As the summer drags on I thought I’d take the time to take a look at the other teams that make up the Pacific Division, what they did and where I think they could end up when its all said and done. This time I will look at a team who wants to make sure their turnaround wasn’t a one season fluke in the Calgary Flames.
Who’s in:
D Dougie Hamilton (Trade)
F Michael Frolik (UFA)
Who’s out:
F Brian McGrattan
D Raphael Diaz
Ian’s Quick Breakdown:
The Calgary Flames were a big surprise last year defying the analytic’s on their way to the 2nd round of the playoffs. Before free agency I won’t lie that I felt that the Flames were likely to go into this season and follow in the foot steps of the Avalanche the year before in that they would make the playoffs with an impressive run only to fall on their face the following year. Now this could happen as they are a young team that has to worry about the dreaded sophomore slump, however their off season move’s although few should set this team up for many years of competition even if they stumble a little this year. My big question mark (among many) is can Jiri Hudler repeat his career high 76 point season or will he go back to the 50 points we would usually expect from him. It will be exciting to watch the continued growth of players like Sean Monahan (62 Points) and Johnny “hockey” Gaudreau (64 Points). The additions of Frolik and likely Sam Bennett add some much needed depth to the offensive core of this team. On the blue line Mark Giordano seemed destined for a Norris Nomination before he was injured putting up 48 points. Obviously the flames will need him to remain healthy if they are to be a contender but the addition of Dougie Hamilton will make the Flames defence formidable many years to come with guys like TJ Brodie, Dennis Wideman and Kris Russel filling out some of the remaining spots. In goal is where the flames may worry me the most as Jonas Hiller has been good but never as good as he was in Anaheim and Kari Ramo has one good season in an ocean of bad seasons. I’m curious to see how they share the net. Overall there is a lot to like about this team, they work hard and didn’t make any massive changes to a team that has a great mix of veterans and youth. Even if they take a tumble this year, and I don’t think they will they are set up to be a playoff team in the Western Conference for many years to come.
Projected Lines:
Gaudreau – Monahan – Hudler
Raymond – Backlund – Frolik
Bennett – Colborne – Jooris
Ferland – Stajan – Jones
Brodie – Giordano
Russell – Hamilton
Engelland – Wideman
Hiller
Ramo
Circle Your 2015-16 Calendar:
Flames @ Sharks – Saturday Nov. 28th, 2015
Sharks @ Flames – Tuesday Dec. 8th, 2015
Sharks @ Flames – Monday Jan. 11th, 2016
Flames @ Sharks – Thursday Feb. 8th, 2016
Sharks @ Flames – Monday Mar. 7th, 2016
Projected Pacific Division Standings:
1) Anaheim Ducks
2) Calgary Flames
3) San Jose Sharks
4) ??????????
5) ??????????
6) ??????????
7) Arizona Coyotes
Don’t forget to check out the Teal Tinted Glasses Podcast!
