Hot Off The Press...

[Owen-Moncton]

HOT OFF THE PRESS: Golden Flames Fire Off Three Straight: “Don’t call it a heater” - O.Durkin

With three straight victories following a mediocre year’s end, Flames fans are getting fired up once again.

“Let’s not call it a heater “, GM Durkin admonished the media, adding: “One-goal games in our favour indicate progress, but when three of your four top D men are leading the league in blocks, it still suggests that we aren’t controlling the puck enough…we’ll gladly celebrate the wins— good on our group— but we have work to do to prove we can sustain something “.

True, the last three have been one- goal victories, but the Flames are matching up in terms of shots for and against, and the scoresheet indicates goal support from deeper in the lineup than in previous years.

Coach Tyler Colley added: we are showing some resiliency out there and finding ways to work ourselves out of bad starts and often enough, you’re seeing the pick and shovel crew making the difference, which to me, as a coach, is reassuring… we’re getting a level of buy-in that is exciting “.

While Andrew Mangiapane is leading Moncton in goals by a mile, the rest of the group is pulling their weight, which means the team’s number one target of opposing teams doesn’t have to be first star every night.

So far, 2022 is treating Moncton’s main sporting attraction well, and it is a welcome change to see a group stay together for at least half a season, but as the campaign heads to the half turn, many wonder if the club will make up any of the eight points needed to fight for a ticket to the big dance we call post-season, or if Durkin will look at dumping assets for draft picks.
“You never say never because you may miss out on a tangible way of improving your franchise, but the group believes it can compete, the coaching staff believes the group can compete, and the front office believes in the process we have in place for the future…just don’t expect panic moves… there’s no fire sale coming “.

[Owen-Moncton]

HOT OFF THE PRESS:
Slavin, Farabee Beantown Bound

As the GHL heads toward the trade deadline, Moncton pulled the trigger on a major blockbuster, sending stalwart defender Jacob Slavin and up and comer Joel Farabee off to Boston, along with Jacob Perrault. Two fifth round picks also became Boston property.

The return is nothing to balk at…
Upon arrival, sure shot Matthew Barzal popped in two goals versus Montreal, instantly endearing himself to Flames fans.
That’s not the only big fish landing on Moncton shores.
Hard hitting back-ender Matt Dumba steps into Slavin’s role, bringing the tenacity and courage that are his calling cards. Add fellow defender Rasmussen Sandin— a mobile two way defender known for his high hockey IQ and innate ability to slow the game down, along with Boston’s second round pick, and it is clear that the plan is to remain competitive while doing some needed rebuilding on the fly.
“Obviously it’s tough to give up what was necessary to net the return that we did, but we feel that in the long run we have added some depth on the blue line, while welcoming one helluva player in Barzal, who has hands, wheels and most importantly a head for the modern game… he’s also on a great long term deal that gives us financial flexibility in the years to come”.
Ever the salesman, it’s clear that GM Owen Durkin believes that this pivot will pay dividends: “At this stage, we had to come to terms with the fact that we were unable to sustain the momentum that had us in the mix for a playoff spot… the time to get out in front of the situation was now…Chris in Boston was a pleasure to negotiate with and we both feel we have met our respective clubs needs with this transaction “.

So, is it officially garbage time in Moncton?

“Listen, there’s a number of guys heading into UFA in the off-season and they’re all playing for new, better contracts… there’s no quit in this group and we’re going to grind it out for the next thirty or so games, which will give the new guys plenty of time to get acclimated to the team and the community “. “Today, we are deeper on defence, we landed a big fish in Matty (Barzal), and our scouting staff appreciate that the work that they do to uncover second round talent will be utilized “.

If Barzal’s two goal performance versus Montreal is a sign of what to expect going forward, a one-two punch of he and Andrew Mangiapane should have Flames fans excited about the potential of such a duo.

Looking ahead to next season, a back end comprising Dumba, Sandin, Eric Johnson ( injured long term) as well as Savard and Stralman equates to a reasonably rugged D corps .

The emergence of the towering Tage Thompson, the steady play of Luke Glendenning and the anticipated re-signing of Sam Bennett could make for a formidable franchise, if Moncton can upgrade its goaltending in the off season.

“We’ll address that in the off season, but the planning starts now…we think we will have cap to address our concerns at any and all positions “.

Did Moncton take a step forward with this recent deal? Is it a lateral move?

Fisty McKnuckles reporting from Moncton

[Owen-Moncton]

Flames make Another Move

As the GHL heads toward the trade deadline, Moncton re-acquired budding power forward Max Jones, along with highly-rated overager Josh Ho-Sang from the playoff-bound New York Americans.

Pending UFA Sam Bennett is heading to the Big Apple in search of GHL glory.

“We love Sam’s game, and if we were playing for a playoff spot, this deal doesn’t happen “, said GM Owen Durkin . “ We’re continuing to look toward the future and with the deals we have been able to make, we have added numerous young assets at both forward and D positions along with a chance to draft a pretty good player in the upcoming draft, so we are excited about what the long term picture looks like “.

While the departure of Jacob Slavin, Joel Farabee and the aforementioned Bennett might sting, the acquisitions of Matt Dumba, Rasmus Sandin, Matt Barzal, Ho-Sang and Jones create both depth at important positions as well as much- needed internal competition within the organization.

While it might have been possible to re-sign Bennett to a standard one-year extension, it makes sense to parlay the value of such an asset into highly rated futures with a real shot at becoming important pieces of a successful team to come, likely sooner than later.

