N※N

Show Sports and Competition Publications

Havethe Flames Done Enough This Offseasonto Be Competitive

Have the Calgary Flames Done Enough This Offseason to Be Truly Competitive?

The Calgary Flames entered the offseason with a mix of optimism and urgency following a disappointing 2022-23 NHL season that saw them miss the playoffs despite high expectations. Under general manager Craig Conroy, who took over in a transitional role, the team has undergone a series of calculated moves aimed at retooling the roster without fully committing to a rebuild. But the burning question remains: Have these changes positioned the Flames as legitimate contenders in the Pacific Division, or are they still a step short of true competitiveness? As the dust settles on free agency and trades, a closer examination reveals a team that's improved in key areas but faces lingering uncertainties that could define their path forward.

Let's start with the Flames' performance last season, which provides crucial context for their offseason strategy. Finishing with a record that placed them outside the playoff picture, Calgary struggled with inconsistency, particularly in goaltending and secondary scoring. The departure of key players like Tyler Toffoli via trade and the ongoing saga with pending free agents highlighted a roster in flux. Conroy, a former Flames player himself, inherited a core built around stars like Jonathan Huberdeau, Elias Lindholm, and Jacob Markstrom, but the team lacked the depth and defensive stability to compete with the league's elite. The offseason, therefore, was an opportunity to address these gaps while managing a tight salary cap situation exacerbated by long-term contracts.

One of the most significant moves came early in the offseason with the acquisition of forward Yegor Sharangovich from the New Jersey Devils in a trade that sent Toffoli the other way. Sharangovich, a 25-year-old with a proven scoring touch, brings speed and versatility to the Flames' forward group. His ability to play both center and wing could help alleviate some of the pressure on the top lines, especially after Huberdeau's underwhelming debut season in Calgary following his blockbuster trade from Florida. Huberdeau, who signed a massive eight-year extension, posted career-low numbers, but there's hope that a full offseason of adjustment and better linemates will spark a rebound. Pairing him with Sharangovich and potentially a resurgent Andrew Mangiapane could form a dynamic second line capable of contributing offensively.

On the defensive end, the Flames made strides by signing veteran blueliner Oliver Kylington to a one-year deal after his extended absence due to personal reasons. Kylington's return adds mobility and puck-moving ability to a blue line that already features stalwarts like Rasmus Andersson and MacKenzie Weegar. However, the loss of Nikita Zadorov to free agency leaves a physical void, and the team will rely on younger defenders like Connor Zary or perhaps a trade acquisition to fill the gap. Conroy also bolstered the depth by adding affordable free agents such as forward Dryden Hunt and defenseman Jordan Oesterle, moves that prioritize experience without breaking the bank. These signings reflect a pragmatic approach, focusing on role players who can provide stability rather than splashy, high-cost additions.

Goaltending remains a pivotal area of concern and potential strength for the Flames. Jacob Markstrom, the team's starter, had an up-and-down season marked by injuries and inconsistent play. Yet, at his best, he's a Vezina-caliber netminder capable of stealing games. The Flames opted not to make major changes here, instead re-signing backup Dan Vladar to a two-year extension. This continuity could pay dividends if Markstrom returns to form, but it also underscores a risk—if goaltending falters again, the team's ceiling drops significantly. Emerging prospect Dustin Wolf, who impressed in the AHL, might get a longer look this season, adding an intriguing layer of depth and future potential.

In terms of the draft, the Flames selected promising talents like forward Samuel Honzek in the first round, emphasizing skill and size to build for the long term. Honzek's two-way game could accelerate his path to the NHL, potentially injecting youth into a lineup that's skewed toward veterans. This draft strategy aligns with Conroy's vision of blending immediate competitiveness with sustainable growth, avoiding the pitfalls of an all-in rebuild that could alienate fans in a hockey-mad market like Calgary.

Offensively, the Flames' core is anchored by Lindholm, who remains a free agent target for other teams but has expressed interest in staying. His two-way prowess as a center is invaluable, and retaining him would solidify the top six. Mikael Backlund, the team's captain, provides leadership and defensive reliability, while Nazem Kadri brings grit and scoring from the middle. The question is whether this group can generate enough consistent offense to match up against divisional powerhouses like the Edmonton Oilers, Vegas Golden Knights, and Los Angeles Kings. Last season's power play was middling at best, and improvements in special teams will be crucial. Coach Ryan Huska, entering his first full season at the helm, will need to implement systems that maximize the roster's strengths, perhaps emphasizing a faster, more transitional style to counter the Flames' occasional lapses in structure.

Financially, the Flames navigated the cap well, with about $5-7 million in space remaining as of late summer. This flexibility could allow for mid-season tweaks, such as acquiring a top-four defenseman or additional scoring depth if early results disappoint. However, the long-term commitments to Huberdeau and Kadri limit maneuverability, making it essential that these players perform up to their contracts.

So, have the Flames done enough? On paper, the moves suggest a team that's competitive but not elite. They've addressed some depth issues and added intriguing pieces like Sharangovich, but the absence of a blockbuster trade or marquee free-agent signing leaves them vulnerable. In a loaded Pacific Division, where teams like Edmonton boast superstars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, and Vegas defends its Stanley Cup title with a balanced roster, Calgary might find itself battling for a wild-card spot rather than a division crown. Optimists point to the potential for internal growth—Huberdeau's bounce-back, young players stepping up, and Markstrom's reliability—as factors that could propel them into contention. Pessimists, however, worry about the lack of star power and the risk of another middling season leading to a full teardown.

Ultimately, the Flames' offseason reflects a measured rebuild-on-the-fly approach, one that's sensible given their assets and market expectations. Training camp and the early games will be telling; if chemistry clicks and key players elevate their games, Calgary could surprise. But without more aggressive additions, they might hover around playoff contention without breaking through. As the NHL season approaches, the Flames are a team worth watching—not as favorites, but as a potential dark horse if everything aligns just right. (Word count: 928)

Read the Full The Hockey News - Calgary Flames Article at:
[ https://sports.yahoo.com/article/flames-done-enough-offseason-competitive-190441209.html ]