Calgary Flames: What now?

After a wonderful start to the 08-09 season and what looked to be an insurmountable lead for the Calgary Flames after the halfway point, a late-season collapse and a somewhat surprising first round exit left Flames fans shaking their heads and wondering what’s next.

There are three key issues that Flames fans will find themselves contemplating for the next few months.

First, the late season collapse of this team and what led to it. Injuries can be blamed for a large portion of the downfall, but what I find very troubling is the fact that there were, at times, three foot gaps between players on the bench due to the miniscule amount of cap room left over in case of injuries. Sutter has to take some of the blame for this; there is no reason to leave that little cap room.

Second, the Jokinen trade. At the time it looked like a masterful deal for the Flames. They got that big center which they needed, but for some reason the move obviously did not pan out. While making a big impact at the start Jokinen, seemingly like every Flame, cooled off down the stretch. In his last 17 games Jokinen managed a frightening 8 points. Perhaps the worst aspect of the deal is the fact that the flames not only lost two quality players and a first round draft pick, but they now will not be able to re-sign Cammalleri to an extension.

Thirdly, what is to come of Mike Keenan? He had the team to go far and proved unable to get his team to the second round. The players obviously do not like him, and it seems as if his voice has been lost. I have always said that teams go far in the playoffs when they play for each other, rather than fear of their coach. I understand Keenan has won the cup once, when he coached the NY Rangers, a one year stay. Coaches like him lose their thunder real quick, especially on a veteran team. I see Keenan being relieved of his coaching duties, and at the age of 69 I wouldn’t be too surprised if he retires from hockey.

It could be an interesting off-season in Calgary. I expect changes to occur. I do not expect Cammalleri or Keenan back with the Flames next year.

Without a first round draft-pick, the flames are going to have to look at other ways of improving the clubs depth.