2015 Calgary Flames Predictions and Futures Odds with Betting Picks

by Trevor Whenham - 9/24/2015

It was a shocking year for the Flames last year. Coming into the season they seemed doomed - a sure contender in the Connor McDavid sweepstakes. By the time the dust had settled, though, the team was the biggest surprise in the league. They not only made the playoffs, but they won a series against the Canucks. Bob Hartley won the Jack Adams as Coach of the Year. Jiri Hudler won the Lady Byng. Johnny Gaudreau was a Calder Trophy finalist. Mark Giordano was on track to win the Norris before an injury cost him the last quarter of his season. It was a dream season.

Optimism is running high in Calgary right now. The question, though, is whether they can carry the momentum forward and have another strong season. There are several reasons to be concerned. For one thing, teams like Colorado are reminders of what could happen. Colorado was just as surprising two years ago but was truly lousy last year. They couldn't keep it together. Calgary also has some issues in an analytical sense - their puck possession stats are rough, and they got more than their share of lucky breaks last year. That's all the bad news. The good news is that the talent is better than ever, and the young team keeps adding talent and potential. They are a fun team to watch - and a big reason for that is that we just can't know for sure what to expect from game to game or on the season. Watching them is an adventure.

Calgary Flames Offseason Moves

The team didn't overhaul their roster by any means, but the moves they made were impressive. There are several players who have moved on but none that give much cause for concern. Two additions, on the other hand, make this team better. The prize addition is defenseman Dougie Hamilton. The Bruins were unable to come to terms with the young defender on a long-term contract, so Calgary grabbed him for a reasonable price that included only draft picks, and they locked him up for the long term. He's already an elite defender, and he only turned 22 in June so he's only going to get better. With him added to an already strong defensive unit, the Flames now have one of the top back ends in the league. Up front the team added Michael Frolik in free agency from the Jets. The 27 year old has won a Cup with the Blackhawks, and he has consistently been good for about a point every other game through his career.

Those are the moves that have been done so far, but there is a decent chance that more will be done before the season starts. The team has a lot of parts around - a surplus of middle six-type forwards, depth at the sixth and seventh defenseman position, and likely an extra goalie when it all settles out. It's quite possible that some of those pieces will be dealt for picks, prospects or maybe a contributor.

Calgary Flames NHL Outlook

The Flames have a lot of uncertainty when you are trying to evaluate them - mostly the good kind. Mark Giordano was the top defender in the league last year before he was injured. Now he's back. If he can resume the high level of play then the team will benefit significantly. His partner, T.J. Brodie, has to deal with the pressure of playing under a big new contract. Last year's top draft pick, Sam Bennett, was excellent in the playoffs last year after his junior season ended. If he can carry that forward he could be a Calder candidate. Last year's rookie sensation Johnny Gaudreau could take another step forward, or he could have a sophomore slump. In his third year, Sean Monahan could take another step towards superstardom, or he could come back to earth a bit. Other rookies like Josh Jooris and Michael Ferland were very valuable last year and need to be valuable again. Jiri Hudler had a career year last year, Can he replicate it? And then there is the goaltending. They have three solid options - Karri Ramo, Jonas Hiller and Joni Ortio. That's one too many, and none have emerged as a true No. 1 just yet - just as no one did last year. Add it all up and you have a lot of upside but all sorts of reasons for uneasiness, too.

Calgary Flames Schedule

Last year it came right down to the last days of the season for the Flames in their pursuit of a playoff spot. If it is that tight late this year again then the schedule won't be a big help for the team. Eight of the last 11 games of the season will be played on the road, and two of the three home games are against likely playoff teams.

Calgary Flames NHL Futures Odds (from Bovada)

At +2800 to win the Stanley Cup, the Flames are in a large cluster of teams tied for 16th overall. They are the co-eighth choice to win the Western Conference at +1400, and are the third choice to win the Pacific at +600.

2015-16 Calgary Flames Predictions

The West is very tough, and the team just barely made the playoffs last year. Good teams will miss the playoffs this year. While it will be tough, I am optimistic about this team and their chances. They are very well-coached and have taken big steps forward in the offseason. The talent is solid, and they are going to be in good position to replicate what they did last year - make the playoffs and have a shot at winning a round.

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Start:	December 13, 2024 @ 9:00 PM
Expert:	Scott Spreitzer
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