5 Biggest Issues Still Facing the Calgary Flames This Offseason

By Nick Villano

5 Biggest Issues Still Facing the Calgary Flames This Offseason

Karri Ramo — The Calgary Flames were one of the best stories in the NHL last season. Led by a great coach and a youth movement, they were able to make the second round of the playoffs when they were supposed to be fighting for the top overall pick. They look to be in very good shape this season, but they still have some issues.

5. Can Johnny Gaudreau Take The Next Step?

Johnny Gaudreau

5. Can Johnny Gaudreau Take The Next Step?

Calgary Flames — Johnny Gaudreau was so good last season it was borderline unfair. For many, his arrival came out of nowhere. Now, he could be on his way to being one of the biggest stars in the league. People always react differently to that kind of pressure. While Gaudreau seems like the kind of player who would embrace that kind of pressure, it could have the opposite effect and hurt his growth.

4. The Division Will Be Tougher

Calgary Flames

4. The Division Will Be Tougher

Calgary Flames — The Pacific Division was thought to be one of the better ones in the league coming into last season, but it didn't work out that way. Thanks to better leadership in San Jose, a postseason of rest in L.A. and a Connor McDavid in Edmonton, there is no chance the Flames go 22-6-1 in the division again.

3. Can Jiri Hudler Do It Again?

Calgary Flames

3. Can Jiri Hudler Do It Again?

Jiri Hudler Calgary Flames 2014-15 — Jiri Hudler scored 76 points last season. No, really, he did. He's never come close to that number prior to last season. Can he do it again? Can he score at least 60 points, which he never did before last season? Is this the new ceiling, or is it a given that he can't do it again? Hudler is the biggest question mark on this team.

2. Mark Giordano Return From Injury

mark giordano

2. Mark Giordano Return From Injury

Mark Giordano — Mark Giordano is coming off a major injury that cost him his season. He was carrying this Flames team to a position where they could be contenders. Then a major biceps injury put him on the shelf. Arm injuries aren't known to linger, but with how he plays it could get re-aggravated. Also, there is the rust the rest of his body feels. The good thing is all of this will probably only hurt him during the first quarter of the season.

1. Goalie

Calgary Flames Jonas HIller

1. Goalie

Calgary Flames Jonas HIller — The Flames are in a pickle when it comes to their netminders. They have Jonas HIller, who was very good in turning around the Flames last season. Then they re-signed Karri Ramo, whom they waited a while to finally break out. They even have a third in Joni Orto. All three are weirdly on one-way contracts, so sending one down brings up the possibility of losing them for nothing.

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Calgary Flames

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