Calgary Flames: Grading the Off-Season Moves Up Until Now

Micheal Ferland Re-Signing: A

Man, Micheal Ferland is such an underrated player. Even his teammates say so. But when put on that top line alongside Johnny Gaudreau and Sean Monahan, the Calgary Flames went on to win ten in a row – a Calgary Flames record and a tie for longest win-streak back when they were the Atlanta Flames, back in 1979. That first game he got put on that top line, he had two goals. One not even a minute into the game. So safe to say he’s a decent first-liner.

The Flames signed Ferland on a two-year contract with $1.75 million AAV. A little lower than what Flames fans were anticipating, but hey, we’ll take it. Actually, one of our writers Tomas estimated what his contract will be and said it would be between $1.75 and $2.25 million. So good job Tomas.

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Ferland last season had 15 goals and 25 points in 76 games. However when put on that first line in February until the end of the season, he had seven goals and 10 points in 21 games. He was a force on that top line and the Flames keeping him for another two years at a cheap price is a huge win for the team. Especially if he continues to dominate on that top line with Monny and Johnny, probably the cheapest first-liner you could get.

Travis Hamonic Trade: A-

When the Flames traded for Travis Hamonic, Flames fans were absolutely ecstatic. Not only did they get a legitimate top-four defenceman, one of the biggest areas of focus this off-season, but they got him at an awesome price (for a top-four). He’s at $3.867 million AAV and he’s locked in for the next three years.

With the Mike Smith trade happening before this one, Hamonic coming to Calgary was that missing piece they needed to complete a well-rounded off-season. Of course, there were minor things here and there, but acquiring Hamonic was definitely in the top two biggest moves they made this off-season.

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The only reason why it’s at an A- instead of an A or an A+ is because of what the Flames traded for him. It was almost identical to the Dougie Hamilton trade, however I believe Dougie still has an edge over Hamonic. The Flames acquired Travic Hamonic and a fourth-round pick in 2019 or 2020 in exchange for their 2018 first round pick, 2018 second round pick, and a second round pick in 2019 or 2020. And now, the Flames don’t have a draft pick next year until the fourth round, which shows that they truly believe they’re in a contention window right now.

Hey, if the Flames make it to the finals next year, Hamonic is definitely a factor and I’ll be the first to admit that they were right to trade their picks away. But for right now, that’s why it’s at an A-.