Flames' Colborne hoping to get deal done before arbitration hearing: 'I really want to be here'

Joe Colborne and the Calgary Flames are set to meet in Toronto on Aug. 1 for an arbitration hearing, but the restricted free agent is hopeful that terms of a new deal can be agreed upon prior to that time.

Colborne told the Calgary Herald that he filed for arbitration solely to protect himself financially, but added the process is "part of the business" and that he doesn't anticipate actually making the trip to Toronto:

We’re in a situation where I really want to be here. I love being here. It’s my hometown, why wouldn't I? And they want me to be here, so it’s not like some of the past arbitration cases where there’s some hostility involved.

It’s two sides of the deal that want to get a deal done. And usually when that happens, it gets done.

Drafted 16th overall by the Boston Bruins in 2008, Colborne certainly appears to be preparing for a bright future with the Flames.

“I’m looking forward to when we can move on from it and start looking forward to the season," he said. "I’m really excited about the direction we’re moving and some new additions we have. It’s going to be an exciting year.”

In his first full season in Calgary, the 24-year-old scored 10 goals and added 18 assists while averaging 14:16 of ice time per game, with a 45.4 Corsi For rating (per Extra Skater).