The Flame might be put out in Calgary
Image via Candice Ward-USA TODAY Sports
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The Calgary Flames have had an interesting offseason in the NHL. Early in the offseason, the Flames lost star left winger Johnny Gaudreau to the Columbus Blue Jackets on a seven-year deal. However, that may not be all.
The Flames recently filed for arbitration with star winger Matthew Tkachuk, which spells bad news for the Flames, their fans, and their plans.
Since the Flames filed for arbitration with Tkachuk, this likely marks the end of an era for him in Calgary, as there is now a growing possibility that Tkachuk could be traded this week and have a new home starting next season.
There are still options on the market for the Flames that can help contribute to the team on either side of the ice, such as current Stanley Cup Champion center Nazem Kadri, defenseman John Klingberg, right winger Vladimir Tarasenko, center J.T. Miller, center Pierre-Luc Dubois.
Last season, the Flames finished first place in the Pacific Division with a record of 50-21-11, finishing with 111 total points. Gaudreau led the team with 115 points, including 75 assists, while Tkachuk had 104 points, including 62 assists. The Flames had a decent playoff run, led by both star players, as they would defeat the Dallas Stars in a Game 7 overtime thriller. After that, however, they would lose in five games to their rival Edmonton Oilers.
After their season ended, many wondered if the Flames would be back or aim to get better for the future. However, that is now in doubt with the coming Gaudreau and Tkachuk news.
The Flames were a team that left the impression of being back for the following season, especially since they had a strong season. However, their series against the Oilers might end up being the beginning of the end for the Flames.
For a team that once had pretty high hopes, Flames fans may have to accept that their team may be on its way down. The Flames already lost a key player in Gaudreau, and if they lose Tkachuk, their hopes of having a Stanley Cup contending team or even being a playoff contender will be put on hold.