Who’s ready for a bigger role on Flames’ blue-line? Analyzing the depth chart, Part 3 — Defencemen (2024)

It wasn’t that long ago that some wondered if the Calgary Flames might have the NHL’s best defence corps.

Now, after a hat-trick of high-profile departures, this feels like a brand-new crew.

Flames general manager Craig Conroy started to overhaul his blue-line over the winter, bidding farewell to Noah Hanifin, Chris Tanev and Nikita Zadorov — all of whom were on expiring contracts — and working to restock the shelves with the addition of several up-and-comers.

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In the third of a four-part series, Postmedia’s Wes Gilbertson examines the Flames’ depth chart on defence …

Chart topper

It’s not a bad thing when there’s in-house competition for the distinction of top dog. You could make a convincing case for either Rasmus Andersson or MacKenzie Weegar as Calgary’s best blue-liner. Andersson, 27, has led the team in average ice time in three straight seasons, while the 30-year-old Weegar shattered his career highs in 2023-24, cranking out 20 goals and 52 points. When the power-play finally showed signs of life late in the season, it was with Weegar working as quarterback on the No. 1 unit. These right-handers could skate side-by-side on the top pairing, although the Flames might prefer to split them up in an effort to stabilize two tandems.

What’s lacking?

It’s hard to find top-four defencemen, which is why Conroy made an effort to extend both Hanifin and Tanev before ultimately trading them away. Those exits leave Andersson and Weegar as the only established minute-munchers on Calgary’s back-end. Oliver Kylington has some previous experience in a top-four stead and seems to be able to skate miles and miles without running out of gas, while Daniil Miromanov showed some impressive flashes in 20 games after arriving via trade and won’t be limited in his off-season training, like he was last summer as he recovered from major knee surgery. Do the Flames feel comfortable with those two in workhorse roles, or do they go shopping for more been-there and done-that?

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On the cusp

Hunter Brzustewicz will require some minor-league seasoning, but the 19-year-old is arguably the Flames’ most exciting blue-line prospect in a long, long time. Originally drafted by the Canucks before being included as a key piece in the Elias Lindholm trade, Brzustewicz racked up 79 assists this winter with the Kitchener Rangers, the most apples by any Canadian Hockey League rearguard since the early-2000s. He also won the OHL’s inaugural Ted Baker Teammate of the Year Award. This on-the-rise righty will start his pro career with the Wranglers and his ETA will ultimately depend on his ability to handle his business in the defensive zone. At 23, Ilya Solovyov should challenge for a third-pairing role this fall.

On the move?

The 27-year-old Kylington, who is very grateful for the support he received from the organization and fan base during his mental-health leave, repeated countless times after his return to action that he’d like to stick around the Saddledome. The Flames can’t afford another departure on defence, and they envision this skilled Swede as a big part of their future plans. So why, with less than two weeks until he’s slated to be an unrestricted free agent, has the Masterton Trophy finalist yet to sign a contract extension in Calgary? It’s probably as simple as a stall in negotiations — the usual back-and-forth about term and dollar figure — but as Canada Day approaches, is there reason to worry?

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In the pipeline

Brzustewicz isn’t the only could-be power-play quarterback on the Flames’ futures list. Jeremie Poirier, who just turned 22, has already proven productive with the Wranglers, although he missed a substantial chunk of this past season due to a scary injury — a skate laceration to his right wrist. Etienne Morin, who has been logging big minutes for the QMJHL’s Moncton Wildcats, is another playmaking prospect. There are also some intriguing stay-at-home sorts in the system. Yan Kuznetsov received the solo-lap treatment in January, his lone NHL appearance so far, while trade acquisition Artem Grushnikov should soon be in the call-up conversation. Joni Jurmo is big and mobile, and that combination is not easy to find.

Potential targets

While most fans are hoping the Flames will select a forward — cough, cough, Tij Iginla — at ninth overall, this draft class features several point-patrollers with major offensive upside. Among the potential targets are Zayne Parekh, who out-paced Brzustewicz with ​96 points in OHL action and helped the Saginaw Spirit to a Memorial Cup crown, and Carter Yakemchuk, a local lad who fired a franchise-record 30 goals for the WHL’s Calgary Hitmen. Tanev should receive a call from the 403 area code on the first day of free agency, but there will be a long list of suitors and the 34-year-old will likely land with a contender. Perhaps the hard-hitting Matt Dumba, 29, would be interested in signing in his home city?

Burning question

Just how good can Brzustewicz be? The highlight clips are impressive, the stats are oh-so-exciting, but will his offensive gifts translate to the top level and can he round out the rest of his game?

wgilbertson@postmedia.com

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