Worst 10 seasons by Calgary Flames players since 2007–08

The Flames’ 10 worst seasons

Note: Troy Stecher’s 2022–23 season would rank as the Flames’ ninth-worst with a -9.5 net rating, but I omitted it because he only played 20 games in Calgary after being acquired.

*Ladislav Smid joined the Flames mid-season in 2013–14 after being acquired from the Edmonton Oilers, but he played 56 games for Calgary, which is enough to keep him on this list.

Enforcers/grinders are a black hole

This data illustrates that most enforcers/grinders have a negative impact on the game at both ends of the ice. What it doesn’t show is how happy they make their teammates, which is clearly the most important thing in hockey.

The beloved Brian McGrattan leads the way with the Flames’ single worst season of the last 18 years. He posted negatives across the board and in all situations, earning a Flames-worst -12.6 net rating. Simply superb, and on par with a 34-year-old Ethan Moreau (Oilers, 2009–10), who was in the twilight of a fine 16-year NHL career.

Eric Godard’s 2007–08 season comes in third-worst with a staggering -11.9 net rating. He barely posted positive numbers in 5v5 offence and shorthanded, with an even power play rating. He tied with Marc-Andre Cliche (Colorado Avalanche, 2014–15) at 16,096. Impressive!

Next up, Brandon Bollig posted a couple whoppers in 2014–15 and 2015–16 with -10.8 and -10.4 net ratings, respectively. These account for the Flames’ fourth and fifth-worst seasons, respectively. The former is comparable to Lauri Korpikoski (Phoenix Coyotes, 2009–10), while the latter is similar to Brad Staubitz (Minnesota Wild and Montreal Canadiens, 2011–12).

Tim Jackman’s 2011–12 season accounts for the Flames’ eighth-worst. He was barely in the positives in 5v5 offence, had an even shorthanded rating, and then negatives across the board. His -9.8 net rating is very similar to Shawn Thornton’s (Boston Bruins, 2009–10). I will say that Jackman was the only player with a -9.8 net rating and a positive 5v5 offence rating.

Coming in tied with the ninth-worst single season for the Flames is Ryan Lomberg this year. Apart from a 0.1 shorthanded rating, he posted negatives across the board. His season was most similar to Cam Janssen’s (St. Louis Blues, 2010–11).

Defencemen account for the rest

Everyone loves a defenceman who will put his body on the line for the team, but is it possible they’re hurting the team with their play more than they’re helping?

According to this data, the Flames’ second-worst season belongs to Deryk Engelland, who posted a -12.3 net rating and negative marks across the board. He was caved in on the defensive end with an impressive -15.8 5v5 defence rating. The only other blueliner to post a -12.3 net rating was Thomas Pock (New York Islanders, 2008–09), and their ratings are very similar overall.

Ladislav Smid’s 2013–14 net rating of -10.2 is the Flames’ sixth-worst in the last 18 years. His -14.0 5v5 offence is notably bad, showing that all offence went to die when he stepped on the ice. Jason Ward (Tampa Bay Lightning, 2007–08) is the closest comparable among players with a -10.2.

Marginally better, with a -9.9 net rating, is Shane O’Brien. His 2013–14 season ranks as the seventh-worst among Flames players. He’s off on his own in this data, but Mike Weber (Buffalo Sabres, 2011–12) might be the closest comparison among players with a -9.9.

Ties with Lomberg for the ninth-worst season among Flames players is Chris Butler with a -9.2. His -16.4 5v5 defence is the worst among this group, and that was supposed to be his strength. He did, however, post a 1.8 shorthanded rating. Ben Chiarot (Detroit Red Wings, 2022–23) is probably the closest comparison, but his 5v5 offence was much worse than Butler’s at -14.4.

Looking at the point production

This group accounts for a whopping 18 goals and 77 points. McGrattan’s four-goal season in 2013-14 is the best of the bunch, and Butler’s 16 points that same year is the best in its category. A special shout-out to O’Brien for posting the only goose egg in this table. Overall, not exactly inspiring numbers, but not what you expect when you unleash these guys on the opposition.

Now, I’m not saying these guys don’t provide value in other ways, because they wouldn’t be rostered if they didn’t. The data simply shows that these are the 10 worst seasons by Flames players over the last 18 years, factoring in only 5v5 and special teams situations. It doesn’t account for the spark they give the bench with a timely blocked shot or fight.

This should not be construed as my opinion on whether the Flames should keep or move on from Lomberg, either. That’s a story for another day! Just take it for what it is: the 10 worst statistical seasons by Flames players since 2007–08.