Could the Calgary Flames push for a playoff spot in 2016-17?
After a strong offseason last year, many believed the Calgary Flames would return to the playoffs. However, that wasn’t the case. Everything that could have gone wrong for the Flames went wrong as they finished with the league’s fifth worst record. The Flames made some significant changes, none more significant than firing 2014-15 Jack Adams Trophy winner Bob Hartley. Despite a rough 2015-16 season, the future is bright for the Flames.
Offseason Review
Additions: G Brian Elliott (Blues), F Troy Brouwer (Blues), G Chad Johnson (Sabres), F Linden Vey (Canucks), F Alex Chiasson (Senators), F Matthew Tkachuk (2016 NHL Draft)
Losses: D Patrick Sieloff (Senators), F Mason Raymond (Ducks), F Joe Colborne (Avalanche), C/F Josh Jooris (Rangers)
Retained: C Sean Monahan
Pending: F Johnny Gaudreau
The Calgary Flames put an end to their seemingly endless revolving door in net by trading for St. Louis Blues goaltender Brian Elliott at the 2016 NHL Draft. They had to pay a hefty price (second round pick and conditional 2018 draft pick), but Elliott now has a chance to be a starting goaltender. He did very well in 2015-16, leading the league in save percentage. Elliott will be a free agent after the 2016-17 season but expect the Calgary Flames to give him an extension.
Goaltending depth is important. The Calgary Flames realized this and signed former Buffalo Sabres goaltender Chad Johnson to a one-year deal. Johnson is a very capable backup who has shown that he can handle a starting role. Upgrading their goaltending while only spending $4.2 million is quite the accomplishment. Take a bow, Brad Treliving.
Calgary signed Elliott’s former teammate with the Blues Troy Brouwer to a four-year deal. The fourth year isn’t going to be pretty, but Brouwer’s a very solid player who should give the Flames at least two or three good seasons. He makes them better in 2016-17 and should help improve their subpar penalty kill.
Linden Vey and Alex Chiasson are intriguing depth pieces who could contribute for the Flames. At least one of them will likely be on the fourth line and the other could find himself in the press box most nights as a healthy scratch. It was a bit odd the Flames didn’t tender Josh Jooris or Joe Colborne. They could have at least gotten something for them in a trade. Overall though, an excellent offseason for the Flames.
