Flames PreSeason

Entering the 2022/23 season the Calgary Flames roster will have very few open spots with the majority of  players returning along with some off the season moves that were made.

The expectations are a little higher this year, according to GM Stephen. “I have made some moves to bolster our top 9 forwards, as well added another defensive defenseman in Ryan Graves. Coach Sutter has been tasked to push the team to grow on last seasons success, now we need to show the league the team isn’t a basement dweller.”

On paper the top 6 looks to be a very strong group lead by Elias Petterson. Those top 6 guys can score and can compete with the best of them. With Hall and Laine getting a full season with the team, chemistry will be important to establish early on. While the second line of Bertuzzi, Kadri, and Batherson can skate, check and score. Opposing teams will need to be ready for these guys when they are on the ice. 

The 3^rd line has the ability to play a two way game that can score and defend. While the 4^th line who will be centered by rookie Mason McTavish brings a grinding element. Big things are expected from McTavish who we moved three picks to move up to draft. Joining McTavish is also newcomer, Maxim Comtois. You will learn more about Maxim in a future article. 

On defense and with a surplus of quality defensemen, Rasmus Anderson was moved out and local boy Dillion Heatherington was claimed off waivers to be the 7^th defenseman. This is Heatherington’s second time with the organization. He was here from 2017 to 2020 were he split time between then the Stockton Heat and the Calgary Flames. Overall the defense that is lead by 24 year old Cale Makar, should be much improved over last season and their goal is cut down on goals against. 

In net, there was 2 changes. Gone is Jake Allen and coming in is experienced goaltender Brian Elliott. Joining Elliott will be Magnus Hellberg, who was claimed off waivers for added depth. 

With 2 wins already and only 2 games remaining in the preseason, the team look’s set however rumors at this mornings team breakfast is that GM Stephen has been considering adding another forward at some point this season. Time will tell if it happens and if its needed. 

Coach Daryl was quoted, “if everyone does their part, play for each other, and play tough there is no reason why we can’t contend for a playoff spot and go deep. We have 2 games left before opening night, we are looking to fine tune a couple of things and maybe see how some of our kids do.”

Calgary and EHE here is your projected 2022/23 Calgary Flames.

L – C - RW

Hall - Pettersson – Laine

Bertuzzi - Kadri – Batherson 

Mantha – Goodrow - Kakko 

Comtois – MacTavish – Watson 

Bastian

L - R

Graves – Makar

McNabb – Miller 

Zadorov – Mayfield 

Heatherington 

Billington

Elliott

Hellberg