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Kevin Bahl doesn’t seem to be the kind of man who seeks the person highlight, however Calgary’s latest skyscraper is thrilled to be in a market the place hockey comes first, second and third. (Sorry, Stamps.)
Bahl is arguably the Flames’ largest low season addition — and never simply because the soft-spoken blue-liner is among the largest dudes on the roster at 6-foot-6 and 230 kilos. The 24-year-old lefty is tabbed to log heavy minutes as Rasmus Andersson’s associate on the shutdown defensive duo.
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“I’m very excited to be right here, to be again in Canada. I’m pumped,” stated Bahl, who was born in B.C., raised within the Toronto space and performed his junior hockey in Ottawa earlier than beginning his NHL profession with the New Jersey Devils. “Everyone is aware of what’s happening. All of the neighbours know what’s happening. They’re up-to-date on everyone.
“I feel that makes it enjoyable, with the group in your again.”
That was definitely obvious Saturday, with about 3,000 season ticket-holders attending the Bonfire kickoff celebration, which featured samplings of latest Saddledome menu objects and a jersey-off-our-backs giveaway. (For these fortunate people who left with the No. 20 or No. 52 or No. 91, they’d have additionally observed an ‘A’ stitched on their new sweater. That basically confirms that Blake Coleman, MacKenzie Weegar and Nazem Kadri might be becoming a member of Andersson and Jonathan Huberdeau in Mikael Backlund’s solid of alternate captains.)
Bahl, acquired by the Flames within the Jacob Markstrom commerce, was caught ready a bit longer than anticipated to introduce himself to his new teammates and the C of Crimson.
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He missed the primary week of observe periods as a consequence of a lower-body damage.
He was restricted to a pair of exhibition video games, together with only one alternative to seek out his groove alongside Andersson. The brand new man notched an help in Friday’s remaining tuneup, with Backlund deflecting his shot from the highest of the circle, however his calling card might be sound, regular and generally surly work in his personal zone.
“It sucked as a result of I used to be so pumped and I used to be simply actually, actually attempting to do all the pieces proper, simply so I may make a very good first impression,” Bahl stated of his stalled begin in his first camp in Calgary. “I feel the most important factor is on the ice, displaying what you’re made from and determining how the fellows are, what their type is and simply enjoying your recreation. Simply to get on the market and work your butt off, I feel that’s the very best impression you can also make.”
Now that Bahl is again up and working, you’ll be able to anticipate to see a complete lot of him.
He performed all 82 for the Devils final season, which requires each good well being and a ton of belief from the coaches. Throughout the NHL, there have been solely 33 defencemen who didn’t sit for a single recreation in 2023-24, hardly a shock when you think about that blocking 90 mph pictures is a serious a part of the job description.
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“That’s what I’m right here to do — simply play as a lot as I can,” Bahl stated. “It’s undoubtedly a objective of mine once more and I’m going to take delight in that, for certain.”
WAITING FOR WORD
Adam Klapka’s proud father, Thomas, is ready by the cellphone again dwelling.
His son has been pleading for persistence.
It looks as if a near-lock that Adam has cracked the Flames’ opening roster as their fourth-line right-winger, however the 24-year-old from Czechia is cautious about making any assumptions earlier than the information is confirmed.
It appears like dad has been checking for updates on a … let’s say … common foundation.
“You recognize, throughout the camp, you don’t actually have a lot to say about it since you don’t actually know what it is occurring,” stated Adam, who was the main scorer for the AHL’s Wranglers final winter and was additionally referred to as up for six appearances with the Flames. “I simply attempt to inform him to attend till once I’m going to know extra data. I imply, he’s watching each recreation, he’s actually excited for this chance for me, so I hope it’s going to finish up effectively and I can inform him excellent news.
“He’s been with me since I grew up. He took me for all my practices. So I do know he deserves the information first. He’d be the primary man I’ll name.”
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COOKOUT, THEN CUTS
It’s custom for the Flames, on the final weekend of coaching camp, to assemble for a barbecue. Whereas a number of of the attendees might be assigned to the Wranglers previous to Monday’s roster submission deadline, the message is straightforward — ‘If you happen to’ve made it this far, you’re going to be part of the staff this season.’
There might be 27 gamers at this newest BBQ — 16 forwards, eight defencemen and three goaltenders. 4 names should be trimmed by Monday at 3 p.m. MT. (There have been no Flames on the waiver wire Saturday, so basic supervisor Craig Conroy isn’t but providing any clues.)
“We’ve talked so much concerning the new depth that we really feel like we have now,” reiterated Flames coach Ryan Huska after Friday’s 3-2 loss to the Jets within the pre-season capper. “There are plenty of guys that had superb camps for us.”
ICE CHIPS: The Flames’ subsequent observe is Monday, so there will not be a weekend replace on the standing of Yegor Sharangovich. The 26-year-old ahead made an early exit Friday after being tripped up and falling awkwardly. ‘Sharky’ was the Flames’ main marksman final season with 31 targets and is predicted to skate on each the primary line and high power-play unit.
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