The Big Club

Robyn Regehr � They say NHL clubs are built on one top forward, one top goaltender and one top defenceman. This summer general manager Darryl Sutter made it perfectly clear that Robyn Regehr would be that one top defenceman. The hulking 23 year old took some serious steps forwards last season suggesting the Kamloops product is ready to make his 5th NHL season is clear best, and evolve into that nasty stay at home defenceman that forwards hate to play against. Perhaps this fall Robyn should stay clear of any goal production predictions and let the chips fall where they may, as last year his ten goal prognosis resulted in a goose egg. Prediction � 5 goals

Toni Lydman � The slick skating Fin avoided salary arbitration and signed a three year deal in Calgary, suggesting he's in the plans of Sutter and his staff. Lydman has always teased with his offence, as he appears to have the talent to do so much more. In the end he'll likely be what he is - a decent two way guy that can log some serious minutes. Prediction � 8 goals

Rhett Warrener � Rhett Warrener will be looking to bounce back from a disapointing, injury plagued 2002-03 season while wearing a new set of silks, as the former Sabre lines up in Calgary this season. Warrener is a physical stay at home defenceman that should provide the club with more size, and hositily while making fewer mistakes than some of the club's other young rearguards. He's not as experienced as Bob Boughner, but he's bigger and comes at a better price. Prediction � 2 goals

Jordan Leopold � There are very few players in the Calgary lineup that has the ability to move his game up further than sophomore defenceman Jordan Leopold. If Leopold can turn 2003 late season confidence into a break through 2003-04 the Flames may find themselves in a playoff spot when April comes around. The former Golden Gopher is the club's most skilled blueliner, and a huge key to a needed resurgence from their powerplay. Will likely continue to be teamed with Regehr in the club's number one pairing. Prediction - 10 goals

Denis Gauthier - Denis Gauthier simply wants to finish what he started. As one of the longest serving Flames, no one player is more adament about staying in Calgary, and getting the Flames back to the playoffs, then the 26 year old Montreal native. The 6'2" rearguard will never dazzle with his offensive capabilities, but he's coming into his own as a defender and still throws highlight reel checks that drive opposing forwards into needless penalties. A good team player. Prediction - 2 goals

Andrew Ferrence - The Flames invested a third round pick in acquiring Andrew Ferrence from the listing Pittsburgh Penguin franchise. The puck rushing defenceman has something that no other Flame rearguard possesses - the ability to beat a player one on one to set up an odd man opportunity on the attack. Darryl Sutter and the coaching staff will be working hard to return Ferrence to the level he achieved in the 1998 playoffs with Pittsburgh when he notched 20 points in 16 post season games. Prediction - 5 goals

Jesse Wallin - Although Jesse Wallin won't find Nik Lidstrom, Chris Chelios and a daunting Stanley Cup deep defence core ahead of him on the Flames depth chart this fall, the former Red Wing will be in tough to make the grade in Calgary against nine other NHL level defenceman. Wallin plays the game simple and tough, and will battle Mike Commodore and Steve Montador for the final spot on the big league Flames. I give him the edge heading into camp. Prediction - 1 goal

On the Farm

Organizational Ranking - B The clear strength of the Calgary Flames roster has to actually deliver this season by cutting down the goals against, providing better penalty killing, and being the key to a countering transitional offence. The mix appears right, so I give them a B.