Calgary Flames fan survey: How will you miss Johnny Gaudreau or Matthew Tkachuk

After a few days at training camp, we have some ideas about what to expect. FlamesFans are eager for a new season. Naturally, it’s an improvement on last season’s second-round loss to Edmonton.

While some are pleased with the purchases Brad Treliving made, others will still be disappointed. Matthew TkachukAnd Johnny Gaudreau — even if most feel Treliving adequately filled a void left by their departures.

Hundreds of you chimed in with your thoughts for our Flames fan survey, which also included questions about their Stanley Cup hopes, who the next captain should be and if it’s worth bringing back “Blasty,” the polarizing, flaming horse, for an alternate jersey.

I am still learning the basics of the Flames, the city, and its fans. And as someone who likes Blasty!Some of the results were surprising to me.

What are your expectations of the Flames in 2019?

Flames fans have spoken and they seem to see Darryl Sutter’s squad reaching the conference final, a natural progression from last season. What is a bit surprising is the percentage of fans who’d be content with simply making the playoffs, a fascinating 27.7 percent which, combined, is more than the percentages of fans who believe their team can reach the Stanley Cup Final or even win it.

The Flames have made the playoffs three of the last five seasons but haven’t advanced past the second round since 2004. They should be considered a playoff team in the Pacific Division, even though they have an Alberta rival in Edmonton. AnaheimAnd San Jose are in the midst of transition years and aren’t expected to make the postseason but perhaps those projections differ elsewhere.

It could be because fans have had their expectations blown up before. One year that springs to my mind is 2018-19, when the Flames finished at the top in their division and still fell in the first round against The Flames. Avalanche. Speaking of the Avalanche, one other reason why fans probably aren’t as confident with the Flames’ Cup chances is that the Avs remain the top dog. Nathan MacKinnonAlthough he is due a substantial raise, he remains a bad man. The Avs are still a formidable opponent for any player in the league, even though the Flames were capable of poaching. Nazem KadriFrom them. Perhaps there is some hesitancy when comparing their roster to the Oilers as well, a team that tried to address goaltending issues in the offseason, was freed from Duncan Keith’s contract and has both Connor McDavidAnd Leon DraisaitlKeep it in the fold.

How would you rate Brad Treliving’s offseason on a scale of 1-10?

Fans were genuinely pleased with GMBT’s offseason, thanks in large part to who he was able to pry from the Florida PanthersKadri signing as a free agent. However, Treliving might have more in his bag if his comments to the contrary. fellow The AthleticReporter Thomas Drance is an indication.

“We’re probably still looking up front, not only to figure out who is playing with who, but we’re still in the market for forward additions,” Treliving told Drance late last week.

If our recent depth chartIf the Flames are any indication, they could use more clarity and options on the wing. In the meantime, though, Flames fans are generally pleased with Treliving’s work to this point.

What do you think Matthew Tkachuk will be missed by the Flames?

What do you think the Flames will lose in Johnny Gaudreau?

Flames fans should be understanding when it comes Tkachuk or Gaudreau. We’re talking about two players who’ve spent their entire professional careers in Calgary until this summer.

Both were recognized as top offensive talents and formed part of an elite line. Elias LindholmLast season. The Flames might be able to replace their scoring with Jonathan Huberdeau and can now boast better centre depth with Kadri, one can’t be faulted for missing the personalities and players.

We’ll go through more of the responses from fans in the next question, but some fans are worried perhaps the Flames were only really able to replace one of their stars and not the other. Huberdeau can produce and alleviate some stress from Gaudreau’s departure, but perhaps not Tkachuk who occupied the first-line right wing spot.

As it stands, the team’s best replacement at the position could be Tyler ToffoliOder Andrew MangiapaneIf they move him from right to left. The Flames would need to trade him.

Brad Treliving did a good job replacing both players. Why or why not?

Although fans may not be over the departures, most people feel Treliving did an excellent job replacing both players and addressing the need for defensemen with the addition MacKenzie Weegar.

“Absolutely, he brought in skill, scoring, grit, and all within players that allow them to become deeper and more balanced throughout the lineup. Plus (another) cup winner doesn’t hurt.”

“The best job he could’ve when your 2 cornerstone players choose to leave”

“Yes he did: Florida got fleeced in the Tkachuk trade.”

“YES HE DID AMAZING JOB CONSIDERING THE CARDS HE WAS DEALT”

This last one was written in all capitals, by the way.

