The 2011-2012 NHL season is almost upon us. A TON of questions lie unanswered this year as the Flames come into the season slightly improved in a division where the opposition has grown in leaps and bounds.

Certainly, the sudden increase in talented prospects is obvious, but the divide between their NHL readiness and the current team is huge.

At big camp things got off to a rocky start with Iginla sitting out the first two days with back spasms.


In other news, still injured include: D Cory Sarich (pelvis), D Brett Carson (undisclosed), LW Raitis Ivanans (thatnks a million sutter for handcuffing us with a goon) (concussion), C Brendan Morrison (knee) all skated.

Five players were returned to their junior teams – G Laurent Brossoit(notes) (WHL Edmonton); D Dallas Ehrhardt (WHL Moose Jaw); D Reid Jackson (WHL Lethbridge); D Peter Kosterman (WHL Calgary); D Tyler Wotherspoon (WHL Portland). And G Andrew Engelage was released.