Grading each Calgary Flames player for the 2023-24 season
Defenseman
Rasmus Andersson (#4): B
78GP, 9G, 30A, 39pts.
Rasmus Andersson put in a lot of effort and dedication this season, and while he struggled after the Chris Tanev and Noah Hanifin deals, he remains a key piece for this blue line. Even before that, Andersson struggled to play to the level we’ve become accustomed too, and with his deal coming up soon, he will look for a big bounce back in 2024-25.
Dennis Gilbert (#48): B
34GP, 1G, 6A, 7pts.
Dennis Gilbert had a rough season but contributed as much as possible to the team. He had to deal with a lower-body foot injury for a part of the season and was difficult to be included into the regular roster because of the high number of defenceman the team had to juggle around. He will look to get more opportunities next season as the Flames look to continue getting younger on the blue line.
Joel Hanley (#44): B
42GP, 1G, 4A, 5pts (10GP, 1G, 1A, 2pts with the Flames).
Joel Hanley joined the Flames after the Chris Tanev deal seemingly replaced him on the Stars, and he quickly became very likeable in Calgary. His veteran instincts and abilities translated well to this team, and with the team getting younger on the blue line, he could play a key role for them as a veteran presence moving forward.
Oliver Kylington (#58): A+
33GP, 3G, 5A, 8pts.
Oliver Kylington was the best storyline for the Calgary Flames this season. It was very doubtful that he could return to the line-up on a regular basis after taking a mental health leave absence for more than a year. His return has been remarkable, he scored 3 goals and is now one of the finalists for the Bill Masterton Memorial trophy.
Daniil Miromanov (#62): A
24GP, 3G, 4A, 7pts (20GP, 3G, 4A, 7pts with the Flames).
Danill Miromanov joined the Flames in the Noah Hanifin deal, and while he had little NHL experience, the expectations were high given his potential. Miromanov used to be a forward before transitioning to a defenceman, and that certainly shows when he has the puck on his stick. Miromanov is very likeable on and off the ice, and given the Flames already put him on the power play, his future could be very bright.
Nikita Okhotiuk (#28): B
52GP, 1G, 8A, 9pts (9GP, 0G, 1A, 1pts with the Flames)
Nikita Okhotiuk's performance was difficult to analyze this season, and he was one of the last defenceman brought in by the team just right before the NHL trade deadline. He also had very limited game-time as there the team had plenty of defensemen to rely on, but he will look to make an impact with a full off-season and training camp.
Brayden Pachal (#94): B
50GP, 2G, 5A, 7pts (33GP, 1G, 5A, 6pts with the Flames).
Brayden Pachal was one of the most overlooked moves of the year by GM Craig Conroy, as he was a waiver wire pickup from the Vegas Golden Knights. His offensive game is certainly limited, but he is the perfect third-pairing defenseman who will likely have a role with Calgary in that spot next season.
Ilya Solovyov (#98): B
10G, 3A, 3pts.
Ilya Solovyov recently called up from the Calgary Wranglers played to the best of his ability in limited time, as he saw just 10 games with the Flames. In that time he flashed plenty of potential, and with a playoff run with the Wranglers another chance to show what he’s got, he could be a nice depth piece for Calgary going forward.
Mackenzie Weegar (#52): A+
82GP, 20G, 32A, 52pts
Mackenzie Weegar, the best defenseman a team could ask for. He has been everything that Calgary hoped when they landed him as a part of the Jonathan Huberdeau deal, and is tabbed by many as a future Flames captain. This year he not only netted 20 goals (third only behind Cale Makar and Roman Josi), but blocked almost 200 shots, and he will be the anchor that leads this team for years to come.