Now is the time for the next wave of players to grab bigger roles
Yes, the Calgary Flames must come up with solutions regarding their myriad pending unrestricted free agents.
Yes, the Flames will require rebound seasons from their number-one goaltender Jacob Markstrom and highest-paid forward Jonathan Huberdeau, as well as a more consistent performance from Nazem Kadri, to have any hope of being a playoff club.
However, amidst all the potential changes and spotlights, the Flames also need a couple of their other key forwards to grab bigger roles when the puck drops on the 2023-24 season.
While the club works towards a resolution with its cornerstone players on the final year of their contracts — notably centers Elias Lindholm and Mikael Backlund and defensemen Noah Hanifin, Chris Tanev and Nikita Zadorov — more onus will fall on Andrew Mangiapane and Dillon Dube to become bigger pieces of the puzzle.
Both Mangiapane and Dube must step up from last season’s results, albeit from a different starting point.
Mangipane will head into the season looking to bounce back from the disappointing 17-goal season, a significant drop from the 35 goals he scored in 2021-22.
Aiding his rebound chances is that Magiapane is already well into training after requiring shoulder surgery in mid-April. Plus, Tyler Toffoli's departure via trade to the New Jersey Devils provides an opportunity to claim more top-line and power-play ice time.
Dube, who is coming off consecutive 18-goal seasons, is a potential breakout player. The versatile forward, who celebrated his 25th birthday earlier this month, was among the few players regularly praised by now-departed head coach Darryl Sutter during the club’s under-achieving season.
Dube’s ability to play center and wing could be a huge benefit for a team that will undoubtedly spend the season searching for new line combinations. As he heads into the prime of his career, and the natural progression with that stage of his career, a 30-goal season is possible.
The Flames are racing toward a new chapter, with a playoff berth a tall order. However, this season is an opportunity for others to make their mark as leaders.