Calgary Flames Christmas Wish List

With hopes of a 2020-21 NHL season within reach, why not celebrate the holiday season with a Calgary Flames wish list.

Here are some ideas for a realistic wish list the Calgary Flames organization might come up with if asked.

All-Star Goaltending

Last season, David Rittich and Jacob Markstrom both earned a spot at the All-Star Game as a result of their exceptional play over the first-half of the season. Continuing that trend into this year with another possible All-Star calibre season for Rittich or an emerging Flames star in Jacob Markstrom, who should be the new No. 1 starter after signing a six-year, $36 million contract in Free Agency, would bode well for the team’s success.

A Pacific Division Title or All-Canadian Title (Whatever that will look like this year)

The Canadian teams have not had a lot of luck in the Stanley Cup Playoffs as of late. If there is to be an all-Canadian division to adjust to travel guidelines and COVID-19 restrictions, one team will emerge victorious. If that ends up being the Calgary Flames, this will statistically put them in the best spot to be successful in the 2021 race for the Stanley Cup. If they end up having to play all their games in the United States,  securing their division would be an ambitious, but achievable goal.

30 Goal Season for the Top Line

The top line has the highest expectations for production. If the lines do not get switched up too much, the top line can be expected to be Elias Lindholm, Sean Monahan and Johnny Gaudreau once again. In the 2019-20 season, Lindholm finished the regular season with 29 goals, Monahan finished with 22 goals and Gaudreau finished with 18. In the season prior to that, Lindholm was the only top line forward that did not reach the 30 goal mark, just falling short at 27. So, the 2020-21 season could be the year that the trio all reach the 30-goal plateau.

Free Blasty Twitter Emoji

Look, #FreeBlasty was trending on Twitter long before the Jersey announcement, so now is the time to give it the attention it deserves. The Flaming C has a place on Twitter and the Flaming Horsehead deserves one too.

A Playoff Push that Reaches and Exceeds Two Rounds

There is no denying the last few Playoff showings for the Flames have not been exceptional. There have been plenty of opportunities and the potential for them to be a serious competitor, but the execution has not been there. Improvement is needed and it starts by making it past the monster that is the Second Round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Sweep the Season Series Against the Edmonton Oilers

The Battle of Alberta got quite heated last season and was some of the most entertaining games played all year. From the Matthew Tkachuk/Zack Kassian rivalry to the goalie fight that put former Flames and Oilers goalies Mike Smith and Cam Talbot on the other side of the action, there was a lot of spice to digest in these games.

Not only would the bragging rights be great for the Calgary Flames if they swept the Oilers all season, but the calibre of play will prepare them for the toughest games of the season as they will likely be playing less games before the Stanley Cup Playoffs in 2020-21.

Andersson Top Defensemen

The young Flames talent has had a few seasons to get their feet wet and develop their skills. Rasmus Andersson has been a consistent piece on the blueline and has earned every second of his playing time. With 2020-21 being his third full-time season with the team, what better time to emerge as one of the most talented defensemen on the Flames roster?

Full-Time Playoff Bennett

Sam Bennett was electric in the Flames’ postseason series last season. When other players were not producing, Bennett not only elevated his game but also led his line to higher production. He led the team in goals in this series with five and tied for total points with Sean Monahan with eight.

Maybe it is the magic of the Playoff beard, but more of that in the regular season would be very exciting to see.

Many players are on their way back or already quarantining to prepare for Calgary Flames Training Camp in the upcoming weeks. The beginning is near!

What would you add to the wishlist?