2021-2022 Season Projections
For all my season previews, we’ll be utilizing my 2021-2022 team and player projections. You can find much more background on these models here, along with more on assessing value of contracts here. In this post, we’ll preview the Calgary Flames.
2021 Offseason
After a disappointing 2020-2021 season that prompted promises of change this offseason, the Flames had a quiet summer. The only change made to their core was the loss of Mark Giordano in the expansion draft. Rather than making major changes, the Flames brought in a number of veterans who fit with head coach Daryl Sutter’s defensive style to fill depth roles.
2021-2022 Season Preview
Roster Strength
The Flames forward group looks relatively deep overall. Their defense corps took a significant hit with the loss of Giordano and the top pair could be a concern. Goaltending is also a bit of a question mark without a proven NHL goaltender to backup Jacob Markstrom.
Forwards
The Flames top line of Johnny Gaudrea, Matthew Tkachuk and Elias Lindholm finished the 21/22 season strong. The projections for 21/22 suggest they could continue their strong play this season while the addition of Blake Coleman should give the second line some additional punch. Coleman projects as a borderline 1st/2nd line forward and his projected value for 21/22 is above the league median.
The bottom six saw the addition of Tyler Pitlick and Trevor Lewis. Pitlick projects as a capable third line forward and comes with a very reasonable cap hit. The Flames signed Trevor Lewis to a high value deal and he projects as a third line forward as well.
Defensemen
The Flames defense could be an area of concern following Mark Giordano’s departure. Chris Tanev and Noah Hanafin will be looked upon to anchor the defense following strong showings in 20/21. The Flames will also need Rasmus Andersson to bounce back from a disappointing 20/21 season. The Flames brought in Nikita Zadorov, who projects as a third pair defender, and Eric Gudbranson, who projects as a replacement level defenseman. Youngster Juuso Valimaki could be an x-factor with a very strong projected impact. The question will be whether he can earn the trust of head coach Daryl Sutter.
Goaltenders
Jacob Markstrom returns for his second season as the Flames’ starting goaltender. He projects as a starting goaltender and a strong defensive system could be a recipe for a bounce back season. At backup, the Flames will go with a goaltender unproven at the NHL level. Daniel Vladar was acquired from Boston and will battle for the backup role in training camp.
Team Performance
With the same core returning for another kick at the can, the Flames look set to be average once again this season. They’ll need strong performances from their top four defensemen to mitigate the loss of Mark Giordano, along with stable goaltending.
2021-2022 In Season Updates
Make sure to subscribe and check back for updates to the 2021-2022 season projections throughout the season. Watch for updates and enhancements to the models, updated player projections using 2021-2022 season data, analysis of trades and injuries, and more.
