion draft.
2022 WJC Participants By NHL Team
The 2022 World Junior Championships will get underway from Edmonton and Red Deer, Alberta on Sunday. As is the norm and to be expected from the top U-20 competition in the world, the World Junior tournament field is loaded with drafted NHL talent. While most nations don’t have the prospect depth to form a roster completely composed of NHL prospects and those that do have opted to include some younger, future draft picks, there are still a whopping 106 drafted players on WJC rosters. Nine of ten WJC have at least one current NHL prospect and six of those nine have at least ten draft picks. Those players come from 30 of the NHL’s 32 teams, with the Carolina Hurricanes leading the way with ten prospects. While enjoying the WJC action in the coming days, keep track of who may one day be playing at the highest level:
Anaheim Ducks (4):
F Mason McTavish, Canada
D Ian Moore, USA
F Sasha Pastujov, USA
D Olen Zellweger, Canada
Arizona Coyotes (1):
F Dylan Guenther, Canada
Boston Bruins (1):
F Fabian Lysell, Sweden
Buffalo Sabres (4):
F Jakub Konecny, Czechia
D Nikita Novikov, Russia
D Owen Power, Canada
F Isak Rosen, Sweden
Calgary Flames (1):
F Matt Coronato, USA
Carolina Hurricanes (10):
F Nikita Guslistov, Russia
D Aleski Heimosalmi, Finland
D Ville Koivunen, Finland
D Scott Morrow, USA
F Zion Nybeck, Sweden
D Joel Nystrom, Sweden
F Alexander Pashin, Russia
F Vasily Ponomarev, Russia
G Nikita Quapp, Germany
D Ronan Seeley, Canada
Chicago Blackhawks (4):
G Drew Commesso, USA
D Wyatt Kaiser, USA
D Michael Krutil, Czechia
F Landon Slaggert, USA
Colorado Avalanche (1):
F Oskar Olausson, Sweden
Columbus Blue Jackets (4):
F Kent Johnson, Canada
D Samuel Knazko, Slovakia
F Martin Rysavy, Czechia
D Stanislav Svozil, Czechia
Dallas Stars (4):
F Mavrik Bourque, Canada
F Daniel Ljungman, Sweden
F Logan Stankoven, Canada
F Albert Sjoberg, Sweden
Detroit Red Wings (8):
G Jan Bednar, Czechia
G Sebastian Cossa, Canada
D Simon Edvinsson, Sweden
F Carter Mazur, USA
F Theodor Niederbach, Sweden
F Redmond Savage, USA
D Donovan Sebrango, Canada
D Eemil Viro, Finland
Edmonton Oilers (2):
F Xavier Borgault, Canada
D Luca Munzenberger, Germany
Florida Panthers (5):
F Elliot Ekmark, Sweden
D Kasper Puutio, Finland
F Mackie Samoskevich, USA
F Ty Smilanic, USA
F Justin Sourdif, Canada
Los Angeles Kings (6):
F Martin Chromiak, Slovakia
D Brock Faber, USA
D Helge Grans, Sweden
F Samuel Helenius, Finland
D Kirill Kirsanov, Russia
F Kasper Simontaival, Finland
Minnesota Wild (6):
F Marat Khusnutdinov, Russia
D Carson Lambos, Canada
F Pavel Novak, Czechia
D Ryan O’Rourke, Canada
D Jack Peart, USA
G Jesper Wallstedt, Sweden
Montreal Canadiens (3):
D Kaiden Guhle, Canada
F Oliver Kapanen, Finland
F Jan Mysak, Czechia
Nashville Predators (4):
G Yaroslav Askarov, Russia
F Simon Knak, Switzerland*
D Anton Olsson, Sweden
F Fedor Svechkov, Russia
New Jersey Devils (4):
F Alexander Holtz, Sweden
D Luke Hughes, USA
G Jakub Malek, Czechia
D Shakir Mukhamadullin, Russia
New York Islanders (0)
New York Rangers (4):
F Brett Berard, USA
F William Cuylle, Canada
G Dylan Garand, Canada
F Kalle Vaisanen, Finland
Ottawa Senators (5):
F Ridly Greig, Canada
F Roby Jarventie, Finland
D Tyler Kleven, USA
G Leevi Merilainen, Finland
D Jake Sanderson, USA
Philadelphia Flyers (3):
D Emil Andrae, Sweden
F Elliot Desnoyers, Canada
D Brian Zanetti, Switzerland*
Pittsburgh Penguins (3):
G Joel Blomqvist, Finland
G Calle Clang, Sweden
F Kirill Tankov, Russia
St. Louis Blues (3):
