Calgary Flames 2017-18 Outlook
Forwards
Calgary’s promising young forwards, including leading scorers Johnny Gaudreau (61 points in 72 games) and Sean Monahan (a team-high 27 goals contributing to 58 points) hope to build on success next year.
Matthew Tkachuk, vital on Calgary’s “3M” line along with two-way standout Mikael Backlund and Michael Frolik, was a force of offense and grit last year. Tkachuk topped NHL rookies with 105 PIM, finishing third with a plus-14, sixth in scoring with 48 points and dishing a fourth-best 35 assists. The three will be back and likely just as effective.
Kris Versteeg’s 15 goals (eight on the power play tying for the team lead) and 22 assists in 69 games return as well.
Sam Bennett’s sophomore slump could be over. After a ten-point production drop (to just 13 goals and 13 assists), the 20-year-old former fourth overall draft pick and probably third-line center may gain traction in 2017-18.
Curtis Lazar’s potential began to show in the regular schedule’s final days with a goal and assist in his last two contests. He could bolster the bottom six and land some power play duty.
Physical and effective forechecker Micheal Ferland, veteran Troy Brouwer, Dougie’s brother Freddie Hamilton and fourth line pivot Matt Stajan round out the bottom six.
Prized college free-agent signee Spencer Foo and scrappy wing Garnet Hathaway could push into roster spots with impressive preseason and camp showings.
Defense
Defense is a strength with Mark Giordano, Dougie Hamilton, and T.J. Brodie.
Hamilton achieved arguably top-three blueliner status in the West with 13 goals, 37 assists, 14 power play points, a healthy plus-12, 68 hits, 94 blocks and 222 SOG. His shot totals ranked third behind only Brent Burns and Dustin Byfuglien, and 5×5 shot differential the NHL’s best among defenders playing 50-plus games.
Hamilton’s steady pairing partner Mark Giordano continued stellar work with a plus-22, 38 points (like Hamilton 14 of those were on the power play), 151 shots on goal, and 5×5 shot differential numbers that placed him fourth among West rearguards skating in more than 50 contests.
T.J. Brodie’s 36 points, 12 on the man-advantage, was a slight drop after two straight 40-plus point campaigns, but with a more defense-oriented partner in steady newcomer Travis Hamonic, expect those numbers to rise.
Michael Stone should serve as a quality bottom pairing alongside either Mark Bartkowski or Brett Kulak.
Goalie
Much like last year, goaltending is the big question. This year’s answers are Mike Smith and Eddie Lack.
While Calgary is much better than recent incarnations of the Coyotes, especially on defense, Smith’s stats over the past few years are quite rough. The Flames hope the 35-year-old vet will post better than average production on a team that scores and supports him a bit better.
Once promising Canuck – mostly disappointing Hurricane – Eddie Lack, and top prospect Jon Gillies are waiting in the wings just in case.
Questions
Looking ahead to the trade deadline – if sellers who could be on the move, if buyers what area might they need to improve?
The Flames defense is so strong. If absolutely necessary, and wowed with an offer, they could probably sacrifice a blueliner. Michael Stone may look appealing to a team in need. With Gillies close to NHL-ready, Calgary might fetch good deadline value with Lack if he impresses in spot duty.
What rookies could make the team?
NCAA scoring machine Foo, Kulak, and possibly top prospect Mark Jankowski if they can find a spot. Gilles is there if necessary and could thrive in net.
Which player could take a step forward this season?
Tkachuk greatly impressed last year, but with his upside and determination, could progress in 2017-18. Sam Bennett might see a third-year breakout. I think Lazar will finally realize more of his potential.
Which players could regress?
Michael Stone’s game seemed much more effective in Arizona than in Calgary. We’ll see how Smith’s game translates as well.
Any training camp battles expected?
Much seems set. Kulak and Bartkowski will vie for the sixth and seventh defenseman slots. Lack could move into a time share with Smith should it make sense. Foo and Hathaway will fight to make the bottom six.
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