Matt Stajan's summer was mostly spent in Calgary, at least the training aspect.
When he reported to camp, the veteran centre was asked whether anything was different with his off-season regimen.
"I was 10 years older than the guys I was training with. That was different," Stajan said with a chuckle.
Welcome to life as an NHLer on the other side of 30 years old.
While the Flames continue to integrate youth into their lineup, an important aspect is having the right veteran presence to be part of it all. Stajan's no fool, he knows full well part of his job this season will be as a guiding light for Sam Bennett.