The Calgary Flames’ Defensive Shake-Up: Meet the Contenders

The Flames are opening the new door to the season; Hanifin, Tanev, Lindholm, and Big Z are all gone. But hey, we still have Andersson, Weeger, Kadri, Backlund, and Coleman hanging around. There are a lot of questions heading into this year. I’m particularly interested in seeing the defense sorted out.  

Mackenzie Weeger and Rasmus Andersson are locked up. After that, who knows? Here are my thoughts on those fighting for the next spots up for grabs.

Daniil Miromanov

Most experts have Miromanov locked up one of the top 4 d spots. I love his offensive skills. He has a terrific shot. He could really boost the powerplay with that kind of firepower. He still needs to work on his defensive game, but I am with most of you in thinking he will be on the roster.

Kevin Bahl

A big and nasty stay-at-home dman, Kevin will be the anchor on the penalty kill. He won’t contribute much to the offense; that is not in his game. He’s a solid stay-at-home guy who’s all about strengthening the defense. He will probably become the goalie’s best friend.

Jake Bean

I have watched this kid since his Calgary Hitmen days. Jake is your typical fifth/sixth defenseman who is capable of helping out again on the powerplay. He hasn’t fully reached his potential yet, so he’s a bit of a wild card for the Flames to consider. The Flames have nothing to lose in taking a stab at him. He might even be able to step up and fill a top 4 spot if injuries require it.

Brayden Pachal

I had a lot of options to consider, but after some thought, I went with Brayden, the incumbent. I think he’s done enough to earn the spot. I also like that he does not shy away from the rough stuff. Pachal is good enough defensively. He is good enough to fill in at number six. Pachal is decent defensively and could hold down the fort as a number six. But honestly, most teams would probably see him as more of a number 7 or 8 forward.

Randy

Flames Then and Now

I dare say the Flames'  defense has never been so highly vaunted since 1989. Most people are putting the Flames defense in the top four in the League. Some say as high as second in the League just behind the Preds blue line.  How good is this defense? I think excellent, but only time will tell how good they are.

So, I thought I would compare the 1989 team with this year's defensive corps. Which defense is better? This is obviously subjective, but let's have a look:

1989 Flames

Al MacInnis

Maybe the best dman on the Flames ever.  Al had three 20-goal seasons as a defenceman.  Although this was in a different era of hockey, twenty goals is comparable to fifty goals as a forward.  Al was a consistent all-star while with the Flames.

Gary Suter    

A terrific playmaking defencemen who would have been number one on most teams. But because Al, Gary never got any of the limelight. That suited Gary just fine.

Jamie Macoun

A steady stay home defencemen who you could always rely on. Jamie knew his limitations and rarely got caught out of place. Jamie was the player who blocked the shot when needed.  He was a stable influence on the defense to calm things down.

Brad McCrimmon

Brad was a solid defenceman with some offensive punch. Mostly on the ice to cover up mistakes.  An excellent penalty killer with a no nonsense mentality.

Rob Ramage   

His best years were with the Blues. By the time he got traded to the Flames, he was a service defenceman.  He was mostly there to fill a hole on the defense.  And he did. A solid dman who could be relied on in the defensive zone.

Dana Murzyn

A number six defencemen who played limited minutes.  Nothing more nothing less. He did what was expected of him. The only thing was, there not much expected of him.

2017 Flames

Mark Giordano 

The leader, the heart, and soul of the team.  Mark has been so steady for so long. When the Flames needed a hit, goal, or play, Mark is their man. He does everything well on the powerplay and penalty kill.  Most offensive dmen lack the defensive play. Mark does not.

TJ Brodie

TJ is a gifted young defenceman who can distribute the puck with accuracy. He is a solid, playmaking defenseman who can cover up his mistakes with his speed.  He could be as high as a number two on most teams. In Calgary, he is a three or four guy.

Dougie Hamilton

Dougie can do it all for the Flames.  An excellent, all around defencemen.  Dougie is involved in all aspects of the game, his slapshot highly underrated. He is used as the number one powerplay unit with Gio.  He is a slick, playmaking defensemen who can pass with the best of them.

Travis Hamonic

The highly-touted ex- New York Islander will fit right in.  The key point is Travis does not have the pressure of being the man.  He is a second pairing defenseman. He will flourish in his role. No pressure, and all the glory in the lineup this season.

Michael Stone 

In ninety percent of the League, Michael would be the second pairing defencemen. Unfortunately for him, he is on the Flames, which puts him as a number five defencemen.  Michael is not a flashy player, but he is consistently playing with in his strength. Rarely does he play out of his game, which is the main reason the Flames re-signed him.

Matt Bartkowski/Rasmus Andersson 

Whichever one gets the job will have Stone as a teacher. Matt is the most stable.  Meaning more experienced and more predictable.  Andersson is the more talented but maybe makes more mistakes. Either way, you get what you get in sixth defensemen.

Conclusion

There you have it. I feel the "now" defense is very close to any team in the League.  The only reason I would be leaning toward the "then" team is Al Macinnis.