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Well, I have not posted an article/blog on this site for a while, and am returning. I figured why not return by answering a short question/answer forum.

I asked people via twitter to send in some questions, and I will answer here.

@ChrisBowenYYC asks: "What do you think the make up of the blue line will be come opening night"
- Well its tough to tell right now. Jay Bo, as many know is being shopped, and has drawn interest from many teams. Interest fact, however, is that Jay Bo will likely not be traded to a western-conference team, and he want's to go east.

- That being said, provided no one is traded:

Jay Bo / Wideman
Giordano / Butler
Brodie / Sarich (or Babchuck)

Brodie will get regular NHL time all year.

@CCasement asks: "If job is dealt, what would we be looking for/to get"

- Well, for Jay Bo, Feaster wants' a top 6 forward. Although many Flames' fans think he isn't worth that - he is. He is a great defensive D, with bar-none skating and a long reach. His offensive game can be lethal as well. A top 6 forward is not out of the question.

@JesFlames asks: "Everyone likes to criticize him, but how much better would jaybo be playing on his natural side like he was in florida"

- Several times this season, he rotated sides. Has nothing to do with it. It's system. Sutter implemented a defensive system, that did not utilize his skating ability. Bob Hartley has an up-temp system that goes perfectly with Jay bo's style. If he remains a Flame, look for him to have a great season.

@JustinBeatty777 asks: "Will Sven Baertschi make the team next year?"

- I think he'll definitely get his 9 games in the NHL to start. I also think he'll be given every opportunity to make the big club, and yes I can see him staying the entire year in a third line role, with PP time.

@Nstock_95 asks: "What do you think about the Flames' prospects? And how well do you think they will do next season?"

- Flames' have a weak prospect pool according to many. However, although I do not think it is a strong pool, I do not think that it is weak at all. The Flames' have many under-the-radar prospects' such as Gaudreau and Ferland, that are mph well-known. Laurent Brossoit made a big leap last year, and jumped up the Flames' depth chart. Markus Granlund has shown flashes of brilliance, and several prospects' have impressed.

I think that the majority of the Flames' prospects will have good years, with Leland Irving needing a big season. He needs to show that he can be stable AHL starting goaltender, and jump to the NHL level. Mitch Wahl also needs a big season, as his development has stagnated. This can easily be the make or break season for his career.

Thanks folks.

Remember to follow me on twitter @RyanHolmerNHL
Filed Under:   flames   prospects   prospects   baertschi  
July 5, 2012 12:00 AM ET | Delete
Your idiot
July 5, 2012 12:13 AM ET | Delete
Oh yes..Coming from the intelligent poster, that writes a sentence which makes no sense.
July 5, 2012 1:17 AM ET | Delete
Oh good one Barbie, you really got him there.
July 5, 2012 1:29 AM ET | Delete
Well based on Carle
July 5, 2012 1:30 AM ET | Delete
Wideman
July 5, 2012 4:25 AM ET | Delete
I really don't think Jay Bo is interested in going to the East! he asked for a trade so he could come to Alberta, to be close to home! But i do think that Flames will get a good trade for him, as a value for D is pretty high rite now! As an Oilers fan, i wouldn't give a top 6 forward in particular, but Shawn Horcoff, Tyler Pitlick and Colten Teubert is something i would offer.. Shawn horcoff means u take cap back, plus Pitlick and Teubert are great prospects
July 5, 2012 8:47 AM ET | Delete
I think a rebuild year and an iginla/kipper deal could really jump start the flames for next year. While they may have the under the radar type prospects, there's no one coming down the pipeline to replace iginla or kipper, they need a couple bonafide blue chip prospects to build around jmo. Not sure if jbo gets a top six guy mabe a couple decent prospects an a pick.
July 5, 2012 1:26 PM ET | Delete
REbuild Rebuild Rebuild! Oh, you're all so smart. Stop talking about following the Oilers lead!!!! How's the "rebuild" going up there? Oh, Edmonton is sooooo smart for finishing dead last five years in a row. THEY HAVE DONE ABSOLUTELY NOTHING! The Flames will never rebuild, and never trade iggy/Kipper. Stop trying to sound smart and deal with the facts.
July 5, 2012 2:05 PM ET | Delete
v_machine - how can anyone take you seriously when you don't even know the "facts". The Oilers have finished last twice in the last 3 years. Not 5 years in a row. And speaking of a team who has done absolutely nothing, how many playoff series has Calgary won since the lockout? BOTH ALBERTA TEAMS HAVE DONE NOTHING.
July 5, 2012 3:58 PM ET | Delete
V_machine, there are moves to be made that don't necessarily signify a re-build. Look at how Philly re-created their team in one off-season, yet still remained competitive. The key is to move pieces while they still bring good value in the trade market. That's what I'm looking for, key pieces that can contribute both now and in the future.
July 5, 2012 4:26 PM ET | Delete
I just never understood re-build unless you are a last place team. The Flames have not made the playoffs, true. They've been competitive though. oilerfanatic, being last twice in a row and 2nd last in conjunction is horrible. There is no reason for calgary to re-build, we have GOOD prospects like beartschi, we have a d core for 3-4 years that is really good and more forward with 20 g's than most teams... I think you need to look at the oil more.
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