We took the crystal ball out for a spin and here are the first wave of prognostications
We took the crystal ball out for a spin and here are the first wave of prognostications
It’s still barbecue season, but hockey season is fast approaching.
When the skates and pucks hit the ice, so many wild and wacky things can happen.
It has been an off-season full of surprises for the Calgary Flames, with new faces among the coaching staff and management and plenty of off-ice intrigue regarding the future of so many skaters.
With that in mind, here are three predictions for the coming campaign, which will undoubtedly be filled with a litany of twists and turns.
Jonathan Huberdeau hits 85 points
After a dismal and disappointing first season in Calgary, Huberdeau will not only have a rebound campaign but lead the Flames offensively with a point-per-game pace.
Huberdeau’s 15-goal, 55-point campaign ended a streak of five consecutive seasons in which he scored 20 or more goals and four straight in which he was better than a point-per-game.
An off-season spent resetting himself and the enthusiasm of a new coaching staff that will focus more on offensive creativity will go a long way for the veteran winger. By no means should anyone expect Huberdeau to finish with 115 points as he did in 2021-22 with the Florida Panthers, but a push for 90 points is realistic.
Matt Coronato outscores Jakob Pelletier
Barring unforeseen developments, expect the Flames to boast a pair of rookie forwards in their lineup through the whole season in Pelletier (26th overall in 2019) and Coronato (13th overall in 2021).
That will be a good thing for the club which desperately needs an infusion of youth.
Both Pelletier and Coronato will make their mark. However, when the dust settles expect Coronato and his dangerous release to have a bigger effect on the scoresheet than Pelletier’s. A 20-goal season for Coronato, who has the ability to work his way onto the second power-play unit, would not be a huge surprise.
Dustin Wolf will receive at least 10 NHL starts
Understandably, fans are clamouring to see Wolf, the AHL’s top goaltender in each of the past two seasons, suit up for the big club all season.
Wolf, who also was named league MVP last season with the Calgary Wranglers and made his NHL debut in the Flames’ season finale, has certainly earned a shot.
However, the Flames have no intention of rushing Wolf onto the big-league roster and will definitely take advantage of the fact he does not require waivers to be sent to the minors.
That said, whether it is because of injury or a trade involving back-up goalie Dan Vladar — both very realistic scenarios — Wolf will take the next step in his career and see big-league action. Fans will definitely fall in love with his athletic style.
Certainly, he will be donning Flames’ silks in all of the 2024-25 season and eventually push to be a number-one netminder.