NHL Central Scouting has released its annual Players To Watch list for the 2020-21 season.

The list rates draft-eligible players from North America and Europe on a three-tier scale: A indicates a potential first round selection, B indicates a potential second or third round selection, and C indicates a potential fourth, fifth, or sixth round selection. It will be updated throughout the season as NHL scouting staff evaluates players.

2020-21 Players To Watch List

With several leagues in Europe and the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League starting their 2020-21 seasons, the Flames have several prospects playing this fall:

QMJHL

Jakob Pelletier - Left Wing - Val-d'Or Foreurs

1 goal, 5 assists, 6 points in 4 games

Jérémie Poirier - Defence - Saint John Sea Dogs

1 goal, 4 assists, 5 points in 6 games

Ryan Francis - Right Wing - Cape Breton Eagles

1 goal, 8 assists, 9 points in 8 games

Liiga

Juuso Valimaki - Defence - Ilves

2 goals, 8 assists, 10 points in 9 games

In his eight years on the circuit, Josh Leivo had never felt better.

His game was evolving - his confidence, booming - and seemingly nothing could slow the surge of adrenaline propelling him forward as an impact player.

But his campaign was cut short.

Too short.

CALGARY - The Calgary Flames announced today that they have signed forward Josh Leivo to a one-year contract with an AAV of $875,000.

The Calgary Flames announce today that they have signed defenceman Nikita Nesterov to a one-year contract with an AAV of $700,000.

Simon says - he can't wait to get back on the ice for some NHL action.

You sure can't blame the guy. 

Covid-19 has turned the hockey world upside down in 2020, with the season suspended in March, followed by some teams resuming with a play-in round and playoffs in the summer, before a second 'off-season' as the NHL continues to plan for the beginning of the delayed 2020-21 campaign.

CALGARY - The Flames announced today that they have signed forward Dominik Simon to a one-year contract with an AAV of $700,000. 

Flames prospect Artyom Zagidulin has been loaned to Metallurg Magnitogorsk in the KHL.

Calgary re-signed the netminder to a one-year, two-way contract in June. He spent the 2019-20 season in the AHL with the Stockton Heat, going 16-7-1 during his first year in North America.

Prior to signing his first contract with the Flames in 2019, the goaltender had spent the entirety of his career in his native Russia. In 2018-19, he played his first full KHL season with Metallurg Magnitogorsk, posting a 1.96 GAA and a .924 save percentage in 25 appearances.

Nothing beats a relaxing day on the water.

Friends gathering under the scorching, summery blue sky, casting lines and reeling a trophy in from under the glassy facade.

Here, the catch of the day begged for a photo - a snapshot meant solely 'for the 'gram,' but one worthy of the cover of Field & Stream. 

Even if these anglers were a sliver off target, this time. 

The 2021 IIHF World Junior Championship schedule has been released, with the annual tournament kicking off on Dec. 25.

The tournament will be held in Edmonton, in a secure bubble setting without fans in attendance, with TSN carrying the television broadcast.

The Flames may have multiple prospects playing for their respective countries. Jakob Pelletier and Connor Zary are in contention to earn roster spots with Canada, Dustin Wolf and Josh Nodler just wrapped up their time at the USA Hockey National Junior Team Evaluation Camp, and Yan Kuznetsov and Ilya Nikolayev are considered strong contenders to land on Russia's 2021 roster.