Can't think of anything to talk about on my own so I figured I'd go the blog filler route today. Here are some of the most recent Flames focused stories making the rounds in Calgary:
Scott Cruickshank talks about Godard's 21 game fightless drought and the changing role of the pugilist in the NHL:
"What happened was a mid-season slump -- I don't know what you want to call it, but it wasn't working," explains Godard, 27. "That was the most frustrating point I've had in many, many years. It was affecting my game. I wanted to fight . . . but it almost took me out of my role. I found myself very frustrated . . . second-guessing opportunities. That's the toughest thing.
"Before that, I'd been playing better, getting into fights. It was more of a rhythm, everything was flowing. I was getting the job done pretty well. Then it got very frustrating."
Randy Sportak spends some time with the Flames very veteran - and very expensive - healthy scratches during an optional practice:
"It's tough. It's not something you like," said Warrener [...]"I don't think I've necessarily played out of the lineup, so you sit back and ponder. But you've got to stay positive and work hard because you know you'll eventually be playing again and want to be ready to go."
"I've been out so many games, I don't think I can try to do anything extra," said Nilson, scratched 23 of the last 27 outings. "I've played quite a few games ,so I know what to do. It takes a few games to get back in the groove. Hopefully I'll get those games."
Instead of pondering his time in the press-box, Rhett should be pondering retirement. Seriously.
The Herald's John Down (whom I've never heard of...new guy?) takes a look at John Negrin, whose performance this year is suggesting a third round steal:
Negrin is a rapidly developing rearguard who continues to take large steps forward. Although not physically punishing, he ushers opposing forwards off the puck with relative ease [...]
"...once John settled down and simplified his game a little bit, he's really taken off." (says coach Mark Holick) "He's got 30-some assists, he chips in with some intelligent play from the point on the power play and he's good defensively."
Finally, Eric Fancis notes that former 2nd round pick and WHL star Jared Aulin has been tearing up the CIS hockey league with the Calgary Dinos this year. And that the Flames have taken notice:
"...He's once again drawing plenty of interest from the NHL, where the former second-round draft pick may just be returning as early as next season.
Not only has player agent Don Meehan recently dropped a line to rekindle acquaintances, but Flames coaches Rich Preston and Wayne Fleming attended the Dinos game Friday, where Aulin worked more magic.
Forced to miss the team's first 10 games while sitting out a full calendar year from his last professional game, Aulin has helped turn around a team that started 1-5-4.
The Dinos are 14-2 in Aulin's 16 games thanks to his 14 goals and 20 assists, which has him second only to linemate Ryan Annesley in Canada West play.
Aulin was chosen 47th overall in the 2000 entry draft by the Colorado Avalanche (right after Jarrett Stoll at number 46 by the Calgary Flames), although he was frequently mentioned amongst the best prospects at the time (including Heatley, Gaborik and Hartnell). Here's a brief scouting review by Redline Reports Kyle Woodlief from 2000:
C Jared Aulin (Canada): Skill! He's as talented as they come, good skater, excellent puck skills and probably has the best playmaking ability and hockey sense in the draft. His size is only a short-term problem if he bulks up his frame in the weight room next summer. Still looks like a top five selection from here, though.
Aulin scored 37 goals and 108 points in this 3rd full season with the WHL Kamloops Blazers. His final year was shortened by injury, but he still managed 33 goals and 67 points in just 46 games (and a +30 rating). He was moved to the LA Kings in a trade and played on their AHL squad the following year, scoring 12 goals and 44 points in 44 games in his first pro season. He also played 12 games in the bigs that year (02/03), managing just 4 points. After that, Aulin bounced around the AHL, battling confidence and injury issues. He was traded again in 04, this time by the Kings to the Washington Capitals for Anson Carter. He played one season for the Hershey Bears and then 13 games for the Springfield Falcons the next season before bowing out of the minor league grind altogether.
As mentioned in the Francis article, Aulin thought we was finished with hockey for good after he was nearly decaptiated by an angry opponent in a beer league game six months ago. His resurrection in the CIS may be his unlikely path to the NHL or, more probably, it could just be a feel good story for a previously promising, but ultimately failed, former prospect.
From a Flames perspective, he's probably worth the minimal risk, assuming a 2-way, ultra-cheap contract. He's still just 25 years old after all. Hell, I'm willing to bet he's better than Kris "First Round Bust" Chucko at the very least and could likely add some offense to the sputtering QC Flames. At best, you have a Daniel Cleary type reclamation project on your hands. At worst, you make your farm team slightly more competitive in the short term. If Meehan does manage to broker a try-out and contract for Ailin, it'll be interesting to see if this develops any further, whether it occurs in Calgary or elsewhere.
