We are now eleven games from the start of the Flames 2008/09 campaign, so it’s time to start getting ourselves into gear for the season again. I’ll be celebrating the new season by counting down 10 things to watch over the 82 game regular season. Today’s subject is prospect Mikael Backlund.

The Flames’ recent draft history has been somewhat suspect, with few bona fide professionals finding their way onto the roster. Consider such first round picks as Chuck Kobasew, Brent Krahn, Oleg Saprykin, Rico Fata, and Daniel Tkaczuk (Dion Phaneuf is an obvious exception, but first round picks in ‘03 couldn’t miss). Recent picks like Leland Irving, Greg Nemisz, and Backlund are looking to change the Flames’ draft fortunes.

Backlund, the 19-year old Swede, was one of the more intriguing and most highly anticipated players at the rookie camp, and has survived thus far in main camp. Last season, he begain the year in Vasteras, Sweeden, tallying 13 points in 9 games with the junior club before rounding out the season on the second-division club, earning 15 points (11-4) in 46 games. Modest numbers to be sure, but not bad for an 18-year old. Flames fans were also impressed with his 7 points (3-4) in 6 games with the Swedish junior team at the U-20 championships a year ago.

Given his experience from parts of three seasons in the Swedish second division and the considerable skill that Backlund has shown at the Flames’ camp thus far, the rookie stands a good shot at cracking the roster this season. His combination of speed and passing ability could help to fill the void left by the departures Kristian Huselius and Alex Tanguay, complementing the grit that composes so much of the Flames’ roster.

Given what we’ve seen of Mikael Backlund up to this point, I won’t hesitate to say that as a late first round pick, he certainly looks better than some of our top ten picks of the last decade. I hope we do get to watch him this year and see what he can do at the NHL level.

This off season was a busy one for the Calgary Flames. Gone, are some of the finesse players like Tanguay and Huselius and in, are several new gritty players like Bertuzzi, Cammalleri, Glencross, and Bourque. This season could prove to be very interesting. What are my thoughts on some of the key moves?

Alex Tanguay
First, I give full props to Alex - this guy is a complete class act and is one of the most talented left wingers in the NHL. I’m sure he knew for a while that he would probably end up being traded, but never once did he complain and he always played with full intensity. He will be sorely missed on the power play as his puck moving, passing, and puck handling skills were fantastic. My only complaint of Tanguay was his lack of ability to finish plays. How many times last season did we see Tanguay in on a 2-1 break and almost EVERY time he opted to pass to his partner. He became too predictable for the opposing defense.

Kristian Huselius
There were times last season that this guy was a magician with the puck. His control and accuracy were unparalleled. The only problem… the rest of the time he was invisible. He could score in streaks but he could also disappear for weeks at a time. I must admit, Huselius grew to be one of my all time favourite Flames and I thoroughly enjoyed watching his creativity. I think the Flames will will miss him greatly this year and realize how important of a player he actually was.

Mike Cammalleri
Any feelings of despair that I had seeing Tanguay leave were quickly replaced with excitement when I heard the news of Cammalleri becoming a Flame. This guy is young, quick, and great with the puck and should fit well into the Flames longterm plans. His obvious downfall is his proneness to injury - if he can stay healthy, this will be a fantastic pickup for the Flames and will easily replace Tanguay in the Flames lineup.

Todd Bertuzzi
Hmmmmm. Based on Bertuzzi’s past, I think this particular signing will go down in Flames history as one of the most controversial signings ever. I know for a fact there were a LOT of unhappy Flames fans as a result. I still am not sure what to think. I am trying to find the silver lining in the situation but sometimes it seems difficult. I cannot say that I like him as as a person, I can only hope that he can contribute to the team as a player and have a successful year. His play alone could make or break the Calgary Flames this year. The Flames are looking for him to put up some big numbers and make some big plays. In order to do this, he will need to overcome and ignore the large amount of media attention that he will receive now that he’s back in a true “hockey city”.

One thing for sure, he will add a huge physical presence and be a constant threat in front of the opposing net. This should increase the Flames power play efficiency as we now have our own “Holmstom”.

Rene Bourque
I don’t think anyone is expecting Rene to come into town and be a superstar. He will, however, come in and play consistantly on the 3rd or 4th line, and add some secondary scoring and depth to the Flames forward lines. I suspect a successful season for him would see him rack up 35-40 points.

Curtis Glencross
Regardless of how well Curtis plays this year, I like this guy simply based on the fact that he was smart enough to leave the Oilers and come play for the Flames. It’s always nice to scoop a player from our provincial rivals. Curtis is will be a solid player that will fit in well on the 3rd for 4th line.

Those are my thoughts, let’s hear yours!