Tyler Wotherspoon (shoulder) began practicing on his own Wednesday, Randy Sportak of the Calgary Sun reports.

Wotherspoon (shoulder) began practicing on his own Wednesday, Randy Sportak of the Calgary Sun reports.

Analysis:

Although Wotherspoon expects to be ready for full practices with the Flames within the next week, it sounds like the team isn't expecting him to return to game action for a little while longer. Wotherspoon is still behind the curve after he was sidelined for most of the summer following April shoulder surgery, which will likely result in him opening the season at the AHL level. If the 21-year-old proves healthy and effective with Abbotsford, it might not take long for him to earn his way back to the parent club.