Flames release Ryan Wilson from PTO; 27 remain at camp

To start, Ryan Wilson looked great. Despite only playing three NHL games over the last year, he was getting a shot with the Calgary Flames, and looking worth their while. But as preseason progressed and the competition ramped up, Wilson began to fall off – and, following the final preseason game, cut.

That leaves 27 players left at the Flames' camp: 16 forwards, eight defencemen, and three goalies. This includes three injured bodies, meaning Calgary just needs to cut one more player, and their opening night roster is set.

They could just send Markus Granlund – who does not need to clear waivers – down, and that would be it.

The waiver wire will be a busy period tomorrow, as rosters have to be set for Oct. 6; however, you may not find the Flames anywhere on it.

The Flames may very well start the season with three goaltenders.

They’re already starting it with just six defencemen. With T.J. Brodie and Ladislav Smid slated for the injured reserve – Brodie out at least another few weeks with a broken hand, and Smid, who has yet to play any games (but is practicing) with an unclear timetable – the Flames’ starting six is set.

As in: welcome to the NHL, Brett Kulak. He joins Mark Giordano, Dougie Hamilton, Kris Russell, Dennis Wideman, and Deryk Engelland on Calgary’s blueline, who will all be a part of the Flames’ opening day roster.

The 21-year-old fourth round pick (seriously, the Flames and fourth rounders are ridiculous) beat out Wilson; as well as hopefuls like Jakub Nakladal, the 27-year-old playing in North America for the first time, and Tyler Wotherspoon, one of the older players in the Flames’ defence prospect pool, and one who looks to be fast falling out of favour, if he hasn’t already.

by Ari Yanover