The Calgary Flames Deadline Review

Calgary - NorthWest Division - 3rd - 80pts
Total Salary = $54,049,167
Cap Space = $2,650,833

The Plot:
The offense starved Flames have been on top of the Western Conference since day one despite not being able to score. The Flames rely on strong defensive play and goaltending to win games. Franchise player Jarome Iginla carrys much of the offensive load on his shoulders as per usual and Mike Cammalleri contributes the rest while leading the team in goals with 32. Todd Bertuzzi is still a force in front of the net and center Daymond Langkow contributes while playing a solid two-way game. Rene Bourque has finally found a home and also found his scoring touch teams saw in his junior career. Craig Conroy adds offensive depth at center to round out the top two lines. In the back half the Flames have found sucess with Mathew Lombardi, David Moss and Calgary native Curtis Glencross. There 4th line however isn't what it should be but still provides the toughness you need to survive the West with Andre Roy enforcing. The rest of the line depends on the night with Dustin Boyd, Brandon Prust, Wayne Primeau, and Eric Nystrom all seeing time. Not exactly the shut down line of a champion.

On the backend the Flames would like to see more of a powerplay presence and a little more defensive work. However it still is a good group anchored by Dion Phaneuf who plays all situations and has any forward coming in their zone keeping their heads up. Robyn Regehr provides a defensive presence but hasn't been what the Flames expected this season. Adrian Aucoin has turned his career around and shown there is life after his Chicago career. Cory Sarich has been a nice presence on the blueline and helps guide the youth on the team. Mark Gordiano and Adam Pardy round out the defensive squad while James Vandermeer steps in when asked to fill in as the 7th D or add toughness.

As for the Flames goaltending it can be summed up by one man, Miikka Kiprusoff. He has been the reason why the Flames have stayed competitive since that awful trade for San Jose. He can steal a game in any given night but at the same time if he doesn't show nether does his teamates. The Kipper has played in 57 games so far and it doesn't look like he's going to get a break with Curtis McElhinney being incompetitent at the NHL level with no wins in 6 starts. Clearly the Flames need to find Kiprusoff some help.

Major Injuries:
D Rhett Warrener - Most likely out till end of season with a shoulder injury.
C Wayne Primeau - Out till playoffs with a broken bone in his foot.
D Mark Giordano - 2 to 3 weeks with an undisclosed upper body injury.
LW Rene Bourque - Out for a month with a high ankle sprain.

Key Prospects:
1. C Mikael Backlund - Kelowna Rockets WHL
2. D Keith Aulie - Brandon Wheat Kings WHL
3. RW Greg Nemisz - Windsor Spitfires OHL
4. C Mitch Wahl - Spokane Chiefs WHL
5. G Leland Irving - Quad City Flames AHL
6. G Matt Keetley - Las Vegas Wranglers

Players On The Block:
D Robyn Regehr - Regehr's time in Calgary may be coming to an end if they can find another solution on defense. Although he is not regarded as an offensive defenseman the Flames brass would like to see him step up a bit more. His cost at 4$MIL per season also holds the Flames back this summer when they expect to upgrade their offense. A defensely challenged team may bite and over pay this deadline if the Flames decide to shop him.

C Mathew Lombardi - The Flames have given Mathew Lombardi enough time to show what he can do and it appears Lombardi is destined to play on the third line. It may be time to time to let go and try and catch another team sleeping. If the Flames need a throw in to a deal expect Lombardi to be the guy.

Team Wants/Needs:
The Flames main want is another body who can help put the puck in the back of the net. The Flames would like someone who can bring some life to the 2nd line especially now that Rene Bourque is going to be out for quite a bit of time. The other want or should I say need is a backup goalie that can shoulder the load incase Miikka Kiprusoff goes down and someone who can also give him a much needed rest.

Possible Targets:
G Curtis Joseph - Joseph is not the ideal target for the Flames but hes a familiar one. He played for the Flames this time last season and did alright. He's by far not a number one anymore and his days are counting down but he can still provide a save or two at a discount price. The Leafs would likely trade him for next to nothing and hes a UFA this summer so no hangovers.

C Nik Antropov - The Leafs wont part with Antropov for less than a 1st round and they'll be a lot of bidders so this is highly unlikely but Antropov could be the guy to put the Iginla, Cammalleri line over the top and push Langkow on to the 2nd line to give some help. He'll be hard to acquire as his stock keeps rising.

G Scott Clemmensen - Clemmensen carried the Devil's the entire time Brodeur was out and this is exactly the kind of guy that the Flames want behind Kipper incase an injury goes down. The Devil's already have Weekes and Brodeur it's highly unlike they'll keep the three of them and I highly doubt Brodeur is not going anywhere and Weekes wont ether with his play and pay.

LW - Gary Roberts - Roberts would give an there 4th line an instant punch and experience upgrade. It might not be the role Roberts would expect but he'd definately fill it perfectly. I'm sure if given the ice time on a second line he'd be able to contribute in a playoff run. Remember Roberts once called Cowtown home and won a cup there.

D Derek Morris - The Flames once drafted Morris and would definately welcome him back as they are rumored to be putting a package together for the Coyotes. Morris as a tough presence but also can quarterback a powerplay and give Phaneuf some needed help. Whether or not Morris would like to return to Calgary that's another story.

G Antero Niittymaki - If the Flyers are going to need to clear some cap space to bring in Kari Lehtonen it looks like Niittymaki will be the guy moved out of Philly. He's proved he can be a number one but needs a change of scenery as Philly is clearly unhappy with their goaltending team. Biron's got a no trade so Niittymaki is the odd man out. Calgary would love to have a guy like Niitymaki as Kipper's backup.

C Olli Jokinen - The Coyote's might be willing to part with Jokinen after a disapointing season and now that the Coyote's are having financial problems it only makes sense to cut their losses. Jokinen could easily add instant offence by himself for the Calgary Flames 2nd line. It might cost a high pick and prospect though.

The Final Word:
The Calgary Flames are a good team but need some offensive help. Expect them to definately look at a backup goalie for sure while trying to land an extra forward with a scoring touch. The Flames know that if Kiprusoff goes down then there season might as well be over. Don't expect them to make a major move but add a few small missing peices for insurance purposes.