Can Mantha click as a linemate for Huberdeau? Can Pelletier earn a full-time job? Analyzing the Calgary Flames’ options on the flanks
They have a good mix of established veterans and exciting up-and-comers. They probably have more NHL-ready options than spots available, and that’s not necessarily a bad thing.
We conclude our series of Flames’ depth chart re-dos with an updated look at the possibilities on the left and right flank …
Recent additions
Recent departures
Still on the to-do list
The work on the wings is mostly done, save for new contracts for a couple of restricted free agents — Adam Klapka and Jakob Pelletier. If anything, general manager Craig Conroy might be looking to ship out another veteran to alleviate this logjam.
If the season started tomorrow
Flames bench boss Ryan Huska has probably filled several pages on his notepad with potential line combinations. We know that Mantha, a lefty who is comfortable on the right side, will get a crack at developing chemistry with Jonathan Huberdeau. As the 29-year-old Mantha put it after signing in Cowtown: “They told me they maybe wanted that French connection, and I was all for it.” With Mangiapane’s departure, we’re wondering if one of the young’ns — such as Matt Coronato, 21, or the 23-year-old Pelletier — will be working opposite of Blake Coleman. We’re curious where Andrei Kuzmenko will slot, an answer that might hinge on whether one or both of Martin Pospisil and Connor Zary are shifted to centre as sophomores.
Rookie watch
Sam Honzek, the Flames’ first-round holler in the 2023 NHL Draft, is poised to turn pro. This 19-year-old left-winger from Slovakia — he’s been training back home with Pospisil — will be aiming to prove he can contribute right away. He needs to also prove he can stay healthy. William Stromgren, 21, had a strong second half to his first season in North America and was the best player on the ice at development camp, further proof this skilled Swede is trending in the right direction. Klapka scored his first big-league goal in Game 82 last season and, as he approaches his 24th birthday, is pushing for full-time duties on the fourth line.
Don’t forget about
Burning question
Can Huberdeau, the highest-paid player on the Flames’ roster, find his way back to the point-per-game range? The 31-year-old left-winger has settled for 50-some points in each of his first two campaigns in Calgary.
