The “Sutterites” Are In; Cammalleri, Leopold And Aucoin Are Out

Just about the only Sutter left who has yet to relocate to Calgary is Mama Sutter herself, as this summer the Flames added Big S number 5 to the crew. The franchise enlisted Brent Sutter to take the reins as head coach after GM Darryl Sutter gave the thimbs up to hire his brother, a decision that left many, such as myself wondering, “can 5 really do the job that 4 couldn’t?”  In all honesty, probably not, but the Sutter clan have their claws so deep into the Calgary Flames that you’d need the Jaws of Life to pry them out.

Regrettably, though not at all surprisingly, the Flames have parted ways with key 08-09 player Mike Cammalleri. The Littlest Flame has traded one C for another, heading East to Montreal to play for the Canadiens. With salary cap issues weighing heavily on the Flames’ shoulders, no one realistically thought that Mike would be making a reappearance next season, but is it so wrong to dream? With Cammalleri gone and Todd Bertuzzi’s free agent status quickly approaching, though, the Sutter’s (all of them) will be hard pressed to put together a first line that can produce as well as Iggy, Bert and Cammy did.

Also departed are blueliners Jordan Leopold and Adrian Aucoin. Both came as a shock to me. Jordan seemed to be getting back into the swing of things as a Calgary man, making his return after some time away. And as for Aucoin, the veteran defenceman had become such a staple at the Dome I was starting to think he might eventually end up buried in the dressing room.

Making his debut as a Flame is Jay Bouwmeester, who came in from the Panthers in exchange for Leopold. But while some hold Jay to be one of the best in the NHL, as we in Calgary have more than seen of late, it takes more than just one great player to save a team. And with the defensive pickings on the Flames roster as full of holes as Big Bert’s not-so-toothy smile, the Flames may need to get a little unconventional in their methods of filling the gaps.

Some Other Articles That You May Enjoy:
Sutter Shakes Up Flames’ Roster
Keith Aucoin – Washington’s ‘Little’ Spark Plug
Flames Tame Wild 3-2 in OT
Jokinen, Leopold Make Early Impression
There’s a New “Iron Mike” in Town, and His Last Name isn’t Keenan
Flames 5, Sabres 2

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