The crystal ball is at the ready with a second wave of prognostications
The crystal ball is at the ready with a second wave of prognostications
Welcome to part two of our predictions for the coming Calgary Flames season.
With one set of prognostications for the campaign already on the record, we have another batch to keep in mind with the ice already installed at the Saddledome and training camp just a few weeks away.
Yegor Sharangovich to hit 25 goals
A 50-point campaign is also very possible for the forward acquired from the New Jersey Devils in the trade that also netted a draft choice (used to select forward Aydar Suniev) and sent Tyler Toffoli to Newark.
Sharangovich, who is heading into his fourth NHL season, was a 24-goal, 46-point player in 2021-22, but fell to 13 goals and 30 points last season as his role was reduced on a roster that deepened.
The 25-year-old capable of playing all three forward positions, a boon for Calgary since the Flames are very thin at center and it could be an even bigger hole if Elias Lindholm and/or Mikael Backlund do not re-sign.
Sharangovich will be given plenty of opportunity — an obvious starting point would be on a line with Jonathan Huberdeau — and expect him to take advantage.
Andrew Mangiapane bounces back
After a 35-goal season in 2021-22 (with an 18.9 percent shooting rate), Mangiapane struggled to just 17 goals last season (and shot at 9.34 percent).
Following off-season shoulder surgery, he will have a combination of better health and extra motivation, which should mean cracking the 30-goal mark again.
The Flames are heading into a new era at some point, and Mangiapane is among those who will be counted on to take a bigger role. His skill (worth noting he has a career 14.9 percent shot rate) will come through.
Connor Zary is next to make his NHL debut
With both Matt Coronato and Dustin Wolf playing their first NHL games last season, expect Zary to be the next player to do the famed rookie lap.
Zary, the 2020 first-round draft choice (24th overall) is coming off a very strong 2022-23 season in which he collected 21 goals and 58 points in 72 games for the AHL Calgary Wranglers.
It would be something of a surprise if Zary, who will celebrate his 22nd birthday on Sept. 25, is ready for a full-time NHL gig, but with the organization’s desire to integrate more youth into the lineup, an early season summons appears in the cards.