The Flames’ Unexpected Turnaround
Technically, the entire Calgary Flames team has been a surprise this season, and the sentiment can swing either way depending on your perspective. If you were fervently hoping for a high lottery draft pick, the Flames’ competitive nature might feel a bit disappointing. Conversely, if you thrill at the thought of your team vying for a playoff spot, you’ve undoubtedly been thrilled. Despite some negatives, including a lower offensive output from a few players and difficulties in forming a cohesive defensive unit, there have been several bright spots on the roster. These three players, in particular, have been instrumental in the Flames’ resilience and could shape the future of the team.
Kevin Bahl: Cornerstone Defenseman
Kevin Bahl, acquired in the trade that sent former starting goaltender Jacob Markstrom to the Minnesota Wild, has emerged as a surprising yet invaluable asset for the Calgary Flames. Initially, Bahl was a bit of an unknown quantity to Flames fans, but the team’s scouts knew what they were getting. The 24-year-old, who stands at 6-foot-6 and weighs 230 pounds, has been a rock on the top pairing alongside Rasmus Andersson. Bahl’s physical presence and reach have made him a formidable defender, capable of neutralizing some of the best offensive threats in the league. His ability to allow Andersson to shine offensively while maintaining a strong defensive stance has been crucial. Bahl, a pending restricted free agent, has even set a career high with a pair of goals and 14 points. Injury aside, his performance this season has been nothing short of stellar, and the Flames would be wise to secure his services for the long term.
Matthew Coronato: Total Package
Matthew Coronato’s transition from a promising AHL player to a key NHL contributor has been seamless and surprising. Last year, the 22-year-old winger wrapped up a strong rookie season with 15 goals and 42 points in 41 AHL games for the Calgary Wranglers, and he also made a significant impact in the NHL, scoring three goals and nine points in 34 games. This year, Coronato started as a healthy scratch but quickly became an indispensable part of the lineup. Whether playing with veterans Mikael Backlund and Blake Coleman or more recently with Nazem Kadri and Johnathan Huberdeau, Coronato has proven his versatility and leadership. His elite shot and goalscoring ability were expected, but his capacity to fit in with any line and drive possession is a pleasant surprise. Notably, he has even filled in as a right-handed faceoff guy, a role that the Flames have struggled to find due to the absence of a right-shot center. Coronato’s adaptability and talent make him a valuable asset for the team, and his development is promising for the future.
Dustin Wolf: Elite Rookie Goaltender
Dustin Wolf has been nothing short of a revelation for the Calgary Flames this season. Despite being an NHL rookie, Wolf has quickly established himself as one of the league’s top goaltenders. His 19-11-3 record, a .912 save percentage, and a 2.63 goals-against average are impressive by any standard. Wolf’s consistent performance has been the Flames’ biggest reason for staying in playoff contention this late in the season. While it may not be ideal for the team’s draft position, it’s hard not to root for such an overachiever. Wolf’s journey to the NHL has been marked by perseverance; he has overcome several challenges to reach this point. Even though he has lost his last four games, his overall record and performance are a testament to his skill and potential. The Flames appear to have found a reliable starter between the pipes, and Wolf’s future looks bright.
Honorable Mention: Jonathan Huberdeau
Jonathan Huberdeau, a veteran forward, has also been a standout this season, earning an honorable mention. Known for his playmaking skills, Huberdeau has added a power forward element to his game, making him an even more dangerous player. His ability to control the puck and create scoring opportunities for his teammates has been a constant source of strength for the Flames. Huberdeau’s leadership and experience have been invaluable, and his contributions have helped stabilize the team during challenging stretches.
A Balanced Approach to Development
The Flames’ success this season, in part, can be attributed to their balanced approach to player development. While Bahl, Coronato, and Wolf have all made significant impacts, the team’s ability to integrate them seamlessly into the lineup has been key. Bahl’s physicality and defensive prowess, Coronato’s adaptability and leadership, and Wolf’s elite goaltending have all contributed to the Flames’ competitive edge. This approach not only helps in the present but sets a strong foundation for the future, ensuring that the Flames have a solid core of young, talented players who can continue to grow and thrive.
Looking Ahead
The Flames’ surprising season has provided a wealth of lessons and insights for the organization. While the immediate goal of making the playoffs remains in sight, the long-term development of players like Bahl, Coronato, and Wolf is equally important. These young stars have shown that they can handle the rigors of the NHL and contribute at a high level, which bodes well for the future of the team. Whether the Flames make the playoffs or not, the progress and potential demonstrated by these players are reasons to be optimistic about the team’s direction. The Flames have found a few gems this season, and they should be eager to build around them.
