What pre-season taught us and what to watch for as we ready for Wednesday's curtain lifter versus the Winnipeg Jets
Only a few more sleeps until the puck drops on the NHL season, and the wild ride that it will become.
As the Calgary Flames prepare for the Wednesday’s opener at home to the Winnipeg Jets, there is still the business of declaring their Opening Day roster by 3 p.m. MT on Monday and the fine tuning — complete with salary cap gymnastics.
As the clock ticks down, here are seven thoughts with the training camp and pre-season games in the history books.
The pleasant surprise
With Jeremie Poirier easing back into action after off-season knee surgery, more ice time was available and Ilya Solovyov took advantage. The 2020 seventh round pick certainly climbed the depth chart and could be a bottom-pair option. Hulking forward Adam Klapka is also close to making his NHL debut.
The goaltender battle
The end result, status quo from last season with Jacob Markstrom the number-one netminder, Dan Vladar the back up and Dustin Wolf in the minors, should surprise nobody. The games really didn’t show anything people already didn’t know, especially that Wolf is knocking at the door and gives the club a much-needed option should an injury necessitate a summons or a trade involving Vladar presents itself.
Temper expectations of Coronato
Matt Coronato, the 2021 first-round draft pick, officially led the Flames in in both goals (four) and points (seven) having played six games. Before everybody gets too excited, remember all of those points came in two of the games: the three-goal, one-assist performance in the 10-0 laugher against the minor-league squad Vancouver sent to open the pre-season and a one-goal, two-assist game against the Winnipeg Jets, which was a legitimately excellent outing. Coronato has outstanding potential, a world-class shot and very good work ethic. Even so, a 15-goal season would be a good start for the 20-year-old right wing. After that is bonus territory.
Depth remains an issue
One concern about the Flames was the forward depth, or lack there of. Jakob Pelletier’s shoulder injury, and to a degree Kevin Rooney’s, is proof of the shortcoming. Whomever the Flames decide to name as their 12th forward has earned the spot, but it is somewhat by default. Of the bubble players, Dryden Hunt — who has more than 200 NHL games under his belt — was the best of the bunch, while Cole Schwindt’s biggest advantage is his ability to play center. Connor Zary, the 2020 first-rounder, is getting close, but is not quite there yet.
It would not be a surprise if the Flames claim a player off waivers or even make a trade for a third/fourth-line player who can suit up at center.
How Sharangovich fits
Yegor Sharangovich, the key return from the trade that sent Tyler Toffoli to the New Jersey Devils, is still finding his way with the Flames. He was tried in a few spots, notably on a line with Jonathan Huberdeau and Elias Lindholm to start camp, but chemistry with anybody has been elusive. The skills are there, but it may take a bit more time to figure out where he fits.
The new crop
The 2023 draft choices who were in camp — Samuel Honzek, Etienne Morin and Jaden Lipinski — all fared well enough. All three showed they have potential, but are best served in junior. Honzek, the first-rounder, at times appeared tentative, but expect to see a lot of growth next fall.
The contract conundrum
As much as the Flames and their faithful would love to see resolutions regarding the key veterans who are pending unrestricted free agents after this season, it has not happened beyond the deal for newly minuted captain Mikael Backlund. Top-line center Elias Lindholm and defensemen Noah Hanifin, Chris Tanev and Nikita Zadorov are require contracts. The danger remains that Calgary is a playoff team and those skaters remain unsigned. New general manager Craig Conroy will face some difficult decisions regarding players who would all have great value at the trade deadline.
