Flames count on roster changes to help turn their fortunes

The Calgary Flames (2-6-1) will have their top-minute defenseman back into the lineup and all signs point to the NHL debut for a first-round draft choice.

Whether it is enough to snap the five-game losing streak when they play host to the Dallas Stars on Wednesday night remains to be seen.

At least it is a shake-up for the floundering squad that has free fallen to nearly the bottom of the league standings.

The Flames certainly need a boost against a deep and talented Stars team that boasts a 5-1-1 mark.

Rasmus Andersson back in the lineup after having served his four-game suspension is a much-needed boost.

“You take our best defenseman out of the lineup, it’s going to affect you,” coach Ryan Huska told the media after Tuesday’s skate, succinctly making his point of Andersson’s importance.

It also appears 2020 first-round draft pick Connor Zary will play his first NHL game. Zary, 22, is off to a hot start with the AHL Wranglers, having collected 10 points (1-9-10) in the first six games. He skated at left wing on a line with Nazem Kadri and Yegor Sharangovich in Tuesday’s practice.

“I’m excited for what’s to come,” said Zary. “We’ll see what happens with the lineup, but when I get my chance, when I get my opportunity, I’ll just make the most out of it. It’s gonna be special no matter when it comes, and I’m gonna want to take it all in. But at the same time, I want to make an impression and take advantage of that opportunity.”

To say the Flames have struggled offensively would be an understatement. Calgary has just six goals in its five-game swoon, only three of them at even strength.

Expecting Zary to be the difference maker would be a tall order — Andersson is more likely to have an impact, but it is obvious the club needs an infusion. That said, Zary was skating on the second power-play unit during the practice and is confident about his game.

Huska said that when Zary was sent to the minors at the end of the pre-season, he was told to separate himself from the other prospects, and he delivered.

“It comes down to the way he can make plays and see the game,” Huska said. “I think you’ve seen that with what he’s done in the American league so far.”