The Calgary Flames are off to a rather poor start to the season, especially relative to what was expected of the 2018-19 Western Conference winners.
They have won just 10 of their first 22 games, rank 21st(!) in points percentage, and own a negative-4 goal differential.
Headlined by Sean Monahan’s inconsistent play, the top line hasn’t been clicking. Only Matthew Tkachuk has more 5v5 points than Derek Ryan. Often times the team as a whole rolls over for extended periods of play. Things aren’t great.
That’s why it was hardly surprising Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman mentioned the Flames could be looking to change things up in hopes of finding a spark.
Here’s the full excerpt of what Friedman had to say on Saturday Headlines:
“The other team I want to point out at this point and time is Calgary. They lost to Arizona today 3-0. They’re in the last Wild Card spot but Nashville has a game in hand. I think there’s also a feeling they’re getting a bit restless with what’s going on and I wouldn’t be surprised if they look to see if they can shake things up a little bit.…
Michael Frolik’s name has long been out there and I doubt he wants to continue being used sparingly in a contract year. Sam Bennett is just...Sam Bennett. They’ve waited and waited but I think he is what he is at this point. If the Flames could get a forward with some talent who hasn’t entirely put it together, maybe that’s something they’d look at.
One way or another, I’d expect GM Brad Treliving to make a move sooner than later if things don’t start trending upwards. I just don’t think he’s the kind of guy who would sit idly and let this drag out – not with so much high-end talent on the roster.
Time will tell.
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