5 Burning Questions For Calgary Flames Entering 2015-16 NHL Season

By Nick Villano

Calgary Flames Questions

Calgary Flames Questions
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The Calgary Flames were the one team that nobody thought had any chance last season, but turned out being true contenders. Most other teams there was a glimmer of hope that turned into potential, but everyone thought the Flames were at least two years away. Now that they are on the radar, what questions need to be answered before they take another step forward?

5. How Good Can Dougie Hamilton Become?

5. How Good Can Dougie Hamilton Become?
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5. How Good Can Dougie Hamilton Become?

5. How Good Can Dougie Hamilton Become?
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Dougie Hamilton is talked about like he could become one of the best defensemen in the league. People say Boston will always regret this trade. The Flames could have fallen into one of the best one-two punches on the blue line for years to come. Hamilton could become a premiere defenseman in the NHL.

4. What Is Jonas Hiller's Role?

4. What Is Jonas Hiller's Role?
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4. What Is Jonas Hiller's Role?

4. What Is Jonas Hiller's Role?
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This question became near impossible to answer once the Flames re-signed Karri Ramo. Many still think Hiller is the best goalie on the roster, but at 33 years old his best days are no longer ahead of him. Add in an up-and-coming Joni Ortio, and the future for Hiller gets more blurry. This situation could really hurt this team all season.

3. Can Johnny Hockey Avoid The Sophomore Slump?

3. Can Johnny Hockey Avoid The Sophomore Slump?
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3. Can Johnny Hockey Avoid The Sophomore Slump?

3. Can Johnny Hockey Avoid The Sophomore Slump?
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Johnny Gaudreau was many analyst's favorite to win the Calder Trophy last season, before Aaron Ekblad came from nowhere to win it. He dropped 64 points in his first taste of NHL action. Now that he had a whole offseason to let it sink in, will he overthink it? Will he lose confidence if it doesn't immediately click to start the season? He doesn't seem like that guy, so don't expect it, but it has happened to the best of players in the past.

2. Is Mark Giordano The Best At His Position?

2. Is Mark Giordano The Best At His Position?
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2. Is Mark Giordano The Best At His Position?

2. Is Mark Giordano The Best At His Position?
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Prior to tearing his bicep, ending his season, Mark Giordano was a lock to win the Norris Trophy. There was nobody else that was going to come close. Unfortunately, injuries happen. Now the question remains whether he is the best defenseman in the league. He is competing with the likes of Erik Karlsson, Shea Weber, P.K. Subban and a myriad of others, but he definitely deserves to be in the conversation.

1. Was Last Year A Fluke?

1. Was Last Year A Fluke?
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1. Was Last Year A Fluke?

1. Was Last Year A Fluke?
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The quick answer is no. Last year just showed we analyze teams incorrectly. At the same time, there was reason for the doubt. The team got better this offseason, but they did lose some secondary scoring. Then there is always the possibility that an injury derails this season. Last year wasn't a fluke, but this team needs to continue to trend upward to avoid a disappointment this season.

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