Thoughts and Predictions on the Pacific Division

7. Calgary Flames

The Flames had a rough year last year, finishing with 81 points placing them fifth in the division.

The collapse of the Flames has been fascinating to watch unfold. What was once a team with a fun young core now holds almost none of the pieces that fought against the Oilers in the great battle of Alberta matchups.

This offseason the Flames added Kevin Bahl, Anthony Mantha, Jake Bean, and Ryan Lomberg. They also had two first-round picks in this year's draft, Zayne Parekh and Matvei Gridin however they probably won't see the ice with the Flames this season.

They lost Jacob Markström, Andrew Mangiapane, Dillon Dubé, A.J Greer and Oliver Kylington.

The Flames are in a weird spot. Although they are probably headed for a rebuild, they still have the massive contracts attached to Jonathan Huberdeau and former Leaf, Nazem Kadri. I doubt they will be able to move these deals and it might be the best option to just let their deals run out and keep them on the roster. The Huberdeau for Tkachuk deal that current Leafs General Manager, Brad Treliving made now looks like a disaster. Huberdeau has never returned to his Florida form and the extension that came with the contract is an anchor that is near impossible to move.

This season will be about the performance of the younger guys on the roster. Another step from Connor Zary would be great after he played 63 games with the Flames last year scoring 14 goals and 20 assists for a total of 34 points (all stats from NHL.com). The Flames will also be focusing on the performance of star goaltending prospect Dustin Wolf after playing 17 games last season, posting a .893 save percentage, -4.49 goals saved above average and -7.72 goals saved above expected (all advanced stats from EvolvingHockey.com).

Another focus will be how some of the signings in the offseason perform like Anthony Mantha as they could be trade chips at the deadline.

Jacob Markstrom and Noah Hanifin are both guys who the Flames had for the whole year or the majority of last season. They won't have them this year and the lack of depth will set the Flames up for a tough upcoming season.