Chutes And Ladders: Calgary Flames

Over the next few days, I will be looking at each team n the NHL and identifying a couple of players in particular that fit into one of two categories based on the once popular kids game, Chutes and Ladders.  The players in the “chutes” category will be players who exceeded expectations last season, and will have a difficult time avoiding a slide in the coming season.  The “ladder” category will consist of players who are ready to climb a level in their play and step up a notch.

CALGARY FLAMES

Apr 25, 2013; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Blues right wing Ryan Reaves (75) scores a goal against the Calgary Flames during the third period at the Scottrade Center. The Blues defeated the Flames 4-1. Mandatory Credit: Scott Rovak-USA TODAY Sports

Chutes:  The Calgary Flames as a team.  The Flames will be without not one, but two faces of the franchise, who have left town.  Through retirement (Miikka Kiprusoff) and trade (Jarome Iginla) the Flames will begin a rebuild that will likely see them hit rock-bottom this season.

Jun 30, 2013; Newark, NJ, USA; Sean Monahan poses with team officials after being introduced as the number six overall pick to the Calgary Flames during the 2013 NHL Draft at the Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports

Ladders:  Sean Monahan. With the lack of any top end centre on the roster, 6th overall pick in 2013 Monahan should be able to crack the lineup and even play a top 6 role.  And after the year his junior team, the Ottawa 67’s,just had, he knows all about playing a big role on a bad team.  Monahan could be a rookie of the year candidate based solely on the  opportunity he will receive.