Blake Comeau sounds genuinely optimistic about the current state of the labor talks.

ƒ?oIt was definitely a lot easier to get out of bed this morning and get a workout done before a skate,ƒ?? Comeau said Wednesday. That was even before Wednesday night's marathon negotiating session between the players and owners. Anything can happen, but Comeau said that right now "thereƒ?Ts more optimism than there has been throughout the whole process.ƒ??

Blake Comeau has inked a one-year deal with Calgary worth $1.25 million.

The Flames didn't offer Comeau a qualifying offer prior to Monday's deadline, as they wanted to re-sign him at a lower price from the $2.5 million he made last season. Comeau notched five goals and 15 points in 58 games with the Flames after he was claimed off waivers from the New York Islanders.

Despite not qualifying Blake Comeau, the Flames still hope to re-sign the forward -- just at a cheaper price.

Comeau struggled last year, collecting just five goals and 17 points in 74 games, and the general manager Jay Feaster didn't want to bring him back at $2.5 million. "We continue to be cautiously optimistic that we may be able to come to an agreement with Blake prior to him becoming a UFA," Flames general manager Jay Feaster said Monday. "We would very much like to keep Blake."

Blake Comeau did not receive a qualifying offer from the Calgary Flames.

Comeau is now expected to test the unrestricted free agent waters on July 1. He had five goals and 15 points in 74 games between the New York Islanders and Flames in 2011-12.

Blake Comeau, who is scheduled be a restrict free agent this summer, is hoping to have a strong finish to the season.

"I'm 26 years old, I still feel like I'm improving," Comeau said. "There's parts of my game that I can improve. Especially being put on waivers this year, it was very humbling." If the Flames want to keep Comeau, then they need to present him with a qualifying offer of $2.5 million. Otherwise he'll be an unrestricted free agent when the free agent period starts on July 1st. Given that Comeau has just 14 points in 72 games this season, we wouldn't be surprised if he has to look for employment with another team this summer.

Blake Comeau registered an assist in his return from a shoulder injury on Tuesday.

Comeau was out for four straight games. Flames coach Brent Sutter didn't make his decision about Comeau's availability until after the team's warm-up. Comeau has four goals and 12 points in 46 games this season.

Blake Comeau didn't play on Sunday because of a shoulder injury.

Comeau has four goals and seven assists in 61 games this season. Consider him day-to-day for now.

Blake Comeau skated on a line with Olli Jokinen and Curtis Glencross during Monday's practice.

The trio are also expected to play together in Tuesday's game against San Jose. Comeau is having a disastrous season with just six points in 42 contests, but maybe playing on one of Calgary's top lines will help spark him.

Blake Comeau will return to Long Island for the first time since being claimed on waivers from the Islanders.

After scoring 24 goals last season, it was thought that Comeau would be a fixture with the Islanders but that was not to be as they put him on waivers on Thanksgiving after a slow start that lasted over six weeks. "When you get put on waivers, it's a humbling experience," Comeau said. "I feel like there's a little extra motivation for myself when we go back to Long Island to maybe show some people there that I have a lot to offer and can play in this league. I'm sure there's gonna be a few butterflies, but that happens before a lot of games. Anytime the puck drops, those are usually out the door. It would be understandable if the butterflies last a little longer Thursday." Look for Comeau to have a big game on Thursday.

Blake Comeau has a goal and four points in nine games since being claimed off waivers by the Calgary Flames.

That's a significant reversal from the minus-11 rating and no points Comeau had in 16 games with the Islanders. Comeau is playing on the Flames third line with Mikael Backlund and Lee Stempniak. He should continue to provide the Flames with about a point every other game.