F Tanner Dickinson, USA
D Leo Loof, Sweden
F Jake Neighbors, Canada
San Jose Sharks (1):
F William Eklund, Sweden
Seattle Kraken (2):
F Matthew Beniers, USA
D Ville Ottavainen, Finland
Tampa Bay Lightning (0)
Toronto Maple Leafs (3):
F Roni Hirvonen, Finland
F Matthew Knies, USA
D Topi Niemala, Finland
Vancouver Canucks (1):
F Dmitry Zlodeyev, Russia
Vegas Golden Knights (4):
F Jakub Brabenec, Czechia
D Lukas Cormier, Canada
F Jakub Demek, Slovakia
G Jesper Vikman, Sweden
Washington Capitals (1):
F Oskar Magnusson, Sweden
Winnipeg Jets (4):
F Nikita Chibrikov, Russia
F Chaz Lucius, USA
F Cole Perfetti, Canada
F Daniel Torgersson, Sweden
*Switzerland roster pending finalization on Sunday; team has been in COVID-19 quarantine since Thursday but will be ready to begin tournament and participate as schedule, the Swiss announced.
Dan Vladar Added To COVID Protocol
After three consecutive days with no additional positive cases, the Calgary Flames reopened their training facility yesterday. Unfortunately, Dan Vladar, one of the handful of players that had not yet entered the protocol for the Flames, was placed there today.
That leaves just Matthew Tkachuk, Blake Coleman, and Michael Stone as the only active, healthy players for the Flames not in the COVID protocol. The team hasn’t played a game since December 11 and is not scheduled to take the ice again until December 27 against the Edmonton Oilers.
Whether that game will actually happen remains to be seen, as cases rise across the league, but the Flames would potentially have some players back in time. Not Vladar, though, if he’s put through the same 10-day quarantine period as others.
COVID Notes: Sundqvist, Flames, Protocol, World Juniors
The Blues have placed center Oskar Sundqvist in COVID protocol, per a team release. It has been a tough year for the 27-year-old who missed 14 games at the beginning of the season due to a knee injury and Sundqvist has struggled to produce when he is in the lineup, collecting just a goal and three assists in 16 games. St. Louis had been carrying an extra forward on their active roster so they won’t necessarily have to bring anyone up from AHL Springfield to cover for Sundqvist’s absence which will last for at least the next ten days.
Other COVID news from around the hockey world:
- The Flames announced (Twitter link) that they did not have any positive tests among their players or staff yesterday. That’s certainly notable considering that they have 19 players and 13 staff in COVID protocol at the moment and this is the first day since Sunday that they didn’t have a single positive test among their group. Calgary has had their games postponed through the holiday break although it wouldn’t be surprising if another game or two get postponed after it to allow some of their players to have a chance at being ready to return after serving their quarantine period.
- The NHL and NHLPA jointly announced a return of the enhanced COVID protocols through at least January 7th. Among the highlights are daily testing, a reduction of in-person meetings, and dining restrictions. The full document can be found here.
- As a result of the recent increase in positive tests, Hockey Canada announced that the first four days of World Junior pre-tournament games have been cancelled. Originally, each country was supposed to play in at least two exhibition contests but that won’t happen now. There remains a possibility for pre-tournament contests to be held on December 23rd and 24th.
