It’s finally here, gang! After being off for four damn months, the Calgary Flames are back on the ice for reals on Monday for Phase 3 of the Return to Play. They have 35 players in camp, so we’ve gone to the trouble to handicapping everybody’s chances of making the trip north for Phase 4 and the onset of the post-season.
Note: When we refer to years pro, we’re referring to years being a full-time pro. Sorry European players, but your year split between junior and the SHL doesn’t count here.
ANDERSSON, Rasmus [RD]
#4; 23-years-old; from Malmo, Sweden
Calgary’s 2015 second round pick; fourth year pro, 5 NHL playoff games (Flames)
A lock to play in Phase 4; likely second defensive pairing
BACKLUND, Mikael [C]
#11; 31-years-old; from Vasteras, Sweden; alternate captain
Calgary’s 2007 first round pick; 11th year pro, 20 NHL playoff games (Flames)
A lock to play in Phase 4; likely second line centre
BENNETT, Sam [LW]
#93; 24-years-old; from Holland Landing, Ontario
Calgary’s 2014 first round pick; fifth year pro; 20 NHL playoff games (Flames)
A lock to play in Phase 4; likely fourth line winger
Pending restricted free agent
BRODIE, TJ [RD]
#7; 30-years-old; from Chatham, Ontario
Calgary’s 2008 fourth round pick; 10th year pro; 20 NHL playoff games (Flames)
A lock to play in Phase 4; likely first defensive pairing
Pending unrestricted free agent
CZARNIK, Austin [RW]
#27; 27-years-old; from Detroit, Michigan
Signed as a free agent; fifth year pro; 1 NHL playoff game (Flames)
Potential depth forward for Phase 4; status as a right shot forward and his speed are big assets
Pending unrestricted free agent
DUBE, Dillon [LW]
#29; 21-years-old (turns 22 on July 20); from Golden, B.