**Flames Training Camp Highlights Key Position Battles** Calgary Flames training camp is now more than halfway complete, with the regular season set to begin in just over a week. As the team prepares for opening night, several position battles are emerging that could impact the roster. Before camp began, five key competitions were identified for close observation. The Flames are returning a largely consistent roster from last season, which ended just shy of a playoff spot. However, there are still critical positions that remain uncertain. Here’s an update on the five intriguing battles: 1. **Weegar’s Defensive Partner** Initially, Joel Hanley was expected to be MacKenzie Weegar's partner on defense. So far, pre-season performances have reinforced this expectation. Hanley has consistently appeared in lineups without Weegar, including a recent game against the Winnipeg Jets. While Daniil Miromanov had the potential to challenge for this role, there has been no indication that he will disrupt the current pairing. It appears that Hanley will indeed be paired with Weegar this season. 2. **Third Defensive Pairing** Brayden Pachal has been versatile, playing on both sides of the ice. Jake Bean has also spent considerable time with Zayne Parekh early in camp. Yan Kuznetsov has shown promise and should not be overlooked. The third defensive pairing remains uncertain, but Rasmus Andersson and Kevin Bahl are expected to play together until Andersson is potentially traded. Pachal is likely to be part of the third pairing, but it remains unclear who his partner will be on a regular basis. 3. **Fourth-Line Center** The competition for the fourth-line center position has evolved into a three-way battle among Sam Morton, Justin Kirkland, and Martin Pospisil. Morton has been noted for his strong performances, particularly in a split-squad game against the Edmonton Oilers. Head coach Ryan Huska acknowledged Morton as possibly the best forward in that game. While Kirkland may still have the edge, this competition is expected to remain tight until the final decisions are made. 4. **Backup Goalie** Evaluating pre-season statistics for goalies can be misleading, as they do not account for the quality of players in front of them. However, Ivan Prosvetov appears to be gaining an advantage over Devin Cooley for the backup goalie position behind Dustin Wolf. Prosvetov has recorded a 2.50 goals-against average and a .918 save percentage, while Cooley has a 3.54 GAA and a .879 save percentage. The Flames are likely to give Wolf more playing time as the season approaches, and early indications suggest Prosvetov is in a favorable position. 5. **Winger Competition** Rory Kerins has emerged as a standout player during the pre-season, scoring once and adding three assists in four games. He trails only Morgan Frost in points during the exhibition schedule. Other players like Matvei Gridin, Sam Honzek, and Aydar Suniev have also shown potential, but Kerins seems to be making a strong case for a spot on the NHL roster. As training camp progresses, these position battles will be closely monitored as the Flames finalize their roster for the upcoming season.