[Nehkara]

Off-Season Game Plan: Calgary Flames

HEROES
Mikael Backlund – A career-high 53 points to go with typically outstanding possession stats. In terms of overall value, Backlund is a legit No. 1 centre, even if he doesn’t get the fanfare.

One very real benefit for Monahan is that Mikael Backlund’s line does the heavy lifting, taking on tough matchups, with heavy defensive zone starts, and still manages to push play the right way. Over the past four seasons, there are only three forwards (Patrice Bergeron, Jordan Staal, and linemate Michael Frolik) to have better relative Corsi than Backlund, while starting more than half of their shifts in the defensive zone, and none of them have as big a tilt towards defensive zone starts as Backlund. To make it clear: Backlund is really good.

The Flames could use another top-nine forward, or even a top-line forward that would allow Ferland to slide down the depth chart, but it also isn’t likely the biggest priority of the summer. Perhaps a veteran winger like Patrick Sharp or Chris Kunitz would be worthwhile on a short-term deal, or the Flames could keep Kris Versteeg, who was effective after signing late last offseason.

While the Flames have some defence prospects on the way, including Rasmus Andersson, Oliver Kylington and Tyler Wotherspoon, there is probably some incentive to bring in at least one veteran to fill out their top four and maybe one more for the third pair. If the Flames don’t bring back Michael Stone, Karl Alzner, Cody Franson, Brendan Smith and Ron Hainsey would be among the free agents to consider.

However, after Elliott’s playoff performance, it seems likely that Calgary looks for a new duo between the pipes. They could trade for Jimmy Howard or sign unrestricted free agent Ryan Miller, but if the Flames really want to dream big, they could take a swing at getting Cory Schneider from New Jersey.