Calgary Flames Add 20 To COVID Protocol
Dec 17: The cases continue for Calgary, who have added Mikael Backlund and another member of the support staff to the protocol. The team has now reached 31 cases, including 19 players.
Dec 16: The Flames have announced three more additions to the protocol. Dillon Dube, Oliver Kylington, and another member of the support staff are now ruled out.
Dec 15: The Calgary Flames have announced that 17 more people have been entered into the COVID protocol. Seven players, three coaches, and seven support staff. Rasmus Andersson, Byron Froese, Johnny Gaudreau, Erik Gudbranson, Trevor Lewis, Jacob Markstrom, and Tyler Pitlick have joined the other players, while Ryan Huska, Kirk Muller, and head coach Darryl Sutter are also now in the protocol.
Just seven active players are not in the protocol for the Flames. Games had been originally postponed through tomorrow, but there is no way the Flames can ice a roster for Saturday unless a huge number of these are false positives that are confirmed negative in the coming days. That certainly doesn’t look like the case given how many other positives there have been, meaning the Flames will be dormant for a while longer.
Notably, the Flames were already on a four-game losing streak when they were originally shut down, meaning this could be a critical time for the organization’s Stanley Cup hopes. Depending on how long the league keeps them dark, they may have to return to the ice extremely shorthanded and at the very minimum will be rusty from spending a minimum of ten days in quarantine. The hope is obviously that none of the players, coaches, or staff experience any serious symptoms and can get back on the ice as soon as possible.
Eric Francis of Sportsnet passes on some good news. Assistant general manager Chris Snow, who was diagnosed with ALS in 2019, is not one of the staff members that has tested positive.
Calgary Flames Games Postponed Through December 18
Dec 15: Given that there are more than two dozen members of the organization now in the protocol, the Flames’ game on Saturday against the Columbus Blue Jackets has also been postponed. The team’s practice facilities are also going to be closed until further notice.
Dec 13: The NHL has shut down a third team this season, postponing all Calgary Flames games through Thursday, December 16. The decision comes after six players and one staff member entered the COVID protocol during a 24-hour period. The league notes “concern with continued spread” and the likelihood of further positive test results led to the postponement. Elias Lindholm, Andrew Mangiapane, Brad Richardson, Adam Ruzicka, Chris Tanev, Nikita Zadorov and a member of the team’s training staff are those in the protocol.
Calgary’s training facilities have been closed for the time being. The team was set to take on the Chicago Blackhawks this evening, the Nashville Predators tomorrow night, and the Toronto Maple Leafs on Thursday, three games that will have to be rescheduled for later this season.
The Flames follow the New York Islanders and Ottawa Senators who have also seen COVID-related postponements, though they weren’t the only ones with serious outbreaks. The San Jose Sharks at one point had seven players in the protocol and were forced to continue their season, while the St. Louis Blues have played shorthanded several times because of COVID absences that they didn’t have cap space to replace.
The cap very well could be part of the decision-making in this case as well. Calgary is currently pushed right up to the salary cap ceiling, with less than $1MM in room for recalls. They could perhaps fill one of those six absences with a call-up, but not six, meaning the Flames would be seriously shorthanded had the league not stepped in. While this certainly may not be of comfort to teams like the Sharks, Islanders, and Senators, who were all forced to play with several minor league replacements for a while, it also could be something the league wants to avoid moving forward.
One of the biggest questions now is that of Olympic participation. NHL commissioner Gary Bettman put the decision squarely on the NHLPA’s shoulders when he spoke last week, but still maintained the option to pull the plug himself if the season experiences a “material disruption” of its schedule. The Flames by themselves likely don’t represent that, but the more games that have to be rescheduled due to COVID outbreaks, the more difficult an Olympic break becomes.