Calgary Flames
The Calgary Flames Ins & Outs: Robinson In, Phillips Out, Dube In, Ryan Out
Who’s in and who’s out of the Flames Training Camp?
Although the Calgary Flames are not alone in this fact, it seems as if there are a lot of in’s and out’s of the Flames Phase 3 training camp. In this post, I’ll try to keep Flames fans more up-to-date about who’s in and who’s out – at least for now.
Buddy Robinson: Count Him In
Buddy Robinson was back at practice on Sunday after an undisclosed injury or illness kept him out of training camp until that point. Robinson had been deemed “unable to practice” since the beginning of the Flames training camp during the NHL Return to Play Program.
He was finally able to skate and was lined up with the team’s second group. His line partners were Adam Ruzicka and Glenn Gawdin. Robinson was also expected to suit up in Sunday night’s scrimmage. But I have no news on that at the present.
If the 28-year-old Robinson plays during the postseason, he’ll probably be utilized in a bottom-six role. He only played five games this season and scored a goal in those five games.
Related: Trade Talk: Questions in Calgary With Gaudreau Off Top Line
Matthew Phillips: Count Him Out
Matthew Phillips sat out Sunday’s practice. However, it might be just a bit of rest for the 22-year-old. No one has, or likely will, say within the Flames organization.
Phillips, a 22-year-old Calgary native, has yet to make his NHL debut and won’t likely during the 2019-20 postseason. He’s been getting better each season with the Stockton Heat and might be engaged here for the experience.
Dillon Dube: Count Him In
Dillon Dube was back on the ice for Sunday’s training camp. It was his first time on the ice during training camp. Like Robinson, he’s been unable to practice until now. Dube skated with the Flames’ second practice group on Sunday.
The 2019-20 season was Dube’s second with the club. He’s transitioned nicely to the Flames roster and had a pretty solid season, scoring six goals and 10 assists (16 points) in 45 games. Dube skated on a line with Milan Lucic and Sam Bennett during Sunday’s session.
Related: NHL Trade Talk’s Trivia Quiz: How Well Do You Know Jarome Iginla?
Derek Ryan: Count Him Out – Well, Sort of
The Flames 33-year-old center Derek Ryan, who’s kicked around the minors until four seasons ago when he settled into the NHL with the Carolina Hurricanes, was on the ice on Sunday. However, he didn’t skate with anyone else – just alone.
Ryan was a full participant on Monday, the first day of practice, but was kept out of practice for almost a week. And, true to form, there’s no word about the reason that kept him away from the ice until today.
Ryan scored 10 goals, 19 assists (29 points) in 68 games during the regular season. His experience helps the Flames during the playoffs, and he’s likely to fill a bottom-six role when the postseason begins play.
