An updated look at the Flames’ defensive depth chart

The main defence core for the Flames isn’t exactly the strongest. While you have top-four guys like Rasmus Andersson, Mackenzie Weegar and Kevin Bahl, the rest is debatable. The Flames’ defence will also get weaker once Andersson is eventually traded.

While guys like Joel Hanley and Brayden Pachal have been great, they aren’t top-four defencemen on a contending team. Then you have Daniil Miromanov and Jake Bean, who, in my opinion, aren’t NHLers, period. Bean would likely be a team’s 7th defenceman, while Miromanov is more suited for the AHL and should be placed on waivers.

Then you got the kids and other AHLers. Zayne Parekh is a lock in my eyes to make this season’s Flames roster and will be given a long look at the NHL level. Players like Hunter Bruzustewicz, Ilya Solovyov and Yan Kuznetkov are all going to be strong call-up candidates throughout the season. Players such as Nick Cicek, Jeremie Poirier, Artem Grushnikov will play most of the season in the minors as well as Eitenne Morin.

The unsigned bunch

As for the unsigned bunch, a few players stand out. Henry Mews, in particular, has caught the eyes of many Flames fans ever since he was drafted. His offensive mindset and hockey IQ are something to admire, as he could turn into something at the NHL level. Mace’o Phillips also strikes me as a player to keep an eye on. While his numbers won’t jump out at you, he’s physical, and his overall attitude towards hockey is what has contributed to his success so far. Philips’ road is still long, but his playing style could go a long way.

For the others, their roads towards professional hockey are going to be long. It really depends on how each player’s development path leads and whether NHL hockey is in the cards.

Final thoughts

Craig Conroy has really added some significant defensive talent to the Flames’ system ever since he was hired. While the blueline looks rough now, the Flames have a bright future with players like Parekh, Mews and Brzustewicz all having loads of potential. As for this season, it’ll be important to cycle in some young players as this team looks to build their core for the next generation.