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**Update - The Flames have reassigned Leland Irvingto the Abbotsford Heat, and called up Danny Taylor. They say it is nothing more than an assessment of their goalies.
Just as we discussed as few days ago, NHL GMs are starting to break down their team`s needs and wants. The Calgary Flames have recently given up another two points against the St Louis Blues, falling to 4-5-3 for the year. The Flames have struggled to climb up the standings leader board so far this year, and although it`s still early, they will need to start making improvements.
Earlier today, the Calgary Flames have waived centerman Blair Jones. The 26 year old was struggling to prove himself to the Flames, despite only playing 21 NHL games in Calgary. There are two areas in which the Flames are weak; centermen and an abundance of youth. While being in the midrange league wide with respect to average roster age, the Flames have only recently been acquiring talented youth. Their system, though, still lacks somewhat in the depth department.
Waiving Jones is a little odd for me as I did see some level of talent that could be helpful to the Flames in upcoming years and if not, AHL depth. The main argument with respect to this move has been that the Flames are currently in a position where they need to start making moves, and they currently have too many NHL contracts on the books. If Feaster is in a position to make a move(or two) this may have been his only choice.
The coaching staff and team all took time to speak with Blair yesterday, so it appears he may have either asked for another opportunity, or was aware of the plans of upper management. Either way, the Flames were not really in a position to waive a younger centerman who hasn’t had a whole lot of opportunity to prove himself, unless they have something bigger coming along. More will follow...I`m sure.
With respect to last night`s game...I don’t have a whole lot to say. The team struggled right out of the gates allowing four goals scored in the first period alone. They were dominated for the majority of the game and give the puck away too often. The early goals likely deflated the group as they simply could not get their offense going even by taking three times as many shots as their opponent in the 2nd period.
Flames fans had their first opportunity to see Joey Macdonald play, when Leland Irving was pulled very early in the game after looking shaky. The young net minder has played quite well in recent games, however last night looked uncomfortable and couldn’t provide the goaltending needing to give his team a chance for the win. Macdonald will get the next start tomorrow against the Dallas Stars.
Calgary Flames Blogger • 
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