It doesn’t mean that some fans didn’t express some concerns, however. Our poll revealed that fans were constantly concerned about the need for a top six winger to replace Tkachuk. Another commenter expressed concern at Huberdeau’s eight-year, $84 million contract extension that kicks in next year when the winger will be 30. An understandable concern despite the fact that Huberdeau should still be in his prime years at the beginning of the contract, which will likely be the team’s best chances of capitalizing on their Stanley Cup window. These are just a few more comments.

“Sufficient job replacing Gaudreau, but Tkachuk is a unicorn. Tough to replace.”

“Not yet. Gaudreau and Huberdeau are a wash, Kadri brings in the grit that Tkachuk had but the scoring won’t be as high as with Tkachuk, even with Weegar. I think if he can pull off something to add an effective scorer to the top nine on the wing, I’d feel much better”

“The team got way older and slightly worse. For the time being it’s exciting, but ultimately it would have been better to rebuild.”

“Somewhat — Kadri’s contract in particular is too long and will eventually lead us to more seasons in the middle than a proper rebuild. I’m 50/50 on if we’ll get one or two competitive seasons before the decline.”

Jonathan Huberdeau (Sergei Belski / USA Today)

Which acquisition is your favorite and why?

Most of our respondents believe Huberdeau, Calgary’s prized acquisition in Tkachuk’s return, is the best of the shiny new toys this offseason. He should have been considered for the Hart Trophy. Maybe. Perhaps not. We’re not going to deny that he’s a capable goal scorer and is among the very best at his position, though.

“Huberdeau, I really think he might have even another gear. He was doing a second line that was utterly ridiculous. Sam BennettIt is a centre. Looking forward to seeing what him and Lindholm might be able to do together.”

“Huberdeau. He’s the star of the show now. Can he do more than replace Gaudreau? We always wanted more out of Gaudreau, especially in the playoffs, will Huberdeau bring that missing piece.”

“Huberdeau for sure. May be wishful thinking but he seems like the type of player who may age like a Bergeron which is important for a guy who’s signed up for the next 9 years.”

Can the Flames win this year’s Stanley Cup?

This one was close to the finish. But, ultimately, fans aren’t as optimistic that their team will succeed with the core in place. We used three years as a time limit instead of next season or in the next five years to properly account for the ages of the Flames’ nucleus.

It’s pretty clear that the Flames will need to win now, or in the foreseeable future, before the team’s best players age out gracefully or otherwise.

Kadri, 31
Markstrom, 32
Huberdeau, 30
Backlund, 33
Tanev, 32
Coleman, 30
Toffoli, 30

Calgary has done exceptionally well. However, with their 30+ talent (and no U24 core players), Flames have a window of 2-3 years before they get into trouble.

— Harman Dayal (@harmandayal2) August 18, 2022

For those about to point it out: Huberdeau’s age, Harman Dayal, my colleague points out, is 29 now but (as pointed out earlier) he’ll be 30 next summer.

What young prospect do you feel most excited about? (Under-25)

Fans are most excited about the AHL’s reigning goalie of year. Dustin Wolf’s winning pedigree in junior and impressive first-year pro performance has many fans dreaming about their possible goaltender of the future. While he’ll likely start next season in the AHL, we’ve approached a curious time in his development as backup Dan Vladar enters the final year of his contract. Will Wolf get himself some NHLWill he be playing exclusively in AHL this season?

Jakob Pelletier, who might still have the best chance of cracking the Flames’ opening night roster of any of these prospects named despite a so-so rookie tournament, is in second place.

Who should be the Flames’ next captain?

Player	Percentage
Jonathan Huberdeau	12.5%
Mikael Backlund	40.1%
Nazem Kadri	5.3%
Elias Lindholm	26.4%
Chris Tanev	14.3%
Other	1.4%

The Flames don’t appear to be in any rush to name a captain. They didn’t need one last year in the wake of Mark Giordano leaving, so why fix what isn’t broken? However, this did not stop voters from answering the question. Mikael BacklundThe Flames’ longest-tenured player (826 games) was the winner.

If the Flames change their mind, giving the “C” to a dependable, middle-of-the-lineup veteran like Backlund should bring more praise than scorn from the fan base.

Jacob Markstrom (Sergei Belski/USA Today)

Should the Flames bring back “Blasty” for an alternate jersey?

Blasty will live on. Fans have spoken out and they would prefer it to return on an alternate jersey. The time will tell if these fans are successful.

(Top photo: Sergei Belski / USA Today)