With the recent big deals in the OTHL, this one may have gone unobserved. The Flames have added offensive winger Alexey Morozov to be the new winger to play with Iginla and Roenick. Morozov came along with T-Bay's 2nd round pick next season in exchange for veteran Brian Smolinski and the Flames 1st next season.
"I had to do a shake up, and I didn't feel Sedin would be the proper match on our top line so I made a move for a left wing that could be used as a playmaker for Iginla who's been struggling so far this season. For us to compete at the highest level, we need to have Iginla producing," Hoover commented to the small gathering of media as it seems the rest were getting the real news while this local reporter couldn't afford the trip.
This deal will result in some major line changes however as it see's every line change on the team.
TOP LINE
Morozov-Roenick-Iginla
Not to much change here, just see's Morozov as the third player to be given a shot to play with two of the games best. Morozov has played with some skilled players before which have resulted in some big numbers, but consistancy has always been his problem. Will Iggy and JR be able to give enough leadership to keep him going?
2ND LINE
Sedin-Sedin-Walker
The Sedin's, due to solid play so far this season, get thrown onto the second line. "Daniel on the top unit was never intended to be permanent. We'd like to be able to keep the brothers together and let them grow as a unit," Hoover stated. Walker has been rock solid since coming back from his suspension. This is certainly a good opporuntity for the Sedins to grow.
3RD LINE
Moreau-Brown-Mellanby
Moreau started the season with Mellanby but has played the last few on the 2nd line letting Simon get punished for his bad play by being demoted 2 lines. Well the domotions have continued as Simon will now be relegated to 4th line duty. Brown with the loss of a center goes back to his most effective spot as 3rd line center. As for Mellanby, he better get his game going or he could see Laraque jump his spot in the lineup
4TH LINE
Simon-Arkhipov-Laraque
Laraque has had a very good season to date, and Arkhipov had a goal in his only game so far this season the other night, so this line has potential to be the toughest, and most effective 4th line in all the league.
HOT
No one is particularly hot at the moment.
COLD
Chris Simon - Simon has worked his way from 1st line to start the season to 4th line. He has no one to blame but himself.
Jarome Iginla - Jarome has struggled so far this season and only has 2 goals in 8 games and is a -5. Hoover hopes adding some nice playmaking to his line will help him pot a few more goals and get his confidence back up.
CALLUPS/INJURIES
There are no injuries at the moment.
Eric Boulton and Rick Berry have been sent to the farm with the returns of Roenick and Warrener.