Breaking Down the Flames’ Depth Problem: Offence, Defence, and Everything in Between

I expect the Calgary Flames to have a hard time producing offence this season. The Flames’ most enormous hole to fill was one more offensive forward, but they failed to do so. Look no further than right down the middle. The Calgary Flames are weak in the centre position, and it may hold them back this season.

What will hold them back 74 pts?

The Calgary Flames’ defence is not strong enough. We have three very good defenders and a number 5 or 6 defender. Weegar, Ball, and Andersson will carry this team. We will lose Andersson with the trade, and he will be distracted most of the year. Here are my predictions:

Points  

Jonathon Huberdeau - 77 pts

Huberdeau will once again have a steady season. He will be the most consistent Calgary Flames player. He will have company; Kadri will also be there with him. His playmaking skills will have to continue for them to make the next step. The Calgary Flames vitally need them to be successful.

Goals  

Matt Coronato / Nazim Kadri - 35 goals

Matt and Nazim, the Flames’ two thirty-goal scorers, will share the goals. Matt will continue to take the next step. He has one of the best shot releases in the NHL. Nazim is the best centre and will continue to score the garbage goals.

Surprise Player - Connor Zarry

This one surprised many people, including myself. I’m most likely wrong, but I have a gut feeling that Connor will surprise some people. Connor is going to get 25 goals and 55 points. He will have to stay healthy.

Final word

I am really trying to stay positive. The Calgary Flames do have some talent. The lack of talent—or should I say depth—in the centre and defence is going to be this team’s Achilles heel. The young kids will be entertaining to watch.

Kadri and Huberdeau will continue to be the leaders of this team, and frankly, they have to be. What the team so desperately needs is scoring support.

Players like Frost and Farabee will have to improve their scoring numbers. Both of these players will have to rebound from disappointing seasons last year, but I don’t think they can. Coleman and Backlund must match or surpass their numbers from last year.

Lastly, the Calgary defence needs to improve on the silly mistakes in the defensive zone. If they can shore it up, it will vastly help the Calgary Flames in the long run.