Flames Expected to Be Sellers & Further Power Play Regression
Plus, Oliver Kylington is returning with a conditioning stint in the AHL
Welcome to the THW Calgary Flames Substack newsletter, with all the latest from our team of Flames writers.
In today’s edition, we have an article that discusses why most industry leaders expect the Flames to be sellers ahead of the trade deadline, a discussion of the team’s power play and how it’s regressed more under Marc Savard’s leadership, and Oliver Kylington is returning to the team with an AHL conditioning stint.
Finally, we give out some New Year’s resolutions for 2024.
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Now, on to the good stuff…
Insider Says Most in Industry Believe Flames Will Be Sellers
January 5, 2024 by Rupert McDonald
The Calgary Flames are involved in a tight playoff race, but that may not be enough to convince general manager Craig Conroy to be a buyer, or even stand pat at the trade deadline. Entering the season, it was expected that the Flames would be sellers, and early into the New Year, that still appears to be the plan.
Former NHLer and now analyst Nick Kypreos recently explained the Flames’ approach heading into the deadline on The Big Show with Rusic & Rose, stating his belief that even with the team performing better as of late, they will still look to sell off some of their pending UFA’s ahead of the trade deadline.
“There’s not a lot of people in the industry that believe that Calgary won’t be some sort of seller come the trade deadline,” Kypreos said. “As much success as you can say Calgary has had, with another big win last night, they’ve got expiring contracts that need to be addressed.”
Flames Send Kylington to AHL on a Conditioning Stint
January 4, 2024 by Abigail Hubbard
Calgary Flames defenseman Oliver Kylington has been assigned to the Calgary Wranglers of the American Hockey League (AHL) for conditioning. The 26-year-old hasn’t played a game for the Flames since the 2021-22 season after taking time off for his mental health. This assignment is excellent news for both Kylington and the Flames.
Flames Power Play Has Regressed Even Further Under Savard
January 3, 2024 by Rupert McDonald
Hiring Marc Savard as an assistant coach went over well with Calgary Flames fans. While younger fans may not remember, Savard was a dominant offensive talent in the 2000s. Though he had his ups and downs as a member of the Flames early in his career, he quickly turned into a superstar with the Atlanta Thrashers and remained that way for several seasons with the Boston Bruins.
By the time Savard’s playing career came to an end, he had 207 goals and 706 points in 807 games. Had his career not been cut short due to concussions, he almost certainly would have surpassed the 1,000-game threshold and may have warranted a Hall-of-Fame discussion.
With his resume and the comments from Conroy and others in the Flames organization, it was hard for fans to contain their excitement. This seemed to be a great fit, particularly for an offensive-minded player like Jonathan Huberdeau, who struggled under former head coach Darryl Sutter’s defensive-minded approach. Savard himself expressed plenty of optimism that Huberdeau would rebound in 2023-24. Unfortunately, that hasn’t happened.
Calgary Flames’ 2024 New Year’s Resolutions
January 2, 2024 by Abigail Hubbard
2024 has begun and the NHL is nearing the second half of the season. The Calgary Flames have been struggling during this rebuilding period with a 15-16-5 record. They’re currently sitting third from the bottom in the Pacific Division and have a long way to go if they want to make it to the playoffs. As the new year progresses, the Flames are going to have to make some good resolutions and make sure they follow through.