Mackenzie Weegar makes a bold statement about the Calgary Flames and their future

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Matt Garland
September 15, 2022 (10:08)

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Mackenzie Weegar believes his new team the Calgary Flames are better than the Florida Panthers, who traded the defenseman as part of the deal for Matthew Tkachuk on July 22.

The Panthers won the Presidents' Trophy last season, which is awarded to the team with the best record in the regular season with a record of 58-16-6.

"It's going to be really exciting,"

Weegar said at the 2022 Flames Charity Golf Classic on Wednesday.

"Obviously, coming from Florida on a good team and then coming here now, I'd say we're a better team than Florida is. It's going to be really exciting. I think a lot of people have come up to me in the city, a lot of fans and stuff that they're really excited for this season and [Jonathan Huberdeau] and I and [Nazem Kadri] and a couple of new faces here. It's going to be a good season, and I'm excited just as much as they are."

The Flames lost both of their 100-point players Matthew Tkachuk (traded to Florida), and Johnny Gaudreau (signed with Columbus) and veteran defenceman Erik Gudbranson (signed with Columbus, but get replaced by Nazem Kadri, Jonathan Huberdeau and MacKenzie Weegar. From a pure production standpoint, the Flames lost 88 goals and 236 points and brought in 66 goals and 246 points in that three-for-three swap. From a goals above replacement perspective (via Evolving Hockey), the Flames lost 59.4 goals above replacement and brought in 46.2. They may be a little worse from a pure goals perspective, but the group may have a better lineup balance than in seasons past.

"I think we have a great team,"

Huberdeau said.

"You look at our [defenseman] core, is just great. We have a big team, a great goalie, two goalies actually (Jacob Markstrom, Dan Vladar). The forwards too, we added 'Naz,' too. I think we have a great top six. I'm excited to see what we're going to do, but I think this year we can believe and go get a Stanley Cup right away."

When examining the players that went out and came in, The Flames might be the better team. Kadri can replace the scoring and tenacity that Tkachuk brings on the ice. The Flames' defence is way better with Weegar on the blueline compared to the contribution Gudbranson can make.

Calgary replaced their leading scorer from last season with Huberdeau. When comparing Huberdeau and Gaudreau they are both elite playmakers, with excellent vision and a good two-way game. I would give the edge to Gaudreau in the goal scoring department, scoring 40 last season while Huberdeau's highest goal total has been 30. They are both 29 with Huberdeau being the bigger player standing at 6'1 compared to Johnny at 5'9. Huberdeau uses his big frame more recording 99 hits compared to Gaudreau's 10 hits last season. How will Huberdeau's game mesh with coach Coach Darryl Sutter?

Markstrom and Huberdeau briefly played together on the Florida Panthers when Huberdeau was first getting into the league from 2012-2014.

The Flames begin their 2022-23 season on Oct. 13 when they host the Colorado Avalanche.

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Top Team in the Pacific	43	32.3 %
In a Wild Card Spot	32	24.1 %
Top 3 in the Pacific	42	31.6 %
Winning the Presidents' Trophy	16	12 %
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