Are The Flames Better?

By: Mike Rifkin

Last season the Calgary Flames won the Pacific Division and lost in the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs to Alberta rival Edmonton Oilers in five games. The Flames had two major decisions to make this offseason : Were they going to be able to re-sign both Johnny Gaudreau and Matthew Tkachuk to long term deals. Gaudreau an unrestricted free agent and Tkachuk a restricted free agent both had 40 goals and over 100 points setting up one of the best lines in hockey along with Elias Lindholm. 

Prior to free agency the Flames made an offer to Johnny Gaudreau an eight year contract worth more than 10 million dollars a year. Instead Gaudreau decided to sign a seven year worth 68.25 million dollars with a 9.75 average annual value with the Columbus Blue Jackets. Gaudreau had said being close to his family was a big part of his decision to leave. But shortly after Gaudreau signed in Columbus the Flames had to turn their attention to their other 100 point scorer Tkachuk. Tkachuk shortly after requested a trade from Calgary. The Flames obliged that request by sending Tkachuk to the Florida Panthers in exchange for Forward Jonathan Huberdeau, Defenseman Mackenzie Weegar, a prospect and a conditional first round pick in 2025. Tkachuk signed a eight year deal worth 76 million dollars with the Panthers. 

Last season Huberdeau tied his career high with 30 goals and had a career high 115 points. The 115 points Huberdeau had tied him for second in the NHL with Johnny Gaudreau. Huberdeau signed an eight year 84 million dollar contract with the Flames. Weegar posted career high with eight goals and 44 points. Weegar averaged over 23 minutes in ice time last season with the Panthers. On Thursday it was announced that the Flames signed Center Nazem Kadri to a seven year 49 million dollar contract. Last season Kadri posted a career high 87 points in 71 games for the Stanley Cup Champion Colorado Avalanche. Kadri brings a similar style as Matthew Tkachuk, both have to toe a certain line but are at their best when engaged physically. 

What Flames General Manager Brad Treliving did was get players who could be immediate replacements for the guys who left and maybe the backend of the contracts may not age well. I really think Kadri could thrive for a few seasons under Darryl Sutter, now while he may not score 28-30 goals but if Kadri gives them 20 goals and plays a solid second line center for the Flames they will be a Cup contender for the next couple of seasons at minimum. So while long term those contracts may not age well, these deals were made for the short term.