The Calgary Flames may be a crew in transition, however they nonetheless boast loads of expertise and potential. After an offseason marked by vital modifications, uncertainty, and pleasure encompass the crew heading into the 2024-25 season.
Whereas some would possibly view this as a rebuilding yr, the Flames are poised to shock underneath the fitting circumstances. With key gamers able to step up and a renewed give attention to the long run, what are the 5 best-case eventualities that might make this season profitable for Calgary?
Greatest-Case State of affairs One: Dustin Wolf Emerges as a High-Tier Goalie
After a dominant AHL profession, Dustin Wolf lastly will get his likelihood to shine because the Flames’ full-time goalie. On this best-case situation, Wolf adapts rapidly to the NHL tempo. He posts spectacular numbers and proves that his measurement isn’t a barrier. If Wolf may solidify himself as one of many league’s brightest younger netminders, he may give Calgary a cornerstone to construct round of their rebuild.
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Wolf’s rise would stabilize the Flames’ goaltending and speed up their rebuild. By himself, he may flip what might be a painful transition into one stuffed with hope and pleasure for the long run.
Greatest-Case State of affairs Two: Jonathan Huberdeau Rediscovers His Type
Jonathan Huberdeau struggled to seek out his footing final season. However in 2024-25, he may return to the playmaking wizard that Flames followers hoped for when he was acquired. On this best-case situation, Huberdeau turns into the offensive chief Calgary desperately wants. He drives play and lifts the performances of these round him.
A return to type may see Huberdeau main the crew in factors and performing as a mentor for younger gamers. These embody Connor Zary and Matt Coronato, who’re laying the groundwork for the Flames’ subsequent period of success.
Greatest-Case State of affairs Three: The Flames Youth Motion Thrives
Calgary’s younger expertise — together with Connor Zary, Martin Pospisil, and Adam Klapka — has taken vital strides this season. On this best-case situation, Zary turns into a dependable top-six heart. Klapka and Pospisil carve out important roles on the Flames’ third and fourth traces.
The youth motion thrives underneath the steerage of veterans like Nazem Kadri and Blake Coleman, who present mentorship. On this best-case situation, the Flames’ youthful gamers develop sooner than anticipated. In the event that they did so, they might create a promising core that may develop collectively and push the crew ahead.
Greatest-Case State of affairs 4: MacKenzie Weegar and Rasmus Andersson Anchor the Protection
With lots of Calgary’s established defensemen now gone, MacKenzie Weegar and Rasmus Andersson rise to the event. They type a stable prime pairing. Each gamers embrace management roles, logging heavy minutes whereas shutting down opposing groups’ prime traces.
Along with their defensive contributions, they grow to be extra concerned offensively. Each Weegar and Andersson set new profession highs in factors. Doing so supplies stability and consistency to a younger Flames blue line, giving Calgary a stable basis to construct for the long run.
Greatest-Case State of affairs 5: Cap Area is Weaponized to Construct for the Future
Craig Conroy capitalizes on the Flames’ ample cap area by buying beneficial draft picks and prospects. In alternate for vital future belongings, the crew takes on dangerous contracts from different organizations. By doing so, they place themselves properly for the 2025 and 2026 NHL Drafts.
On this situation, Calgary doesn’t simply sit again and wait throughout its rebuild. It actively makes use of its sources to construct one of many deepest prospect swimming pools within the league. By the point the Flames are able to contend once more, it has a conflict chest of younger expertise to deploy or commerce for rapid assist.
The Backside Line for the Flames in 2024-25
Whereas 2024-25 might not deliver playoff glory, these 5 best-case eventualities supply hope that the Calgary Flames are transferring in the fitting route. If Dustin Wolf breaks out, the younger core develops rapidly, and the crew’s cap area is used strategically, the Flames may set themselves up for long-term success.
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