Calgary Flames Must Show They Have More Depth In 2014-15

By Jordan Wevers @JordanWevers on October 9, 2014

Calgary Flames captain Mark Giordano insists they do, as he noted during a first intermission interview on Wednesday evening amidst their NHL opening night game against the visiting Vancouver Canucks. That sentiment will probably ring true between the pipes for Calgary in 2014-15 with the signing of Jonas Hiller. As for the rest of the roster, it remains to be seen.

In the offseason the Flames lost their leading goalscorer in Mike Cammalleri. Their attempt to replace him on the wing by acquiring Devin Setoguchi and Mason Raymond is wishful thinking.

A product of Taber, AB, Setoguchi’s production has been in decline since he scored 31 goals for the San Jose Sharks in 2008-09. Last year with the Winnipeg Jets, he lit the lantern only 11 times in 75 games. It’s clear he benefited from being surrounded by a surplus of talent in San Jose, and in order for him to stand out he needs substantial support.

Raymond didn’t live up to his expectations in Vancouver. A second-round pick in 2005, he is in Calgary not because he was a highly coveted free agent, but because he is looking for a fresh start. The Cochrane native has reached the 20-goal mark only once in his career, dating back to the 2009-10 season.

Johnny Gaudreau is the Flames’ dark horse to emerge as a legitimate threat at forward alongside center Sean Monahan. He is the 2014 Hobey Baker recipient as the best player in NCAA hockey. He recorded 36 goals and 44 assists in 40 games for the Boston College Eagles. “Johnny Hockey” appeared in only one game for the Flames in 2013-14, where he managed to score a goal. Comparisons between him and Martin St. Louis have been popular amongst NHL analysts in recent weeks.

When it comes to defensive play, Giordano leads by example. He is their workhorse, regularly logging over 25 minutes per game. His 2014-13 time on ice average was 25:14, ranking him third in the league amongst all defenders. Giordano’s plus-minus of plus-12 last season ranked him 30th in the league amongst all defensemen — not bad for a team that lost more games than they won.

Chris Butler appeared in all 82 games on defense for the Flames last year. Someone will have to fill his durable skates this year. He logged 20:15 minutes of TOI per game.

American Corey Potter was a trivial addition to the defensive corps, signing a one-year two-way contract. The 30-year-old has 30 points and a minus-8 rating in 111 games since entering the league in 2008.

Calgary got off to a rough start on Wednesday night, losing 4-2 to the the Canucks. Hiller was under constant stress having faced 32 shots in the game. The Flames converted none of their four power play opportunities. Spending their next six games on the road to open the season, Giordano will need their depth to answer the bell before returning home Oct. 21.

Jordan Wevers is a writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @JordanWevers, “Like” him on Facebook, or add him to your network on Google.