thecalgaryflames.com

Flames put underachieving winger Kotalik on waivers, shocker, Kotalik has three points, and is a minus-eight, in 20 appearances. FINALLY!

In other waiver news… “I’ll be honest. I’m leaning towards retirement,” Conroy said. “That’s where I’m headed.”

Conroy said – after clearing waivers – that  “I gotta talk to my girls. I just don’t think going down (to the minors) is an option.”

It’s not an option Conny, because the AHL is no place for a 39-year-old. A 39-year-old who’s hoping for injuries to his friends to get back to the show. Plus you’ve gotta think that even then he’s number 3 in line behind some prospects who need some NHL minutes.

I’m glad to see he got his 1000 games, and that he got to retire a Flame. But it’s time.

In other news… did you know that Anton Babchuk registers one hit every 85.5 minutes? Brutal. That’s good enough for the worst average in the league.

Iggy speaks about his decision to spend time with his family instead of going to All-Star Game.

“With the way the season goes I don’t get too many opportunities to see her, and as much as I was looking forward to being in North Carolina for the All Star Game, I just know that my mind will be elsewhere.”

There is nothing I (or anyone else) can say about that without sounding like a complete tool. Perhaps that was intentional.

The Calgary Flames announced today the acquisition of defenseman Anton Babchuk and right winger Tom Kostopoulos from the Carolina Hurricanes in exchange for defenseman Ian White and left winger Brett Sutter.

What the?!? Okay, let’s look at this logically.

We lose Ian White:

• This year (which is the last year of his contract) he will make $3M
• He is 26 old
• This season he has 2 goals, 4 assists and is a minus 10
• Height: 5-10 Weight: 195lbs

We lose Brett Sutter:

• He makes $500,000 (on a two-way contract)
• He is 23
• In four games this year is has one assist
• Height: 6-0 Weight: 192lbs

We gain Anton Babchuk:

• This year (which is the last year of his contract) he will make $1.4M
• He is 26
• This season he has 3 goals, 5 assists and is a minus 4
• Height: 6-5 Weight: 212lbs

We gain Tom Kostopoulos:

• He makes $1.1M
• He is 31 (oh good, we just got collectively older)
• In 17 games this season, he has 1 goal and 3 assists
• Height: 6-0 Weight: 200lbs

Okay, so the White for Babchuk trade is a wash. Sutter wasn’t doing anything here, and Kostopoulos will likely do nothing just as well as Sutter did.

Now Brett gets to play with Brandon, I wonder if the Canes will take Brent, Darryl and Duane as well?

I was very disappointed to hear that the Flames players didn’t take the time to cast ballots in the municipal election. Granted some may have, but all the information we’ve heard is a story in the Herald today with some comments from both Jarome Iginla and Cory Sarich.

“I probably won’t vote just because I’m not organized today,” Sarich said.

Iginla stated, “I’ve voted in the past but unfortunately I don’t know if I’ll be able to make this one.”

Now before you say that you don’t care what hockey players think, that Cory Sarich is too unorganized to get dressed for games (oooh, seventh defenseman burn!) and Iginla is too nice a guy to upset those who will lose the race, have a gander at this statement from www.calgaryflames.com: (italics added by me)

“The original mandate of the Flames ownership group 29 years ago, that is still prominent today, was to ensure that the Calgary Flames would make a positive impact on the quality of life for all Calgarians. The Flames look to create programs that constantly meet the needs of our dynamic community. The entire Flames family understands the importance of taking an active role in the community.”

Come on guys, the advance polls were open for something like two weeks before election day yesterday. You can’t set aside 10 minutes on your way home from practice to cast a ballot? That is not the way role models should act, shame. (yes, you’re role models, deal with it).

And not to beat a dead horse, but I’m going to anyway… the Calgary Flames organization somehow manages to jump the line when it comes to H1N1 shots, but can’t organize a carpool over to an advanced polling station?

I’m waiting for the story from the Flames to say that 50% of their players did vote, which is a reflection of the overall voter turnout, and I’ll change my opinion. And it could be worse, Stampeder coach John Hufnagel said that he “didn’t take the time” because the Stamps play ”three games in 12 days.”