The News
Despite all the headlines that the Calgary Flames have made to begin the off-season, the ship seems to be headed in the right direction. After losing star wingers Johnny Gaudreau and Matthew Tkachuk, there was no telling what direction it would lead. Things have taken a turn for the better.
Matthew Tkachuk got flipped for Jonathan Huberdeau and Mackenzie Weegar. Huberdeau is locked in for the next eight seasons, and Weegar has an interest in sticking around. The team has also signed winger Andrew Mangiapane. The deal is reportedly for three seasons and carries an AAV of $5.8 million per season. This is a massive deal for the Flames as they look to keep themselves as playoff contenders.
How Good Is Mangiapane?
Andrew Mangiapane is a great talent. He’s a great two-way winger in this league and can put the puck in the net. His ability to finish is like no other. Mangiapane can drive possession at both ends of the ice and is valuable when he is on the ice.
Mangiapane had a career year for himself this past season. Suiting up in all 82 games for the Flames, he scored 35 goals (career high), 20 assists (career high), and 55 points (career high). He was a +20 and even chipped in on the man advantage with 11 points. From a possession standpoint, he finished with a CF% of 59%. Mangiapane managed this level of prediction while being a third-line winger. An extremely underrated winger that should be in the top six for this club going forward.
Why The Flames Are In Good Shape
Despite losing its two best players, the Flames still boast a talented core. Now highlighted by Huberdeau, it has complimentary pieces in Toffoli, Lindholm, Coleman, Weegar, Anderson, Tanev, and Mangiapane. It is a completely balanced lineup that should still be very good. The team has solid coaching and Vezina-caliber goaltending in Jacob Markstrom. Mangiapane is a good signing for the club in the future and should see an increased role with the club. The Flames won’t be going away quietly and should remain among the top of the Pacific Division
