Calgary Flames - Offseason Review
21.09.05
The 2004/05 season was a mixed bag for the Calgary Flames. For the first time in two seasons they failed to win the division and yet advanced further in the playoffs than they had in the previous 15 seasons, ultimately losing to the eventual Stanley Cup Champion Red Wings in 6 games in the Western Conference final.
GM and Head Coach Fyvie was renewed for another 2 seasons and he utilised this new vote of confidence from ownership by transforming the Flames in a radical way.
Already without free agents Dean McAmmond and Martin Gelinas, the Flames attempted to resign 30 yr old winger Martin St.Louis to a long term deal. The winger publicly refused, saying that he wanted to hit the free market in 2006 leaving Fyvie limited options. St.Louis was traded to the Nashville Predators for Centre David Legwand (pictured) and a 3rd round draft pick.
It is hoped that Legwand will replace much of what the Flames lost when they moved Chris Drury the summer before; a solid two-way centre.
2 time Selke trophy finalist Ryan Johnson was also dealt, for young forward Alexander Steen of the New York Rangers. The move was seen as an attempt to clear some space for checking centre Kyle Brodziak and replace what the team lost with the departure of Gelinas.
Chris Simon, a longtime tough-guy was acquired from the Capitals for Flames fringe prospect Geoff Platt and a 6th round pick. Simon looks to play the same role Georges Laraque played in Calgary the previous few seasons in Calgary.
The promotion to the bigs of former first rounder Milan Michalek and prospect Scottie Upshall will provide some stability on the left side. The new look Flames will no doubt miss St.Louis' production, but many point to Legwand and Steen as solid pickups.
The Flames resigned deadline deal pickup Brad Lukowich and stood pat on the blueline. The Goaltending tandem and Giguere and Conklin returns for another season, but many believe Giguere, whose contract expires at seasons end, is also looking to explore free agency.
It's difficult to know how this season's team will finish. So many new faces bring too many variables, but on paper the Flames once again look like a team to be reckoned with with this season's team appearing deeper down the middle than last year. Look for another 4th place finish in the West, barring catastrophic injuries.
