FLAMES UNFILTERED

EPISODE 181|SEASON 5

Trade, Underachievers, and the Wolf Experiment

Listen to “Flames Unfiltered – Episode 181 – Trade, Underachievers, and the Wolf Experiment   ” on Spreaker.

— EPISODE 181 —

In this episode of Flames Unfiltered, Brad and Kyle discuss the recent trade of Nikita Zadorov to the Vancouver Canucks and share their thoughts on the return the Flames received. They also discuss Oliver Kylington’s potential return to the lineup and the struggles of Dylan Dubé and Andrew Mangiapane. The hosts also talk about the possibility of giving Dustin Wolf a chance in net and the potential trade market for players like Chris Tanev and Elias Lindholm. They also touch on the importance of developing young players and the need for more scoring depth on the team. The episode ends on a positive note, with Brad and Kyle looking forward to the upcoming games.

Key Takeaways:

• The Flames received a 2026 3rd round pick and a 2024 5th round pick in the trade for Nikita Zadorov.
• The return for Zadorov was not ideal, but it was likely the best offer on the table.
• The Flames should consider giving Oliver Kylington a chance in the lineup now that Zadorov is gone.
• Dylan Dubé and Andrew Mangiapane have been underperforming and it may be time to consider moving them for better options.
• Dustin Wolf should be given a chance in net while Jacob Markstrom is injured.
• Chris Tanev and Elias Lindholm could be potential trade targets for teams in need of defensive help or scoring depth.

Quotes:

• “The Flames received a 2026 3rd rounder and a 2024 5th rounder in the Zadorov trade.” – Brad Burud
• “The return for Zadorov was not ideal, but it was likely the best offer on the table.” – Kyle Lewis
• “Dylan Dubé and Andrew Mangiapane have been underperforming and it may be time to consider moving them for better options.” – Brad Burud

Flames Unfiltered: Analyzing the Flames’ Current Challenges and Future Outlook

Welcome to Flames Unfiltered, hosted by Brad Burud and Kyle Lewis. In this week’s episode, we dive deep into the current challenges facing the Calgary Flames and discuss the potential impact on the team’s future. We analyze key themes from the recent Flames Unfiltered podcast episode.

Introduction: Addressing Recent Trades and Player Performance

The episode begins with a discussion about the recent trade involving Nikita Zadorov and the disappointment surrounding the return. Brad expresses his frustration with the timing of the trade, as it occurred shortly after recording the previous episode. Kyle shares his thoughts on Zadorov’s departure, highlighting the unprofessionalism displayed by the player and the need for a fresh start. Both hosts agree that the cap space freed up by the trade is a valuable asset for the team.

The conversation then shifts to the underperformance of certain players, particularly Dylan Dubé and Andrew Mangiapane. Brad and Kyle express their disappointment with Dubé’s lack of contribution to the team and suggest that it may be time to move on from him. They also discuss the struggles of Mangiapane and the need for more consistent scoring depth on the team.

The Potential Return of Oliver Kylington and the Impact on the Defense

The hosts then turn their attention to the potential return of Oliver Kylington and its impact on the Flames’ defense. They speculate that Kylington’s nearing return may have influenced the decision to trade Zadorov and emphasize the importance of giving younger players like Kylington a chance to prove themselves. They also discuss the need for a more responsible defensive culture and the possibility of trading Mark Giordano to free up cap space.

Kyle mentions, “A Kylington return? Because it’d be a feel-good story.” This quote highlights the potential positive impact of Kylington’s return on the team.

Evaluating the Goaltending Situation: Dustin Wolf and Dan Vladar

The conversation shifts to the goaltending situation, with a focus on the potential of Dustin Wolf and the performance of Dan Vladar. Brad and Kyle express their support for giving Wolf a chance to prove himself in the NHL, especially with Jacob Markstrom injured. They also defend Vladar against recent criticism, highlighting his solid performance in the previous game. The hosts stress the importance of not scapegoating Vladar and acknowledge the need for a more responsible team effort in front of the goaltenders.

The Ineffectiveness of Key Players and the Need for Offensive Production

The hosts then address the underperformance of key players like Elias Lindholm and Jonathan Huberdeau. They express their disappointment with Lindholm’s lack of production in his contract year and discuss the need for more consistent offensive output from the team’s top players. They also highlight the struggles of the power play and the importance of finding solutions to improve scoring depth.

Brad mentions, “Johnny Gudreau and Matthew Tkachuk combined points, 29. Jonathan Huberdeau and Nazim Kadri combined points, 30.” This quote highlights the need for more offensive production from Lindholm and other key players.

The Potential Trade of Noah Hanifin and the Implications for the Team

The conversation turns to the potential trade of Noah Hanifin, with rumors suggesting a possible landing spot in Arizona. Brad and Kyle discuss the potential return for Hanifin and emphasize the need to capitalize on his value while it is high. They also discuss the importance of fielding a competitive roster in the next few years and the need to balance short-term success with long-term development.

Conclusion: Embracing Change and Building for the Future

In conclusion, the hosts emphasize the need for change and the importance of embracing a new direction for the Calgary Flames. They highlight the value of cap space and the need to capitalize on assets like Hanifin and Tanev. They stress the importance of developing young players and creating a winning culture within the team. The hosts express their optimism for the future and their hope for a more successful and competitive Flames team.

As the Flames face challenges and make important decisions, it is crucial to analyze the implications and potential impact of these themes. By addressing these issues head-on and making strategic moves, the Flames can position themselves for future success. It is an exciting time for the team, and with the right approach, they can build a winning roster and create a culture of excellence. The future outlook for the Flames is promising, and fans can look forward to a team that is committed to growth and improvement.

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Tagged as: Andrew Mangiapane,  Brad Burud,  Calgary Flames,  Chris Tanev,  Dan Vladar,  Dustin Wolf,  Dylan Dube,  Elias Lindholm,  Flames Unfiltered,  Hockey,  Inside Edge Hockey Media Group,  Jacob Markstrom,  Kyle Lewis,  National Hockey League,  NHL,  NHL Podcast,  Nikita Zadorov,  Noah Hanifin,  Oliver Kylington,  Vancouver Canucks,  Western Conference.