Calgary Flames: Noah Hanifin, James Neal give Flames high hopes
The Calgary Flames had an offseason full of changes, led by the additions of Noah Hanifin and James Neal. Will those changes be good or bad for their Stanley Cup chances?
The Calgary Flames were one of the most disappointing teams in the NHL last season. After making the Stanley Cup Playoffs in 2016-17 and adding Travis Hamonic, many had them as one of the top teams in the Pacific Division. However, that was not the case, as the Flames lost nine of their last 11 games to miss the postseason. Trading for Noah Hanifin was a part of a summer of changes.
This brought about some necessary changes, as head coach Glen Gulutzman was dismissed and replaced by former Carolina Hurricanes head coach Bill Peters. Also, the Flames traded top pairing defenseman Dougie Hamilton and forward Micheal Ferland, along with prospect Adam Fox, for Hanifin and Elias Lindholm.
More from Puck Prose
- Detroit Red Wings 2023 Rookie Camp Has Plenty of Ups and Downs
- This Columbus Blue Jackets rookie doesn’t want to be forgotten
- 2 trades the Boston Bruins must make to secure the Stanley Cup
- 3 reasons the Avalanche won’t win the Stanley Cup in 2024
- This is a big year for Alex Turcotte and the Los Angeles Kings
In free agency, Calgary signed consistent goal-scoring forward James Neal and center Derek Ryan. The Flames are hoping these changes are for the best, as opposed to the worst. Losing Hamilton is a huge loss, but Calgary got better in other areas. Will it be enough, though?
Offseason Review
Additions: Hanifin, Lindholm, Ryan, Neal, F Anthony Peluso, F Kerby Rychel, F Garnet Hathaway (re-signed), G David Rittich (re-signed), D Brett Kulak (re-signed), F Mark Jankowski (re-signed), G Jon Gillies (re-signed), F Austin Czarnik, F Buddy Robinson, F Alan Quine, F Tyler Graovac
Departures: Hamilton, Ferland, F Hunter Shinkaruk, F Kris Versteeg, F Troy Brouwer
The Flames did a lot to address their lack of forward depth. They now have a plethora of options there, which should help them. Brouwer got bought out just two years into an ill-advised deal during the summer of 2016. If nothing else, this opens up a roster spot for a younger and likely better player.