Mike Cammalleri

Well I wish my computer had not died so this post could of came closer to after the Flames made their draft day deals but what can you do, here is my take on both of the deals the Flames made Friday at the NHL draft.

1. Flames acquire C/W Mike Cammalleri from LA in a three-way deal including the Anaheim Ducks.
2. Flames trade LW Alex Tanguay to Montreal for the 25th overall pick.

I love these deals, not to say I don't like Alex Tanguay but I just like Cammalleri a little bit more. I called for the exact move to be made back in a January post, except it had Tanguay going to LA for Cammalleri.

I hate to see a talented player like Tanguay go especially with the Flames in such need of top 6 forward talent but he didn't play up to his contract value last year and didn't want to be here anymore. I know he wasnt playing in the right role for most of the season but even when he was given the chance to play with Iggy and Langkow he simply didnt perform well enough and I know I wasn't the only one calling "SHOOT!!!!" whenever Tanguay had the puck. He was a good player to set of Iggy but players come and players go especially in the new cap world unless they are part of the teams core and Tanguay definitely wasn't part of it for the Flames. I think Tanguay will have success in Montreal but the pressure is going to be just as much, probably even more for him to produce so Tanguay better get used to it.

Now Cammalleri. I have liked this guy for a long time and have selected him in many of my hockey pools. He had a injury filled season last year which was too bad because he got off to a fantastic start. He has speed to burn and a ton of scoring ability. He can play center or wing which is always a plus. He isn't that big but like we have seen in the new NHL it doesn't matter how big you are anymore. He sounds excited to be in Calgary and has played with Conroy, Lombo, Phaneuf and a few others before. I like him alongside Lombo, tons of speed and I think he is the right kind of player, similer to Lombo with more talent that could really help Lombo break into a top 6 forward. To make up for size/toughness you would just have to add someone via free agency.

I like this move alot like I mentioned and I think the Flames are a better team because of it. Cammalleri will put up equivalent numbers if not better than Tanguay but for a cheaper price. The cap hit is a huge part of this deal and I give kudos to Sutter for making it happen.

Here is a potential look at our depth chart:
(players in bold are UFA's I think the Flames should bring back)

1- (UFA SIGNING)-LANGKOW-IGGY
2- CAMMALLERI-LOMBARDI-(UFA SIGNING)
3- BOYD-CONROY-MOSS
4- NYSTROM-YELLE-(UFA SIGNING)
E- GODARD, NILSON, PRIMEAU

1- PHANEUF-VANDERMEER
2- REGEHR-SARICH
3- AUCOIN-GIORDANO
E- ERIKSSON, WARRENER

1- KIPPER
2- (UFA SIGNING)
3- KEETLEY