30 in 30: Calgary Flames
They say the first step on the road to improvement is admitting there’s a problem, sometimes it’s strangely apt for NHL franchises.
After four campaigns without a playoff appearance and eight without a series victory the Calgary Flames have finally accepted a full rebuild of their playing staff is necessary. Jarome Iginla and Jay Bouwmeester were dealt at the trade deadline with other well associated faces following them out of the door this summer. As other clubs will testify a rebuild usually means suffering a few tough years and building around some quality draft picks, as it stands I can’t see the Flames selecting anywhere but inside the top 5 in 2014.
Notable Ins: David Jones, TJ Galiardi, Kris Russell, Shane O’Brien, Karri Ramo, Sean MonahanNotable
Outs: Miikka Kiprusoff, Alex Tanguay, Roman Cervenka, Anton Babchuk, Corey Sarich
Of those senior additions only goalie Ramo has the potential to make a substantial impact, and that’s only if he can carry over his impressive form from the last four seasons in the KHL. It’s clear the 27 year old Swede has developed since his time with the Tampa Bay Lightning, but a previous GAA of 3.35 in 48 NHL games is still a slight worry when he has to fill the pads of fellow countryman Miikka Kiprusoff, who is set to retire.
More worrying is the lack of bolstering to a defence that ended up as the worst in the Western Conference, Kris Russell has stagnated since showing promise early in his career and Shane O’Brien is onto a 6th NHL club at the age of 30. Dennis Wideman and Mark Giordano will eat up plenty of minutes and in playing every type of situation will undoubtedly be overworked. TJ Brodie is a bright spot though and the 23 year old has proved an excellent fourth round pickup, his powerplay ice time may be amped up to relieve some of the strain.
Even with the considerable subtractions and lack of star power I’ll make the case this isn’t a bad offensive team, only Tampa scored more goals at home last season. As an asset in the final year of his contract expect Mike Cammalleri to be traded at some point in the coming months, until then he’ll remain the chief goal threat. David Jones is coming off a dire year in Colorado and effectively has to replace Jarome Iginla, they’ll be hoping the change of scenery does him good. Swiss left wing Sven Bärtschi still leads the Flames’ prospect pool and after a positive 20 major league games last year could be in contention for the Calder Trophy this time round. 6th overall pick Sean Monahan is mature enough to make the roster, however if they’re thinking long term it may be better to give the center another year of juniors.
In the past week a major off-ice appointment has been made, former Toronto General Manager Brian Burke being installed as President of Hockey Operations, hardly an endorsement of current GM Jay Feaster who now has another man to answer to. History shows that Burke isn’t afraid to make very bold moves (responsible for tabbing both Sedins and also Phil Kessel trade) so watch this space.
Ruling any team out of playoff contention before the season has even begun would be highly unfair, but if forced right now to pick one side to miss out it’d be Calgary. After selling off their top assets for picks and bringing in lesser alternatives the Flames will surely be worse off than in 2012-13.
Prediction: 7th in Pacific Division.