Describing last season as a disaster would be an understatement. The Calgary Flames fell significantly short of their team goals and expectations. They found ways to lose and continue to lose. Here are five statements that must come true for the Calgary Flames to be a success this year.
Noah Hanifin Situation
Craig Conroy has to find a way to trade Noah as quickly as possible. Not only does he have to trade Noah, but he has to ensure the Calgary Flames remain competitive after making the trade. Flames ownership has made it quite clear that come hell or high water, the Flames will be a playoff team, or Craig Conroy will be finding a job for McDonald's. I am being facetious, but you get the point. Management's and ownership's top priority must be for the Calgary Flames to be a competitive, successful team this season.
Jonathan Huberdeau
Get cracking, Jonathan. With your new coach and system in place, it's time to dial it up. Huberdeau will be highly motivated to have a good season. He is determined to get things straight. He knows he owes Flames fans more than he gave them last year. I am confident that he will be a dominant force, and this is crucial for the Calgary Flames' playoff hopes. He needs to get back to his 100-point season this year.
Nazem Kadri
Nazem has to be a leader in the dressing room. He has to be smarter on the ice and off the ice. He has to clean up the dressing room so there's no conflict among the players. He has to be the solution to the problem and not add to the problem. Kadri has to get his 25-30 goals and accumulate 65 to 70 points. He needs to be a pest. He has to be in the opposition's heads, not his teammates. If he does these things, he will be a fan favorite.
Jacob Markstrom
Everyone but the kitchen sink blamed last season's problems on Jacob. Whether that is accurate or not, he does have to improve. However, the lackluster support he received from the defense is disappointing. Well, Jacob has to be Jacob; he is one of the best goalies in the league and capable of returning to that. By avoiding costly goals and maintaining a solid position, he has the potential to become one of the league's top goalkeepers, leading the Calgary Flames to victory. The Flames fans will be dancing in the streets.
Players must be committed
The Calgary Flames are currently facing uncertainty as players such as Lindholm, Hannifin, and Backlund are hesitant to commit to contract extensions. Understandably, players want to assess their options before committing long-term, but they can't abdicate their responsibility for ensuring a competitive season. It's a catch-22: darned if they do and darned if they don't.
