Inside Edge Hockey Media Group
Listen to “Wolf Calder Runner-up and Draft Preview – Flames Unfiltered – Episode 247” on Spreaker.
— EPISODE 247 —
In this engaging episode of “Flames Unfiltered,” hosts Kyle Lewis and Brad Burud dive into the off-season developments surrounding the Calgary Flames. The conversation kicks off with some personal reflections from Kyle, as he humorously admits to once wearing an Edmonton Oilers logo to support a past relationship. The duo quickly transitions into more serious topics, including the impressive rise of Calgary Flames’ goalie Dustin Wolf, who emerged as the runner-up for the Calder Trophy. Burud and Lewis explore what this means for the team’s future, celebrating Wolf’s significant standout performances.
The episode further delves into various NHL topics, including the intricacies of recent Calgary coaching staff changes and upcoming prospects in the NHL Draft. The hosts reflect on the recent Hockey for Heroes event, a charity initiative supporting the Heart and Stroke Foundation, highlighting Kyle’s participation and the community’s efforts to raise over $2,300. The episode wraps up with an in-depth discussion on the Flames’ offseason strategy, focusing on critical contracts, potential trades, and the upcoming NHL Draft strategies, ensuring fans are well-informed and engaged with all current Flames narratives.
Dustin Wolf’s Breakthrough: Acknowledged as runner-up for the Calder Trophy, Wolf’s performance has promising implications for the Calgary Flames’ future.
Hockey for Heroes Charity Event: Kyle Lewis shares his memorable experience playing alongside NHL legends, raising significant funds for the Heart and Stroke Foundation.
NHL Draft and Prospects: The hosts discuss the Flames’ draft strategy, emphasizing the importance of targeting skilled centers due to a current roster deficiency.
Coaching Changes in Calgary: Recent adjustments in the coaching staff could offer fresh perspectives for the Flames’ upcoming season.
Rasmus Anderson Contract Talks: Andersson’s potential trade and contract negotiations remain a focal point for the team’s offseason plans.
“To be fair, you know, I’m just gonna call my ex again because I do love her and, you know, hope things will eventually work out.”
“Dustin Wolf is for real, and we’re super excited for the future.”
“It felt like I was on vacation… it was just a surreal experience.”
“Just to put in perspective, the penalty kill was at 72.6%, 29th overall… Trent Cole steps in… 83.1%, 12th overall.”
“There’s a major need for centers at the minor league level and the NHL for the Flames.”
Catch the full episode to explore an in-depth discussion on the Calgary Flames’ future developments and off-season strategies. Stay tuned for more insightful content and updates from “Flames Unfiltered,” where Lewis and Burud continue to deliver passionate and informed hockey talk.
Kyle Lewis and Brad Burud are the hosts of “Flames Unfiltered,” a podcast dedicated to discussing all things related to Calgary Flames hockey. With a wealth of experience and a passion for the sport, they provide weekly insights, analysis, and commentary on the NHL, specifically focusing on the Calgary Flames. They engage their audience with personal anecdotes and expert knowledge, making their podcast a popular destination for hockey enthusiasts.
The conversation around the Calgary Flames cannot be complete without diving into the standout season of Dustin Wolf. As Brad Burud aptly puts it during the podcast, “Dustin Wolf is For real… if the Flames have made the playoffs, if the Calder trophy was solely awarded on value to their team. Dustin Wolf wins and hands down.” This sentiment is echoed throughout the episode, underscoring Wolf’s consummate skill and potential as a game-changer for the franchise.
Wolf’s ability to consistently deliver under pressure and his burgeoning reputation as a cornerstone of the Flames’ future instills a palpable optimism amongst fans and stakeholders alike. His accolades, which include being a runner-up for the Calder Trophy and earning a spot on the All-Star Rookie team, have fortified his status as crucial to Calgary’s aspiration of returning to prominence. As Kyle Lewis notes, Wolf’s “agility and reflexive saves” mark him as not just a promising talent but a potential top-tier NHL goaltender.
