2016 NHL offseason outlook: Calgary Flames

Offseason Needs

The Flames have several huge needs that they must address this offseason. First, they should do everything that they can to try to move on from Dennis Wideman. He costs too much for the role that he is likely going to play in 2016-17. Wideman’s an alright defenseman, but Calgary can find similar production for far cheaper. The Edmonton Oilers and Boston Bruins both make sense for Wideman. They will also need to find someone to replace Wideman, but they might already have that player in Jyrki Jokipakka, who they acquired from the Dallas Stars in the Kris Russell trade.

Calgary’s biggest offseason need is goaltending. Goaltending is really what kept the Flames from being a playoff team in 2015-16. Had they received even league average goaltending, they likely would have challenged for a playoff spot. Free agency probably isn’t the way to go because unless Calgary gets very lucky or are very good at evaluating goalies, none of the free agent options seem to be legitimate starters.

They could also stand to increase their forward depth. Calgary was not able to find an ideal first line forward once they traded Jiri Hudler. Hunter Shinkaruk could be the answer because he is very fast and very skilled just like Gaudreau and Monahan, but he is unproven. They could also stand to use an upgrade on their second forward line and bottom six forwards. Generally speaking, their forwards are in pretty good shape.

Next: Free Agents