Offseason Review - Calgary Flames
01.09.02
The 2001/02 campaign in Calgary was deemed a success. GM Fyvie, not content with his own job at guiding his team from behind the bench, fired himself and hired Paul Maurice to guide his team to begin the season. For the second straight year the Flames improved and for the first time in 5 seasons, made the playoffs.
Despite going one and done in the first round, the Flames did take a solid Dallas team to 7 games. The experience gained for the many players on this team was valuable as the Flames look to return to the playoffs in Fyvie's 3rd and potential final year as General Manager.
Offseason Additions:
RW Grant Marshall (FA)
LW/C Dean McAmmond (FA)
RW Ales Kotalik
C Dominic Moore
Offseason Subtractions:
G Fred Brathwaite (FA)
D Jamie Pushor (FA)
D Tommy Albelin (FA)
D Steve Smith (FA)
LW Dave Lowry (FA)
LW Jason Wiemer (FA)
RW Jeff O'Neill (traded to Chicago for Kotalik and a 5th round draft pick)
RW Hnat Domenichelli (traded to Nashville for Dominic Moore)
Draft Picks:
1: C Kyle Brodziak
2: LW Scottie Upshall
4: LW Ben Eager
5: LW Petr Dvorak
5: C Karri Akkanen
Players to Watch:
LW Mike Cammalleri
C Marc Savard
D Zbynek Michalek
In an effort to build a team that matches his coach's style, Fyvie brought in significant upgrades through free-agency to shore-up his middle-six. Grant Marshall and Dean McAmmond are both solid two-way options on the wing, and the latter can even play centre in a pinch.
Rumours out of the team also suggest that Maurice and Fyvie are going to put St.Louis back on rightwing opening up opportunities for Stillman to play a larger role, like he did in 2000/01 when he put up career points.
It was addition by subtraction on the blueline as Fyvie kicked veterans Albelin, Smith and Pushor to the curb. Expect former first rounder Zbynek Michalek to play a significant role along with deadline acquisition Alexei Zhitnik who Fyvie re-signed at seasons end. The result is a blue-line core that is well balanced with Zhitnik and Boyle providing much of the offense. Regehr, Lydman, and Morris remain and look to continue to provide a steady presence in front of a new look Goalie tandem.
25yr old Ty Conklin looks to secure his spot in the lineup as J-S Giguere's back up this year, replacing crowd favourite Fred Brathwaite who was not re-signed.
Giguere started a career high 71 games last season and it is hoped that Conklin will receive more confidence than his predecessor did and thus lighten Giguere's load.
Outlook:
All signs point to the Flames returning to the Playoffs this season. The team boasts a solid blueline, starting goaltender and deep group of forwards that can skate with anyone. Rumours of Fyvie and Maurice clashing over how the team played seemed to evaporate when Maurice was retained this off-season. Both men are under the gun as both of their contracts are due to expire at the end of the season. Fans hope that any differences the two have had in the past will but put to the side this season.
Fearless prediction:
38-30-14 - 90pts