3 Bold Predictions About the Calgary Flames

The Calgary Flames are approaching a make or break season in 2021-22 as ownership is no longer going to accept playoff failure. The team will need to make some noise in the Stanley Cup Playoffs this season or else some major changes could be on the way. Let's examine three bold predictions regarding the Flames as we approach training camp.

Johnny Gaudreau or Sean Monahan Gets Traded

The Flames have held trade discussions recently as the Montreal Canadiens checked in on Monahan, meanwhile Gaudreau has been busy getting married and has made it clear he prefers to stay in Calgary long-term. If the team struggles early on this season, look for general manager Brad Treliving to make a bold move, and one of these two could be packing their bags.

Flames Don't Make Playoffs = Treliving Gets Fired

Considering all the coaching and goaltending changes the Flames have faced over the past several seasons with Treliving in charge, which hasn't resulted in much, there's no doubt the GM is on the hot seat. He's made some bold moves giving Blake Coleman almost five million on a long-term deal, as well as the contracts for Jacob Markstrom and Chris Tanev. If the Flames fail, it could be Treliving who is first to go.

Matthew Tkachuk Demands a Trade

There's lots to unfold with the Flames, and most of the summer has been spent listening to rumors about Tkachuk wanting a trade to the St Louis Blues. While his camp has never fully come out and denied the rumors Shane O'Brien started, management would certainly love to keep their 23-year-old pest in the fold for many years to come. Tkachuk will be a restricted free-agent after this season, and at some point, we could be hearing about a legit trade demand as this season is going to be a spicy one in Calgary.