NHL analyst gives opinion on whether Calgary Flames will be the worst Canadian team next season

By Abhilasha Aditi

Modified Aug 02, 2024 06:31 GMT

Frankie Corrado, a TSN hockey analyst, shared his views on the Calgary Flames for the upcoming NHL season. Even though the Flames ended last season in 24th place and missed the playoffs with a 38-39-5 record, Corrado is hopeful about their future.

He notes that the Flames have lost some key players but still have strong ones left. Defensemen MacKenzie Weegar and Rasmus Andersson remain, along with forwards Nazem Kadri and Jonathan Huberdeau. Connor Zary’s progress and the addition of Anthony Mantha are also encouraging.

"We have to throw Calgary a bone here. We are going to say ceiling. Yes, of course. The Calgary Flames, it's been well documented, there's been a lot of good players that have walked out the door for that team. But you know, there's a lot of good players that still remain," Corrado said (via TSN).

"On the back end, you're still going to have MacKenzie Weegar, Rasmus Andersson. You're still going to have Nazem Kadri, Jonathan Huberdeau. Connor Zary took a big step last year as he kind of made his way into the league, and you've added Anthony Mantha," Corrado added.

Corrado believes the Flames might not make the playoffs but are unlikely to be the worst Canadian team. He thinks they are in a better position than teams like Montreal or Ottawa.

"I think at the end of the day, the Calgary Flames are closer to a playoff team. They're not a playoff team, but they're closer to a playoff team than they are the worst team in Canada," Corrado concluded.

He feels the Flames are closer to being a playoff contender than finishing at the bottom.

Hunter Brzustewicz aims for Calgary Flames spot

Hunter Brzustewicz, a 19-year-old defenseman, wants a spot with the Calgary Flames after a solid season with the Kitchener Rangers. He was traded to Calgary in the deal involving Elias Lindholm. At the Flames' development camp in July, Brzustewicz aimed to make the team this season and said the trade boosted his NHL chances.

"I was watching Netflix and laying in bed when Lindholm got traded. I knew he was going to Vancouver, but I didn't know I was going to be a part of it. I was playing Fortnite and my agent called me and said, 'Hey, keep your eyes up' and I was like, 'Am I a part of it?' and he didn't know yet and then (general manager) Patrik Allvin of the Canucks, he texted me asking if I could give him a call," Brzustewicz said (via NHL.com).

Drafted by Vancouver, Brzustewicz had 92 points last season, the second-highest among OHL defensemen. Calgary's director of player development, Ray Edwards, said Brzustewicz needs to grow and adapt. This fall, he will be evaluated to see if he joins the Flames or their AHL team.