The next team overview we are doing is the Calgary Flames. When a team loses its top two scorers, they can't possibly be better, right?? Wrong. The Flames are going to be a team on a mission this year. While the Flames lost Tkachuk and Gaudreau, they were able to add a 115 point player in Jonathan Huberdeau, Nazem Kadri, and an outstanding second defenseman in Mackenzie Weegar. The Flames lost in the second round of the playoffs after being seen as cup contenders. But, things are looking very good in Calgary this year. They were able to retain all of their most valuable free agents as well as strengthen all areas of their lineup. A move the Flames just made was bringing in Sonny Milano for a Professional Tryout. This move is one that other teams in the league will kick themselves for not making. Milano had a good season last year on a mediocre Ducks team. Milano, playing with a much more talented team and a great coach will pay dividends for the young player. But the most notable move they made was trading away Matthew Tkachuk for Jonathan Huberdeau and Mackenzie Weegar. You could very easily see that the Flames needed help on the backend this playoff. As soon as Chris Tanev went down with an injury, the wheels came off for Calgary's defense. The addition of Weegar will massively benefit the Flames. Kadri had the best year of his career in Colorado last year posting 87 points in 71 games. He found his success stem from taking Mackinnon's number 1 center spot while he was injured, but kept his play at a high level. Having an 87 point scorer Kadri as your second line center is a recipe for success especially having Elias Lindholm as your first line center. But while I'm talking about center depth, the Flames also have Mikael Backlund at their 3rd line spot. Having these 3 guys down the middle, it can be easy to argue they have top 3 depth in the entire NHL. Last year, Jacob Markstrom enjoyed the best year of his career. He led the league in shutouts and had a Vezina caliber season. Similarly to Calgary's defense, Markstrom's wheels also came off in playoffs. This year will be different for the 31-year-old goaltender. I think with the improvements the Flames made, Markstrom will have an even better year this season, he probably won't have as many shutouts, but he will be a name to watch for in the Vezina Trophy race all year. Calgary is going to be a very tough team to beat this year and head coach Daryl Sutter, is not going to accept anything less than a Cup Final appearance with this squad. Watch for the Flames to make a run for the Cup at +1300 odds.
Calgary Flames Record Prediction- 56-21-5
Playoff Prediction- Yes
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