Flames Unfiltered – Episode 184 – Directionless Flames

FLAMES UNFILTERED

EPISODE 184|SEASON 5

Directionless Flames

Listen to “Flames Unfiltered – Episode 184 – Directionless Flames” on Spreaker.

— EPISODE 184 —

Brad Burud and Kyle Lewis discuss the Calgary Flames’ performance and prospects for the 2024 season. They debate asset management and trades versus aiming for a playoff spot. The conversation touches on struggling players like Jonathan Huberdeau and Dylan Dubé, as well as potential trade options like AJ Greer. They mention the World Juniors, goaltending, and the possibility of trading Lindholm and Kadri. The hosts express uncertainty about the team’s direction and the anxiety it brings. They also briefly discuss past minor league teams and upcoming games. The future of the Flames and the tough decisions facing Conroy are highlighted.

About The Guest(s):

• Brad Burud and Kyle Lewis are hosts of the Flames Unfiltered hockey podcast. They are avid Calgary Flames fans and provide unfiltered and passionate discussions about the team.

Summary:

• Brad and Kyle reminisce about past minor league teams associated with the Calgary Flames and their unique jersey designs. They also discuss upcoming games and their expectations for the team’s performance. They touch on the team’s current standing and the potential for a playoff run. The hosts also mention the challenges faced by the Flames’ general manager, Craig Conroy, in making difficult decisions.

Key Takeaways:

• The hosts discuss the unique jersey designs of past minor league teams associated with the Calgary Flames.
• They mention upcoming games and their expectations for the team’s performance.
• The hosts acknowledge the team’s current standing and the potential for a playoff run.
• They highlight the challenges faced by the Flames’ general manager, Craig Conroy, in making difficult decisions.

Quotes:

• “I like the fact that we now have a minor league team that actually has a bit of originality in the jersey designs.”
• “The worst were the Quad City flames with the flaming C with the Q like taped over the top of it.”
• “It looks like an era brand of Pepsi or something that. It just made no sense.”
• “I watched Brett Hull play college hockey and you watched Bret hall play for the Moncton golden flaming Eagles or whatever they were.”
• “We’re going to go on a run here, and we’re going to beat Philly, Chicago, and Ottawa, and we’re going to beat ourselves on Thursday night.”
• “Conroy’s has his work cut out for him”. Dude, this is going to go right down to where he’s going to be forced to make extremely hard decisions, and he’s going to get crucified no matter what.”
• “Flames fans, you have a good week. Enjoy this week’s hockey action. We’re back next week with more Flames Unfiltered.”

Title: Navigating the Uncertainty: The Calgary Flames’ Mid-Season Reflection

Introduction

As the Calgary Flames reach the midway point of the season, the team finds itself in a state of uncertainty. With a 500 record and a playoff spot within reach, the Flames face a dilemma: should they push for a playoff berth or focus on building for the future? In a recent podcast episode, hosts Brad Burud and Kyle Lewis discussed the team’s performance, potential trade opportunities, and the challenges of finding the right direction for the Flames. This thought leadership article delves into the main themes of their conversation, providing an in-depth exploration of each topic and analyzing the implications and potential impact on the team’s future.

Asset Management and Trade Deadline

One of the main themes discussed in the podcast was the importance of asset management as the trade deadline approaches. Both hosts agreed that the Flames should be open to trading certain players to acquire future assets and build for the future. Brad Burud mentioned the need to move players like AJ Greer, who has been performing well and could be a valuable trade piece for a playoff-bound team. Kyle Lewis added that Andrew Mangiapane could also be a desirable trade target for teams looking to bolster their offense for a playoff run. The hosts acknowledged that while it may be difficult to part ways with these players, it is necessary to make strategic moves to improve the team’s long-term prospects.

The Changing Direction of the Flames

The conversation then shifted to the changing direction of the Flames as a team. Brad Burud expressed his optimism for the future, highlighting the team’s focus on giving young players an opportunity to prove themselves. He mentioned that the Flames had shifted from being a team with expectations of playoff success to a team focused on building for the future. Kyle Lewis agreed, stating that the Flames’ mantra had changed, and it was important to evaluate the performance of young players and make decisions based on their development. Both hosts acknowledged that this transition could be challenging, but it was necessary for the team’s long-term success.

The Challenge of Evaluating Players and Making Decisions

The hosts then discussed the challenge of evaluating players and making decisions based on their performance. They specifically mentioned the struggles of Jonathan Huberdeau and Dylan Dubé, two players who have not lived up to expectations this season. Brad Burud emphasized the need for consistency and sustained performance before declaring that a player is “back.” He mentioned that Huberdeau’s recent point streak was a positive sign, but it would require continued strong performance for the rest of the season to truly consider him back. Kyle Lewis added that young players like Connor Zary and Jakob Pelletier had cooled off in terms of offensive production, which was expected for young players. He suggested that the team should manage their ice time and potentially give them a break to avoid burnout.

According to Brad Burud, “You know what’s going to happen now? We’re going to go on a run here, and we’re going to beat Philly, Chicago, and Ottawa, and we’re going to beat ourselves on Thursday night. We’re going to rattle off eight straight points and we’re going to be back in a playoff race.”

The Goaltending Situation and Potential Trades

The conversation then turned to the goaltending situation and potential trades involving goaltender Jacob Markstrom. Both hosts agreed that there was a market for goaltenders, and Markstrom’s recent performance had increased his trade value. They discussed the possibility of trading Markstrom to a team in need of goaltending, such as the Toronto Maple Leafs. Brad Burud mentioned the idea of retaining salary on Markstrom’s contract to facilitate a trade, but he questioned whether it was possible to retain salary on different years of the contract. Kyle Lewis added that it would be important to get a significant return for Markstrom, as he was a valuable asset for the Flames.

The X-Factor: Potential Trades and Future Outlook

The hosts concluded the podcast by discussing potential trades and the future outlook for the Flames. They mentioned AJ Greer as a desirable trade target and suggested that he could fetch a third-round pick for a playoff-bound team. They also discussed the possibility of trading Andrew Mangiapane and Dylan Dubé, both of whom have struggled this season. The hosts acknowledged that while it may be difficult to part ways with these players, it was necessary to make strategic moves to improve the team’s long-term prospects. They emphasized the importance of asset management and making decisions that would benefit the team in the long run. The hosts expressed their hope that the Flames would find the right direction and continue to build a competitive team for the future.

Conclusion

As the Calgary Flames navigate the uncertainty of the mid-season, they face the challenge of balancing their desire for immediate success with the need to build for the future. The team’s performance, potential trades, and the development of young players are all key factors in determining the Flames’ direction. While there may be anxiety and trepidation surrounding the team’s current situation, it is important to evaluate the implications and potential impact of each decision. By focusing on asset management and making strategic moves, the Flames can position themselves for long-term success. The future outlook for the team remains uncertain, but with careful planning and a clear vision, the Flames can find their way back to playoff contention and establish themselves as a competitive force in the NHL.

 

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