For Calgary Flames forward Blake Coleman, a return trip to Tampa brings back memories of championship boat parades. However, for several years, those Stanley Cup triumphs with the Lightning were accompanied by a painful, constant reminder—a debilitating back injury. Now, finally healthy, Coleman is arguably the Flames' best and most consistent forward this fall.
The Lingering Injury
The injury originated during the Calgary forward's second Stanley Cup run with Tampa Bay. While attempting to throw a hit on Montreal's Joel Edmundson during the 2021 final, Coleman missed and folded himself into the boards. "Ever since then, it had just been nagging," Coleman confessed. The problem persisted far longer than anticipated, causing significant pain during practices and casting doubt on his ability to finish seasons in his early years with Calgary.
Coleman, now 33, never publicly detailed the specifics, but he occasionally mentioned playing through discomfort. His resilience was remarkable; his heart-and-soul style of play never hinted at the physical struggle. Despite the pain, he has missed only five games since signing in Calgary and ranks second in team goal-scoring since the start of the 2022-23 season, trailing only Nazem Kadri.
A Turnaround and New Routine
The tide has now turned. After relentlessly seeking solutions, Coleman and his team found a regimen that works. The key secret to his strong start is finally being free from the back issue that plagued him for years.
"I'm thankful that we stayed after it, because we found some solutions that have worked," Coleman stated. He has adopted a dedicated daily stretching routine to ensure his body continues to cooperate. This commitment to maintenance is a cornerstone of his current success and confidence on the ice.
Implications for the Flames' Future
Heading into a Wednesday night game against his former Tampa Bay teammates, Coleman's value to the Flames has never been more apparent. His performance this season has been a bright spot for the team. His health and productivity also make him a potentially valuable asset; speculation is already swirling that he will be a top trade target for General Manager Craig Conroy if the team decides to become sellers.
Now in his fifth campaign with Calgary, a fully healthy Blake Coleman is not just playing through pain—he's thriving, demonstrating the elite form that once made him a champion and establishing himself as an indispensable part of the Flames' lineup.
