Calgary Flames | CollegeHockeyPlayers

10Nov

Chris Clark(17) Providence Bruins

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For the first time since the 2000/2001 season, 14-year veteran Chris Clark(17) finds himself playing in the AHL with Providence Bruins on a pto.

He was an NHL training camp tryout invite from Boston Bruins but was ultimately cut just before the start of the season.

Originally selected by Calgary Flames in the 3rd round of the 2007 draft (#77 overall), he’s played 6o7 career NHL games scoring 103 goals and 111 assists.

At 35 years old, it’s doubtful that he’ll find his way back to the show but he could become the new Mike Keane of the AHL, which isn’t such a terrible thing.

11/21: Clark is released from his pto.

27Oct

Devin DiDiomete(24) Chicago Express

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After being released only a couple of games into the 2011/2012 season on a pto with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, 4th year pro winger Devin DiDiomete(24) was given the option of being reassigned to their ECHL affiliate Wheeling Nailers. He took them up on that offer signing a deal to return to the E for the first time since ’09/’10, when he was with Charlotte Checkers as reassigned by Hartford Wolf Pack for 15 games of seasoning.

Last season he had 303 pims in 63 games and even put up 6 goals and 4 assists. Turns out that after his entry level contract expired and three years in the system, New York Rangers were done with him.

Originally drafted by Calgary Flames in 2006, 5th round (#187 overall), he was scooped up by the Rangers to groom.

Follow him on Twitter @deeds2424. He’s quite the comic.

Wheeling waived him a few days ago but on 11/8 he signed with Chicago Express.

18Oct

Brett Sutter(14) Carolina Hurricanes

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In a bit of a surprising move, Carolina Hurricanes recalled their minor league affiliate Charlotte Checkers‘ team captain Brett Sutter(14) to fill-in.

He has yet to record a point in four AHL games but is said to been great in the NHL training camp and in his fifth pro season has emerged as a leader. He also switched his jersey number from 14 to 7 this year.

In 19 NHL games he has just 1 goal and 1 assist. Adding to those totals will go a long way to help him make the jump more permanently.

18Sep

Brian McGrattan(38) Anaheim Ducks

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Mammoth-sized (6’4″ 235 lbs) 10th year vet, Brian McGrattan(38) signed a one-year, two-way deal to stay in the Anaheim Ducks‘ system after he was traded late last season by Boston in what amounted to a 4-player minor league swap.

He had played mostly in the NHL for the prior five seasons but last year failed to catch on with a club in the big league. The Ducks already have a guy named George Parros to do their dirty work, so he’ll likely find most, if not all of his playing time with their AHL affiliate Syracuse Crunch.

06Sep

Paul Byron(12) Calgary Flames / Portland Pirates

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3rd year center Paul Byron(12), Buffalo‘s 6th round pick in 2007 (#179 overall), was traded to Calgary Flames at the NHL draft in late June.

He played in his first 8 NHL games last season registering a goal and an assist. He’s small at only 5’9″ 170 lbs but he moves quick out there and some see him potentially making the Flames starting lineup on opening night 2011.

I think he should get up to a playing weight of 185-190 before he can really be an impact player.

Enjoyed watching him play in Portland for his 1st two pro seasons.

05Sep

Jon Rheault(26) Calgary Flames / Abbotsford Heat

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5th round 2006 Flyers draft pick (#145 overall) Jon Rheault(26) may have found his niche in Calgary Flames organization. Last season was a breakthrough year for the 4th year pro with their AHL affiliate Abbotford Heat (34 points, 12 goals & 22 assists) in 79 games and really being on the cusp of getting a call-up but heard that it was more of a numbers game than anything keeping him from his NHL debut. I expect him to get his first action in the show with Calgary, if not this season than next for the 25-year old.

He played his college hockey at Providence College from 2004-2008.

14Aug

Pierre-Luc Letourneau-Leblond (34)

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The hardest of the hard-nosed players (and the one with the longest name) Pierre-Luc Letourneau-Leblond(34) was traded to Calgary Flames for a 5th round pick in next year’s draft.

He’d gone south in the New Jersey system and it was time for him to find some new, unchartered territory (in Alberta).

He may find himself a good amount of playing time in the Western Conference as a fourth line instigator, if he can keep his temper in check.

Does this look like a guy who would cause problems on the ice?