Oilers biggest rival projected to hit rock bottom this season
The Battle of Alberta is one of the most animated and entertaining rivalries in hockey, but it just isn't the same when both teams aren't competitive.
The Edmonton Oilers are going for the Stanley Cup this year, while the Calgary Flames are in the midst of tearing apart their roster. Now, the Flames have been named by Daily Faceoff as one of five teams that could finish in last place.
The Calgary Flames have no star players in their prime, but have a number of aging veterans like Jonathan Huberdeau and Nazem Kadri on bloated contracts. Their defence group is mostly younger players trying to break into the NHL, as well as their goaltenders. After trading away Nikita Zadorov, Elias Lindholm, and Chris Tanev last year, the Flames have only a few desirable assets really left for a contending team. Right now, a look at their lineup shows a team that's won't really competitive most nights.
Daily Faceoff named the San Jose Sharks, Chicago Blackhawks, Columbus Blue Jackets, and Seattle Kraken as the other candidates for finishing 32nd this year. The Flames clearly have some more talent and NHL experience than some of the other rosters, but it's easy to see how another disappointing year could quickly unravel in Calgary.
Of course, it wouldn't be an awful thing for the Flames to finish last place. They'd get the best chance possible for the first overall pick in the next draft, and a great opportunity to acquire a player that could turn the franchise around. With a new arena debuting in just a few years, the Flames should aim to really rebuild now, and be back better in a few years time.
| POLL | ||
Do you think the Flames will be competitive in the next three years? | ||
| Yes, they'll turn it around | 63 | 22.7 % |
| No, it will take longer | 207 | 74.7 % |
| See Results | 7 | 2.5 % |
| List of polls | ||
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