Flames could end Canada’s long Stanley Cup drought

Another National Hockey League season is upon us, and with that come predictions that will undoubtedly land on Old Takes Exposed come the summer of 2023.

Armed with new stars Nazem Kadri and Jonathan Huberdeau and the reigning Coach of the Year in Darryl Sutter, the Calgary Flames enter the season with far greater expectations than this time last year – and a very real possibility to end what will be a 30-year Stanley Cup drought for Canada when the Final wraps up in June of 2023. 

Without further ado, here are my predictions for how the coming nine months will unfold during the 2022-23 season and the Stanley Cup playoffs. 

Calgary Flames 

-Finish in first place in the Pacific Division for the second straight year, recording another 50-win season.

-Deal a notable defenceman for a notable top-six forward before the calendar turns to 2023.

-We see another Battle of Alberta in the playoffs, this time with the Flames coming out on top.

-New arena deal announced in early 2023.

-Jonathan Huberdeau hits the 100-point mark and earns Hart Trophy votes.

-Elias Lindholm leads the Flames in goals.

-Nazem Kadri registers a 75-point season and Andrew Mangiapane scores 30-plus goals.

-Jacob Markstrom is again a finalist for the Vezina Trophy.

-MacKenzie Weegar gets votes for the Norris Trophy.

NHL 

-Biggest surprises: Dallas Stars and Ottawa Senators

-Biggest disappointments: Seattle Kraken and Vegas Golden Knights

-First coach fired: Dave Hakstol, Kraken

-Rocket Richard Trophy winner: Kyle Connor, Winnipeg Jets

-Art Ross Trophy winner: Leon Draisaitl. Edmonton Oilers

-Frank J. Selke Trophy winner: Elias Lindholm, Flames

-Hart Memorial Trophy winner: Cale Makar, Colorado Avalanche

-Vezina Trophy winner: Juuse Saros, Nashville Predators

-Norris Trophy winner: Cale Makar, Avalanche

-Jack Adams Award (Coach of the Year): D.J. Smith, Ottawa Senators

-Jim Gregory Award (General Manager of the Year): Brad Treliving, Flames

Stanley Cup Final: Tampa Bay Lightning over Calgary Flames in 6 games