Are the Flames BETTER than they were in 2021-22?

[djsFlames]

I think they are.

I think Huberdeau's size while possessing similar ability to Gaudreau makes him a better replacement for the Flames in a playoff situation. Kadri can be a pest and put up points like Tkachuk but plays a much more crucial position. And Weegar was the #2 and for stretches the #1 d-man for the Florida Panthers, which helps solidify the Flames' top 4 and instantly puts their d-core in the top 5 in the NHL.

It will be a drastically different team in the way it is deployed on the ice but I think the pieces in place now make more sense for a Flames team looking to compete than the previous ones.

Cast your vote.

[Erick Estrada]

Maybe. Maybe not. The Flames were very fortunate with injuries last season and that good fortune is not likely repeatable. They should be very good but may not have as good of a record depending on injuries, scoring slumps, etc.

[GranteedEV]

yes but I'd add the caveat that by forcing Jarnkrok to 3C when Ruzicka had looked better in that role (and had actual chemistry with Toffoli) the 2021-22 Flames underperformed down the stretch. It's a shame Jarnkrok was never used as a winger and Ruzicka not used in a larger role that he had begun to earn.

[Macho0978]

Likely not a better regular season record but as long as they contend for first IMO they are way more of a threat to win the cup.

[EldrickOnIce]

Far better. Not even close

[djsFlames]

Well yeah, this is strictly on paper.

You can't really account for injuries which are impossible to predict.

[ComixZone]

Why did we lose to Edmonton?

Centre depth exposed, defensive depth exposed with injury to Tanev that led to Jacob having a rough series? I think that's a fair argument.

Hello Nazem, hello Mackenzie.

[dissentowner]

Absolutely they are. Weegar coming is a huge impact.

[the-rasta-masta]

Originally Posted by Macho0978

Likely not a better regular season record but as long as they contend for first IMO they are way more of a threat to win the cup.

This. Built better for the playoffs.

[Winsor_Pilates]

On paper, yes.
If some of the young guys can step in and play impactful hockey, even more so.
Credit to BT for putting together this improbable roster after everything.

[Scroopy Noopers]

Originally Posted by EldrickOnIce

Far better. Not even close

100%. With a chip on the shoulder of a lot of players too.

[Jason14h]

I think on paper about the same - although I think the chance of Kadri taking a step back is higher then MT

It really depends if Anderson or Hanifin can take a step forward and become the #1 D. If so we could be dangerous

[djsFlames]

Originally Posted by Macho0978

Likely not a better regular season record but as long as they contend for first IMO they are way more of a threat to win the cup.

I think with how raw the group will be finding chemistry early on that their regular season record will take a hit, but when they gel over the year are potentially better set up for a deeper run in the post season.

[genetic_phreek]

I'd say possibly the same regular season but built better for the playoffs 100%.

[Badgers Nose]

Yes, strong goalie, defence and centres. Amazing off season.

I think Tre won this off season.

[Hackey]

I'd be tempted to see if anyone would take Lucic and then try and land someone like Stastny as well. Then we're really talking.

[Jore]

I'm not sure about pure skill, but the roster is much more balanced. Still think they might miss Gaudreau's puck carrying, but Weegar might be able to take over some of that.

[djsFlames]

Huberdeau and Kadri both put up massive points with secondary players which gives me a lot of hope.

I think they can both drive their respective lines based on this, and potentially help elevate guys like Mangiapane and Dube to another level.

[Aarongavey]

Originally Posted by ComixZone

Why did we lose to Edmonton?

Centre depth exposed, defensive depth exposed with injury to Tanev that led to Jacob having a rough series? I think that's a fair argument.

Hello Nazem, hello Mackenzie.

I think our goalie played a role.

[Calgary4LIfe]

So far, I would say they definitely are better. Still have to see how the dust settles with everything. This team will be much more difficult to play against this year - not necessarily from a physical standpoint, but from a defensive one.


I don't think they will be too far back from last year's goals scored either relative to the league, but this might be the league's best defensive team with some nicely balanced forward lines, rather than being so top-heavy.