The implications of Wolf’s success stretch beyond individual accolades to inform the Flames’ broader strategic decisions, particularly in areas of roster adjustments and future trades. His progress may reshape Calgary’s approach to defensive support, highlighting a need for solidifying lines that bolster his nascent capabilities.
Rasmus Andersson’s impending contract negotiations stand as a theme laced with intrigue and potential repercussions. This pivotal matter, as discussed by Brad Burud, indicates the complex balancing act between retaining core talent and managing cap space. Burud delves into the contract expectations: “The numbers that I’ve seen floated out there seem extremely high,” reflecting concerns over how Andersson’s demands might stretch Calgary’s financial strategies.
Andersson represents both an asset and a challenge for the Flames. With substantial interest surrounding his future, the Flames must weigh their options—whether to engage in long-term commitments or seek value in a trade that might yield prospects or draft advantages. Kyle Lewis articulates the stakes by emphasizing, “If we were able to get him for 7-7.5, I think I could handle and live with that.” This mirrors the broader sentiment that while Andersson is a key piece, the Flames’ roster flexibility could hinge on the terms reached in his next deal.
The situation encapsulates a broader narrative of resource allocation within NHL teams facing the perpetually shifting dynamics of player contracts, talent retention, and salary cap constraints. For the Flames, embracing a strategic vision that mitigates risk while maximizing player contribution remains crucial.
Another major focal point from the episode is Calgary’s impending draft strategies—a subject fraught with anticipation and strategic maneuvering. With the Flames holding two first-round picks, discussions led by Brad Burud accentuated the potential pivot towards stockpiling centers, a testament to their current organizational needs.
As Kyle Lewis articulates, “Center is what is going to be targeted and I don’t know that they don’t draft five of the seven as centers.” This focus highlights a responsive strategy aimed at addressing a historical shortfall in center depth within the organization. The Flames are poised at an intersection where judicious selections could secure foundational assets essential for sustained competitiveness.
Burud and Lewis also explore the intricacies of draft positioning, debating the merits of retaining their picks versus trading up to acquire higher-caliber talent. Burud’s apprehension about over-committing to unproven top-tier picks in a draft devoid of depth (“For me, I feel like the assets for Rasmussen could be so much better used…in other areas”) resonates with broader strategic sensibilities, advocating for a tempered approach aligned with long-term team objectives.
As the Flames navigate these dynamic scenarios, the decisions made in the coming months will critically shape the landscape of their competitive future. Internal deliberations over contract extensions, draft strategies, and the integration of emerging talents will unravel a narrative steeped in both challenges and opportunities.
Dustin Wolf’s ascent provides a tangible glimpse into the Flames’ evolving young core, signifying hope for a resurgence in form and competitiveness. Meanwhile, the asset management decisions surrounding Andersson and draft initiatives will demand astute, forward-thinking agility from the front office to ensure alignment with organizational goals.
The Flames’ journey exemplifies the broader NHL narrative—a dance of strategy, negotiation, and foresight where every decision reverberates across the team’s outlook. This period of transition offers the Flames a canvas upon which to craft a future that not only honors their storied past but carves a path toward renewed glory.
Flames Unfiltered features two passionate and opinionated hosts. Brad Burud has been with the show since the beginning and was the creator of the show. A Flames fan since 1986 he brings the old school approach to the show. As a Theoren Fleury and Mikka Kiprusoff fan he longs for the playoff runs he watched decades ago. Kyle Lewis joined the show for the start of season four. A Flames fan since the 90’s, Kyle is a huge collector of Calgary game-worn jerseys. Jarome Iginla was the hero for the Flames when Kyle started this journey and Iginla will always be a favorite. Kyle hopes this year’s version of the Flames can bring him the happiness he felt when Gelinas scored the overtime game winner over Detroit. Thanks for joining us. Sit back and enjoy some Flames hockey talk.
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