Last Season – The Flames finished 37-29-16 for 90 points but still missed the playoffs by 5 points, finishing 9th.
Saying Goodbye – Olli Jokinen, David Moss, Scott Hannan
Saying Hello – Jiri Hudler, Dennis Wideman, Roman Cervenka
Iggy’s time as a centrepiece in Calgary could be running out. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Ready to Step In – Sven Baertschi has been very good in Abbotsford (AHL) so far this season and looked good in a cup of coffee in Calgary last year. He will not likely start in Calgary, but could be among the first callups in case of injury, and might stick around for a while after that.
Look For A Bounce-back Season From – Mickael Backlund has been around the organization for a while and needs to put in a solid full season or he might get shuffled out of the Flames’ plans. Was injured for much of 2011-12 and needs to put those woes behind him.
Hardware Hopefuls – Mikka Kiprusoff, Vezina;
Upside – Hudler, Wideman, and a full (half) season of Mike Cammalleri along with newcomer Cervenka should make the Flames a better offensive team.
Downside -This could be the best chance for the Flames to make some noise with Iginla and Kiprusoff as the core of the team. Both are aging and their time is running out.
2013 Prognosis – The Flames will be in the mix for a playoff spot again this year, but won’t be able to compete with the elite teams like the Canucks, Red Wings and Kings. They are also looking over their shoulders at the rapidly advancing Edmonton Oilers. They seem to essentially be treading water while others could pass them. If they are out of touch, look for a possible sell-off of Iginla and Kiprusoff among others.