Fansided

Which player will be each NHL team’s superstar in 5 years?

By Griffin Youngs

TORONTO, ON - NOVEMBER 1 - Auston Matthews
TORONTO, ON - NOVEMBER 1 - Auston Matthews /
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OTTAWA, ON – MARCH 09: Calgary Flames Left Wing Johnny Gaudreau (13) waits for a face-off during second period National Hockey League action between the Calgary Flames and Ottawa Senators on March 9, 2018, at Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa, ON, Canada. (Photo by Richard A. Whittaker/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
OTTAWA, ON – MARCH 09: Calgary Flames Left Wing Johnny Gaudreau (13) waits for a face-off during second period National Hockey League action between the Calgary Flames and Ottawa Senators on March 9, 2018, at Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa, ON, Canada. (Photo by Richard A. Whittaker/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Calgary Flames- Johnny Gaudreau

The Calgary Flames really haven’t done much over the last decade. They’ve made the playoffs twice, won one series, and got swept in the first round the other time. They really are one of the most frustrating teams to watch in the league because they have the talent right on the roster, but they can never seem to put it together at the right time for some real success. Fortunately they do have the talent to succeed, and at the forefront is Johnny Gaudreau.

For years, Johnny Gaudreau has been an under appreciated star in the league. He was a steal for the Calgary Flames in the 2011 Draft, selecting him at 104th overall after he slipped in the draft due to his size. Before coming to the NHL in the 2014-15 season, Gaudreau dominated in the NCAA with 80 points in 40 games, setting expectations high for his debut. Gaudreau did not disappoint, scoring 60 points and helping lead the Flames to their first playoff appearance in six years, even helped win them their first series since 2004. That was just his rookie season.

Recently, Gaudreau has been nothing short of phenomenal. His most recent season saw him posting a career best 84 points with a near league high 60 assists. His start to this season has him well over a point per game pace and in the top ten for points overall. The Flames will need him to continue leading the way if they’re going to make it back to the postseason.

Five years from now, Gaudreau will be 30 years old and in the tail end of his athletic prime, but still enough to be the best player on the Flames. His hockey IQ, speed, and playmaking ability will keep among the top tier of the league for years to come. With Matthew Tkachuk and Sean Monahan as support, the Flames have to be Stanley Cup contenders soon. There’s simply too much too talent here to continue to settle for mediocrity. They do however strike me as a team that could rise up out of nowhere once the playoffs start and make a surprise run, as long as their goaltending can give them chance.

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