2014-2015 Review

The Calgary Flames took everyone by surprise last year when they went 45-30-7 and made the playoffs for the first time in six years. Johnny Gaudreau had an amazing rookie season for the Flames, tallying 24 goals and 64 points. That also earned him a Calder Trophy nomination for the top rookie. Another player who was great for the Flames last year was Jiri Hudler, who put up a career high 76 points and had a 30 goal season.

Head coach Bob Hartley also won the Jack Adams award for the best coach in the league after leading the team to the second round of the playoffs.

New Additions

Michael Frolik: The Flames upgraded their scoring this offseason when they signed winger Michael Frolik to a five-year, $21.5 million dollar contract. He had 19 goals in Winnipeg last season to go along with 42 points. He's also a guy that can play in the top six with Gaudreau, Hudler, and Monahan. Expect him to have a big year this coming season.

Dougie Hamilton: In one of the most shocking trades of the offseason, the Flames acquired defense Dougie Hamilton from the Boston Bruins to bolster their defense. He's a huge upgrade to that blue line and him with Mark Giordano could make for a deadly power play. Expect him to be in the top four next year and quite possibly on the top pairing with Mark Giordano.

Key Losses

The Flames really didn't lose anyone from their roster last year. It's the same one that was lined up in the playoffs except Giordano (injured) and it's going to be the same one this season.

Biggest Strength

Center

The Flames have some great centers this season and it's going to be interesting to see who plays with who. Sean Monahan and Jiri Hudler provide a great 1-2 punch at center and Mikael Backlund is very good for a third line center. Joe Colborne seems good for a fourth line center role but Matt Stajan will also challenge for that role. Some of these players can play multiple positions, but it's great that the Flames have some depth at this position.

Biggest Weakness

Goaltending

Calgary's goaltending situation next year is going to be quite interesting. It looks as if right now Jonas Hiller is the starting goaltender for the Flames but after how he played in the playoffs, he's going to have to prove that was a fluke. If things start to go wrong for Hiller, he probably won't be resigned and Karri Ramo will most likely come in for him. This is a situation that needs a lot of watch. 

Bottom line

This team is going to be a playoff team this season. It will finish in the top-three in the Pacific Division again this season and wouldn't surprise me at all if they maybe challenge the Ducks a little for the top spot. This team has the opportunity to make a deep playoff run if everyone is healthy and the "Sea of Red" will be back once again in the ScotiaBank Saddledome. 

Fantasy Slant

Most Overrated: Jonas Hiller

Hiller may be the top goaltender for the Flames but he hasn't lived up to his contract in Calgary yet which is why this is a make it or break it year for him. He wasn't that good on the Ducks(he ended up getting pulled in the playoffs) and his save percentage was below .920 last season which is below average. 

Most Underrated: Sean Monahan

Monahan had a break out season for the Flames last year where he had a very quiet 31 goals and assists together to equal 62 points. He's one of the most underrated players in the entire league and is only going to get better playing with the likes of Johnny Gaudreau. Look for another potential 30 goal season again for Monahan as he tries to help this team make the playoffs again.

Most Surprising: Jiri Hudler

I don't think anybody in the hockey world could've predicted what Jiri Hudler did last season. He was one of their best players and had the best season of his career for Calgary as he was top 15 in the league in points scored last year. While he may not get to that this season, he will certainly put up a lot of points for Calgary and also could cash in big time this coming summer since he's going to be an unrestricted free agent.