Calgary Flames Need to be Fixed
By Ryan Ritchie
Calgary Flames are off to slow start in 2015-16 going 1-5-0 to open the season, which if you ask the analytics world, they’d tell you it was bound to happen. Their remarkably bad start has less to do with possession stats and more to do with missing pieces and gaping holes in the roster.
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Flame for Thought
Great news for the Calgary Flames, is that defenseman T.J. Brodie should be back from injury fairly soon. Brodie logs tons of minutes, and is a major piece of what made this Flames defense so potent last season. But, it’s important to remember that while the return will have a positive ripple effect throughout the team, it doesn’t do anything to address the two major glaring issues.
Calgary Flames Goaltending Situation
Developing News: Calgary places Karri Ramo on waivers Wednesday, likely with the intention of being sent down. He could still be claimed off waivers, but remains unlikely given his cap hit.
*This article was written following the loss to Washington on Tuesday night, before news of Ramo being placed on waivers.
Oct 1, 2015; Winnipeg, Manitoba, CAN; Winnipeg Jets forward
(55) takes a shot on Calgary Flames goalie
(37) during the second at MTS Centre. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Fedyck-USA TODAY Sports
The most glaring issue remains in goal, which interestingly enough is an self-inflicted wound the Calgary Flames brought upon themselves. They came out of training camp with three goalies on their roster in Jonas Hiller, Karri Ramo, and Joni Ortio. Ortio was Calgary’s starter with their AHL affiliate last season, but has yet to play in 2015-16. With recent struggles, media in Calgary is calling for Ortio to get his chance.
Joni Ortio went 21-13-1 with Adirondack last season, racking up a 2.69 GAA and .912 save percentage. He also appeared in six games for the Calgary Flames in 2014-15, going 4-2 with a 2.52 GAA and .908 save percentage. Ortio could be the last hope for the Calgary Flames in goal, as opening night starter Karri Ramo is off to a shaky start. Jonas Hiller seems to have lost that motivation he was given by Anaheim on his way out, losing that chip he had on his shoulder last season. With Jonas Hiller and Karri Ramo set to become free agents in the summer of 2016, one must wonder what the plan is moving forward for the Calgary Flames. They do have a couple highly touted goaltending prospects in Jon Gillies and Mason McDonald (still unclear when either could be NHL ready).
What happens if all three goalies (continue to) struggle?
There’s only one solution. Look to the trade market for available options. You’re not bringing in more goalie contracts without shipping one the other direction.
With the most recent news of Ramo being put on waivers, it seems desperation has kicked-in for Flames GM Brad Treliving hoping one of Ortio or Hiller can take the reigns and run with it.
Jonas Hiller: $4.5 million/cap hit
Karri Ramo: $3.8 million/cap hit
Missing Piece on the 1st Line
Give the kids credit, Sean Monahan and Johnny Gaudreau have developed some beautiful chemistry with one another. They’re a creative dynamic duo that play well on both sides of the puck, and have the talent to produce at a high-rate. The biggest problem up front with the Calgary Flames is a lack of true top line talent to play alongside Gaudreau and Monahan.
Mar 13, 2015; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Calgary Flames center Sean Monahan (23) celebrates his second period goal with left wing Johnny Gaudreau (13) during the second period against the Toronto Maple Leafs at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Candice Ward-USA TODAY Sports
Let’s be fair, Jiri Hudler played well while exceeding expectations on the top-line in 2014-15 scoring a career-high 76 points. But Hudler was never going to be the long-term option and has always been better suited in a second line role (like he’s been in to begin the season). More recently, the Calgary Flames have been experimenting with Michael Frolik on the top-line. Frolik is another guy better suited in a second or third line role with decent minutes.
They’ll need to find a more suitable long-term option besides Jiri Hudler, Michael Frolik, or Michael Ferland. The only current roster player wiith the talent level to obtain that top spot alongside Gaudreau and Monahan is Sam Bennett. It would be too tall of a task to ask from a rookie who’s only NHL experience is in playoffs. It could be a year or two before Bennett develops into a top-line player, if at all.
Best Available Options:
G John Gibson, Anaheim Ducks
Anaheim seems unwilling to part with their young netminder based on the latest trade rumors heard. Reality is, at one point the Ducks will need to choose between Frederik Andersen or John Gibson. He’s NHL ready with the potential to be a great starter in this league. The price tag might be hefty, but would be worth overpaying a bit for.
RW Kyle Okposo, New York Islanders
It’s unclear whether or not the Islanders are interested in re-signing the former linemate of John Tavares. Anders Lee and Ryan Strome have since occupied those spots on the top-line, pushing Okposo down to the second. Realistically, New York could easily afford him, but may not want to pay his asking price. With a wealth of offensive depth, one would assume the Islanders could afford to trade him, especially if they’re not interested in re-signing him.
Final Take
Fans knew going into the season that the top line was missing a true first line quality right winger. Fans also knew there was a risk that goaltending could take a step back in 2015-16. So how surprising is it really to see a slumping Calgary Flames team out of the gates? They’re obviously a good team that should find themselves eventually. But the team cannot have sustained success over the course of the entire season with the way its made up right now.
Next: Todd Richards Fired. Tortorello Hired in Replacement
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