Flames' Kadri Exceeded Expectations in 2023-24 & the Jonathan Huberdeau Problem
Plus, why Flames players have more optimism after this season & more
Welcome to the THW Calgary Flames Substack newsletter, with all the latest from our team of Flames writers.
Flames’ Kadri Exceeded Expectations in 2023-24
April 22, 2024 by Derek Olsen
The 2023-24 NHL regular season is officially over for the Calgary Flames. The team was effectively eliminated from the playoffs in early April and will not partake in any postseason games for the second consecutive season. The franchise has a litany of issues including goal scoring and consistent special teams performances, as well as underperforming, expensive players like Jonathan Huberdeau. However, Flames fans also have many things to look forward to such as multiple young roster players making strides and an abundance of upcoming draft picks after some big trades took place this season.
Flames Players’ Optimism Much Higher Than a Season Ago
April 20, 2024 by Rupert McDonald
From a record standpoint, the Calgary Flames were a worse team in 2023-24 than a season ago. Last season, they finished with a 38-27-17 record for 93 points, which was two shy of the Winnipeg Jets for a playoff berth. Though they had the same 38 wins this season, they suffered 39 regulation losses, picking up a single point in overtime/shootout defeats on just five occasions. They ended the year with 81 points, 17 shy of the Vegas Golden Knights for a wild-card position.
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Flames Have a Jonathan Huberdeau Problem
April 20, 2024 by Rupert McDonald
So much for a bounce-back season. When Jonathan Huberdeau first arrived in Calgary after an offseason trade with the Florida Panthers, fans believed that the team was in as good of shape if not better to contend for a Stanley Cup. On paper, that certainly looked to be the case. Not only were Huberdeau and Nazem Kadri believed to be good replacements for Matthew Tkachuk and Johnny Gaudreau, but several others that remained on the roster were coming off of career years.