Will the Flames shake up their lines or stick with some trios and pairings that showed promise last season?

It's early. Too early? Maybe. But time goes quickly and the Calgary Flames players are wrapping up summer vacations and making plans to return for training camp — so as we turn the corner toward the end of August, it seems like a great time to look at possible line combinations. 

The team re-signed forward Adam Klapka and defenceman Yan Kuznetsov to one-year, two-way dealsl on Monday, with both players expected to challenge for depth roles in camp. 

The Flames have quite a blend of veterans who have or are about to hit apex on their careers, and youngsters still just starting their NHL journey. There have been major changes, with half the starting defence from a year ago all gone. Offensive regulars have also been moved. And, of course, the starting goaltender from the last few seasons is gone, too. 

There could be a number of moves still coming as the Flames rebuild under GM Craig Conroy, but, assuming things remain status quo, there should be plenty of competition for the top 22 or 23 spots. 

Favourable Starting Combinations - Forwards

Jonathan Huberdeau - Yegor Sharangovich - Anthony Mantha

Connor Zary - Nazem Kadri - Andrei Kuzmenko

Jakub Pelletier - Mikael Backlund - Blake Coleman

Ryan Lomberg - Martin Pospisil - Matt Coronato

Surprisingly, there are big decisions to be made up front as the Flames try to determine the current path for guys like Zary, Pelletier, Pospisil and Coronato. Lomberg wasn't signed to sit as the 13th forward so you have to assume he's going to at least start the year pacing an energy line. Pospisil had a great world championship showing as a centre and could get a look in that role with the Flames. Pospisil was great on a line with Zary and Kadri last season, and they could go back to that if necessary, but centre depth is important for the long game and Pospisil is an upgrade on Kevin Rooney. 

Coronato had an inconsistent rookie season and may find himself back with the Calgary Wranglers in the American Hockey League to start next season, but a good camp could lead to a season-opening opportunity even on one of the lower lines. 

It makes no sense breaking up Backlund and Coleman and adding the oft-injured Pelletier to gain experience with those two stellar 200-foot players makes a lot of sense for his development. 

Mantha and Kuzmenko are musts for top six offensive roles and Conroy said when Mantha was signed that he hoped he might be a good fit with Huberdeau. All of the Flames fans dying to see something spark Huberdeau would love for that to happen. If it doesn't, Kuzmenko had chemistry on that line late last season and it would not shock anyone to see them reunited at some point. 

Perfect Pairings - Defence

MacKenzie Weegar - Daniil Miromanov

Kevin Bahl - Rasmus Andersson

Jake Bean - Brayden Pachal

Weegar and Andersson are the team's best defencemen by far, but splitting them to help usher in the younger generation makes sense. No position has more uncertainty than the Flames blueline this year. Bahl played a solid role for the New Jersey Devils last season and could make a perfect partner for former 50-point man Andersson. Miromanov showed great potential on the north side of the redline and should be even more confident in his surgically repaired knee now. Bean replaces former fan favourite Oliver Kylington — whose UFA experience went a little differently than most expected — and is an intriguing hometown addition who could spend time with Pachal or perhaps a surprise that comes out of camp. 

Joel Hanley and Ilya Solovyov are among those who would be considered for seventh man duties, or to compete for bottom pairing ice time. Others like first-round pick Zayne Parekh or other talented prospects who haven't yet made their mark — such as Jeremie Poirier — could bump someone or make a veteran like Andersson a possible deadline asset. 

The Masked Men - Goaltending

Dustin Wolf

Dan Vladar

Wolf is the one. Or at least the Calgary Flames hope he's their next elite starting goaltender. Vladar is a nice backup with the potential to take a 1b role, but he's coming off hip surgery and the team inked Devin Cooley as insurance. The job is Wolf's as long as he shows he's capable of it. 

It might be a bumpy ride but the Flames will find out what they've got.