Flames Power Rankings: Joel Farabee Claims Top Spot Post-Trade Deadline
The Olympic break and NHL trade deadline have concluded, leaving the Calgary Flames in a transitional phase as they navigate the remainder of the season. With key players like Rasmus Andersson, MacKenzie Weegar, and Nazem Kadri now departed, the team is effectively positioning itself for a lottery pick, with eyes on future talents such as Gavin McKenna or Ivar Stenberg.
Despite this shift toward rebuilding, there are still games to be played and significant opportunities for the remaining roster members. New additions including Victor Olafsson, Ryan Strome, and Olli Maatta aim to reestablish themselves as legitimate NHL contributors heading into next season. Meanwhile, younger players like Zayne Parekh, Matvei Gridin, Connor Zary, and Matthew Coronato are competing to climb the rotation and secure more prominent roles.
Top Performers in Recent Games
Joel Farabee, Left Wing (3 goals, 3 assists, 6 points in 8 games)
Suddenly, Joel Farabee has become the Flames' leading goal-scorer, a development not solely due to Nazem Kadri's trade. Farabee actually surpassed Kadri in scoring before the trade occurred, and his two-goal performance against the Carolina Hurricanes propelled him past Matthew Coronato for 15 goals this season. Over the past seven games, he has been Calgary's highest-scoring skater with 3 goals and 5 points.
The Flames risk not having a 20-goal scorer this season for the first time in recent memory, but Farabee currently stands as the team's best candidate to reach that milestone. This outcome is surprising to many, given expectations from just a few months ago.
Morgan Frost, Center (2 goals, 3 assists, 5 points in 8 games)
Both former Philadelphia Flyers have shown recent improvement after experiencing dry spells earlier in the season. With Kadri's absence, Frost is expected to receive increased ice time, providing ample opportunity to continue accumulating points. He ranked second to Farabee in scoring during this period, and the two are now skating together on what could be considered Calgary's top line.
Blake Coleman, Left Wing (2 goals, 2 assists, 4 points in 7 games)
Coleman returned from injury and immediately resumed his strong performance. While his four points in seven games may not stand out dramatically, he remains perhaps Calgary's most well-rounded skater, even at 34 years old. Reportedly in high demand as a trade target before the deadline, his $4.9 million US contract extending into next year gives the organization time to potentially trade him for a solid return. In the meantime, he can continue mentoring younger players.
Players Currently Struggling
Matthew Coronato (0 goals, 1 assist, 1 point in 8 games)
This season has been challenging for Coronato. His poor performance in early October led to demotion to the fourth line and eventually time in the press box. He regained form in late November, securing a spot in the Flames' top-six rotation again, but recent struggles highlight the ongoing adjustments in his development.
