In this scenario the Calgary Flames bring back the exact same roster from last season.

Their average age - based on the top 23 player on last year's club is 27.7 (dated at the end of last season).

An average age of 27.7 is on the younger side of things in the NHL, but closer to the middle than the bottom when it comes to experience.

This scenario represents the safest bet for the Flames opening night roster (plus scratches) for October 3rd.

Craig Berube, Igor Kravchuk and Mike Vernon - all UFA's - have been let go. Clarke Wilm has moved on to the Nashville Predators.

Additions include defenceman Jordan Leopold, forwards Martin Gelinas, Chuck Kobasew, and Mathias Johansson.

Under this scenario the Flames shave 1.4 years off their average age, moving to 26.3.

Scenario three represents further cuts to the Flame's existing roster, and more youth added to the every day team.

Like scenario two, Craig Berube, Igor Kravchuk, Mike Vernon and Clarke Wilm have all moved on.

Similarly, Leopold, Gelinas, Kobasew and Johansson have all been added.

Changes to this scenario include the buy out of veteran Dave Lowry, and the waiver wire exit of Jeff Shantz.

Blair Betts and Oleg Saprykin have been added to take their place.

The team's average age drops from 26.3 (scenario two) to 25.4 under this plan.