The Calgary Flames are heading into the 2024-25 NHL season with a roster in transition. The group is poised for a rebuild after a sequence of serious strikes by GM Craig Conroy. This season, it might appear that there will likely be a concentrate on creating younger expertise and constructing a stable basis for the longer term.
Whereas the Flames won’t be playoff contenders this season, a number of gamers might play pivotal roles within the group’s journey. Listed below are 5 Flames gamers followers ought to control this season.
Participant One: Dustin Wolf – Goaltender
Dustin Wolf is ready to tackle a extra important position within the Flames’ web this season after Jacob Markstrom‘s departure. The 23-year-old goaltender has stood out within the AHL, incomes MVP honors and posting spectacular stats over three seasons.
Wolf’s means to transition his AHL success to the NHL degree will likely be essential for Calgary. Flames followers ought to watch how he handles the elevated workload and whether or not he can solidify himself because the group’s go-to goalie.
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Participant Two: Connor Zary – Middle
Connor Zary emerged as a promising younger heart for the Flames final season after forming a productive line with Nazem Kadri and Martin Pospisil. With 75 factors of his personal final season, Kadri helped Zary shine. The duo could possibly be important to the Flames’ offensive output this season. Zary’s continued growth will likely be important as Calgary seems to construct a extra dynamic and youthful ahead group.
Participant Three: MacKenzie Weegar – Defenseman
MacKenzie Weegar ought to grow to be a cornerstone of the Flames’ protection this season. That is particularly mandatory after the group’s defensive depth took a success in the course of the offseason. Weegar’s means to mentor youthful defensemen and keep a stable defensive presence will likely be important. His partnership with Daniil Miromanov, who additionally was spectacular late final season, will likely be a important part of Calgary’s blue line.
Participant 4: Yegor Sharangovich – Proper Wing
Yegor Sharangovich was a brilliant spot for the Flames final season. He led the group with 31 objectives after he was acquired from the New Jersey Devils. His five-year contract extension reveals the Flames’ dedication to him as essential to their future.
Followers ought to watch to see if Sharangovich can construct on final season’s success and whether or not he can grow to be a constant scoring menace for Calgary.
Participant 5: Zayne Parekh – Defenseman
It’s uncertain that Zayne Parekh will begin the season with the Flames. Nonetheless, the group’s high 2024 draft decide is one to observe. Parekh is an thrilling younger defenseman with a excessive offensive upside, scoring 33 objectives and 96 factors in his draft 12 months. If he impresses in coaching camp, he might get a trial run within the NHL, giving followers a glimpse of what could possibly be a future star for the Flames.
The Backside Line for the Flames for the 2024-25 Season
The 2024-25 season won’t see the Calgary Flames make a deep playoff run. Nonetheless, it’s an necessary 12 months for the group’s future. Specializing in the event of gamers like Wolf, Zary, and Parekh will give followers perception into the potential of the Flames’ subsequent core.
As Calgary engages in its rebuilding, these gamers might grow to be the inspiration for its future success.
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