Flame for Thought
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Calgary Flames Establishing Identity

By Brandon Murphy

Jun 27, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Calgary Flames general manager Brad Treliving announces Samuel Bennett (not pictured) as the number four overall pick to the Calgary Flames in the first round of the 2014 NHL Draft at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 27, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Calgary Flames general manager Brad Treliving announces Samuel Bennett (not pictured) as the number four overall pick to the Calgary Flames in the first round of the 2014 NHL Draft at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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As the Calgary Flames move forward in their rebuild, the search for a culture and team identity becomes more and more crucial.

Find a coach. Find more depth on the wing. Find a goalie ready to start in game 1.

The list for general manager Brad Treliving went on and on. In the span of a week, he has not only addressed the primary needs of the team; he made some great steps in establishing what defines the Calgary Flames.

First, he addressed the need for a number one goaltender by snagging veteran net minder Brian Elliott for a second round pick and a conditional third round pick in 2018, the condition is dependent on whether or not Elliott signs with Calgary. his 0.930 save percentage is a far cry from the abysmal save percentage of Karri Ramo and Jonas Hiller, 0.909 and 0.879 respectively. Clearly this is a vast improvement between the pipes.

There is a degree of concern regarding  Elliott’s age and degree of adjustment needed to become comfortable within the organization; a similar situation occurred when Dougie Hamilton was acquired during the draft last year. Because of the length of contract and the money, this seems like a perfect situation for the Flames. If Elliott flounders, they can let him walk and all it took was a second round pick. If he is even half as good as he was last season, the third round pick in 2018 is a small price to pay for the starter Calgary has been searching for since Kiprusoff.

Brad Treliving followed this bold move by stealing gritty forward Troy Brouwer and steady net minder Chad Johnson during the first hour of free agency. Brouwer provides an answer to the famous question: “Who will complete the top line that can play with Monahan and Gaudreau.” His play is another step in establishing the identity of the Flames: a gritty team full of character guys to compliment the skilled, speed players.

Next: Calgary Flames Draft Day Analysis, Grades

Brouwer’s price came a little high at $4.5 million AAV, but it will seem like a bargain when he clicks with the young studs to have a productive and powerhouse top line. Chad Johnson’s contract is a steal no matter how you slice it. His $1.7 million AAV is more than affordable. He is also on a one year contract so there is little to no risk signing him. The young net minder has a staggering save percentage of 0.920. This has the potential of being a terrifying tandem for teams to face.

These moves have solidified this as Treliving’s team and the near future is very promising for this young team.

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