CALGARY – Leave it to Blake Coleman to best sum up the mood as he and his teammates reconvened in Calgary for the team’s charity golf tourney on Tuesday.
“There’s still a lot of grieving and processing going on,” said Coleman, one of a handful of Flames who raced back from New Jersey Monday night in a private jet arranged by Mikael Backlund so they could attend Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau’s funeral.
“We were fortunate enough to get out to Jersey and be there to support the Gaudreau family and everything they’re going through.
“It definitely put into perspective how fragile life is, and how much we need each other.”
The last ten days have also put in perspective just how proud he is of the city and its fan base that showed up by the thousands to pay respects to the Gaudreau family via a makeshift memorial and a stirring candlelight vigil.
“I’m just proud of the response,” said Coleman, echoing the sentiments of so many teammates.
“Obviously with the way things ended with Johnny here, people could have been bitter, or had their reasons not to come out and rally and support, but the city came out in waves.
“I wasn’t in town yet, but watching it from afar it was pretty beautiful to witness the amount of uplifting that they were doing for the Gaudreau family and Meredith and their family.
“I was just really proud to be part of the city.”
Captain Mikael Backlund agreed.
“It was a beautiful night,” said Backlund of the vigil, which featured an emotional speech from him.
“It was very hard, but it was beautiful to see so many people show up and show support for Johnny and his family and Matthew.
“It was beautiful to see everyone turn on their phones and their lights.
“I know a lot of people were upset when Johnny left, but to just forget about that and remember how big he was for the city and how great he was on and off the ice, it’s been great to see how much support and love he’s gotten.”
Talk of the Gaudreau tragedy will continue to dominate talk around the dressing room and the city for quite some time. They know that.
There will be tributes to open the first exhibition game, opening night and perhaps even Dec. 3 when the Blue Jackets visit.
Sharing memories of their fallen friend has provided comfort for the players, as they swap endless memories of the universally loved playmaker, who spent nine years in Calgary.
“I think it can galvanize a team and bring it together,” said GM Craig Conroy.
“To see this city rally around the Gaudreau’s, and what this team and individual players mean to the city, is a very powerful thing too.”
SHARANGOVICH HERE FOR LONG HAUL
Following a career year as a Flames newbie last year, 31-goal scorer Yegor Sharangovich bucked the trend of departing stars by signing a five-year, $28.75 million deal at the opening of free agency this summer.
“Good organization, good teammates, good equipment and medical staff and good city for us,” said the 26-year-old when asked Tuesday to explain his rationale for staying.
“My family likes it here. Good spot for us.
“I’m really happy to sign a five-year deal and stay in the same season for seven years.
“I’m comfortable here. The coaches trust me.”
FLAMES ADD TWO
The Flames announced Tuesday they’ve signed defenceman Jarred Tinordi to a one-year, two-way contract that pays $800,000 at the NHL level.
The six-foot-six, 230-pound 32-year-old was brought on to add muscle, experience and leadership to an organization full of young blue-line prospects.
“We’re looking for quality players and we have a lot of young guys,” said Conroy of the former first-rounder.
“He’s been a captain or assistant captain so many places, and I’ve only heard good things, and I think he’s a player that can push the culture and attitude we want.”
Conroy also confirmed reports the team has signed Tyson Barrie to a PTO, meaning the 33-year-old will attend camps with no strings attached.
“Similar situation, high character, quality person, over 500 points in the NHL,” said Conroy of the Victoria native who has played for Colorado, Toronto, Edmonton and Nashville throughout his 14 seasons in the NHL.
“I’ve heard nothing but great things about both guys.”
Restricted free agent Jakob Pelletier has yet to sign with the Flames, but Conroy said he is expected to be in camp and get a deal done soon.
“It’s never as quick as you’d like, but I’m pretty sure we’re going to get it done,” said Conroy of the 23-year-old fan favourite.
“We’re getting closer.”