“I like the look of things to come “‘ said Durkin, “you look at the development of Mangiapane and Thompson along with the recent additions and you are seeing a talented group, many of whom came highly rated in the same draft year and the picture emerging is a more competitive organization… ultimately, the 2017 draft has been very, very good to us”.

[Owen-Moncton]

HOT OFF THE PRESS:
Flames Trending Upward

As the 2021-22 regular season comes to a close in Moncton, the usual disappointment is a little less … bleak, shall we say, and for fairly significant reasons.

With one match versus Hartford to go, the club has three 30+ goal scorers — one of whom has a whopping 45 (Andrew Mangiapane) — while realizing their best season as a franchise since 2016-17.

“ Sixty (points) may be an underachievement for the top clubs in the GHL, but it’s a marked improvement over the previous few years “, says GM Owen Durkin, adding: “we like a lot about how we are trending, particularly with respect to the development of a number of key players… Mangiapane has absolutely exploded in terms of his production and no doubt, he’ll be even better next year, as will Tage Thompson, who we think will also be recognized as an elite talent going forward…he’s just getting started “.

With a healthy D core next year featuring the injured Eric Johnson, Matt Dumba, Hard - hitting shot blocker David Savard and Anton Stralman, there appears to be enough of a solid group together to build upon this year’s growth.

“We give our group tremendous credit for the way they came through, be it with injury or roster changes, or whatever… it’s been a successful campaign in terms of identifying the most promising elements of our organization and they have not disappointed…this is Mangi’s second go-round in Moncton and he has grabbed hold of the opportunity to be an impact player as have others… we are excited to see what we can do to augment our core group over the summer and make Moncton an attractive destination for free agents looking to help us move the needle even further and become a perennial playoff team”.
With a decent amount of cap available, Moncton should be able to shore up the goalie position going forward, while adding a complement of depth pieces and promoting from within.

How close are Josh Ho-Sang, Bode Wilde, Max Jones and Rasmussen Sandin?
“ it varies… they’re all good kids and they are learning how to be pro’s on a daily basis… that’s a process, and it starts with making internal competition stiffer, so when you get your callup, it’s because you’ve outworked somebody else; it is not by default “.

Sixty points. Three 30+ goal scorers. An 82- point season (and counting) for a budding star. Eighty one games played and one to go before Durkin and crew get to work on an off season strategy to bolster the group and replace outgoing pieces, while scouts focus on identifying a second-round treasure in the upcoming draft.
While still a work in progress, the rebuild is now less of an abstract idea and it is beginning to appear to be more of a renaissance of that magical ‘16-‘17 103- point campaign wherein Durkin was voted GM of the year by his peers. You may have to squint to make the image of a competitive Moncton club to come into view, but something about it suggests that this time, looking past the club Durkin envisions could cost you… enjoy your summer and for those in the hunt for GHL glory, enjoy the playoffs which will kick off soon.

Reporting from The Firehouse in Moncton, this is Fisty McKnuckles.

[Owen-Moncton]

HOT OFF THE PRESS: Sizzling Summertime Activity in The Maritimes' "Hub City"

While not the only organization to do so, the Golden Flames have been working at near-light speed to re-shuffle the deck in hopes of producing a winning hand in the form of a more formidable hockey club.

There have been a number of transactions. Here's the Coles Notes....

Gone are high-flying winger Andrew Mangiapane and hard-hitting blueliner Matt Dumba. Ryan Graves steps right in to fill the hole left by Dumba's departure which should more than mitigate the loss. Graves is a rock-hard, responsible, two-way defender who enjoys playing a gritty brand of hockey. He finished last season with an impressive 31 points (2 goals, 29 assists) and an equally impressive +41 rating. While naturally predisposed to laying some big hits, he is equally adept at shot-blocking, making him a favourite among both fans and teammates.

The Flames organization also welcome a new goaltending tandem of Jordan Binnington and Connor Hellebuyck, shoring up the back end from the net out. Hellebuyck will naturally handle the lion's share of the load, behind an impressive D corps that now includes Graves, Erik Johnson, David Savard, Anton Stralman, Rasmus Sandin, Jordie Benn and a somewhat rejuvenated PK Subban.

A forward group led by the towering Tage Thompson and Matty Barzal will need to be fleshed out via UFA and the acquisition of the ninth overall pick, which may produce a GHL-ready asset, or perhaps could be in play for a high-octane addition to the top six.

..." We feel like we've managed our cap space well this off-season, leaving plenty of cash to be used for shoring up the holes up-front...We're really happy with our back end from the net out at this stage and we don't anticipate any further changes to those areas, and with the cap available to us, we can be competitive without being reckless".

Budding superstar Elias Pettersson was a Flame for a hot minute, but found his RFA rights traded to Pittsburgh before reporting to Moncton, in exchange for the previously-mentioned top-ten pick:

"While the last word -- and the responsibility that goes with that privilege -- lies with myself as GM, it was an executive management group decision to recapture significant cap as well as a very valuable pick, in what we feel is a deep draft class, based on what our scouting staff has advised...at this point, we feel a cost-controlled draftee with the potential to step into the lineup either this year or next, coupled with the cap to welcome a few UFA's to the fold makes sense for our immediate and long-term future...that said, we'll listen on what may be available in exchange for nine, but essentially, we're ready to enter both the draft and UFA signing phase of the off-season with a view to icing the best lineup available".

"Resurgo'': A Latin phrase meaning: ' I Rise Again". It is also the official motto of 'Hub City'. While the Flames made significant strides last season, we'll get a better idea of whether all this shuffling of the deck amounts to a quantifiable rise in competitiveness, or the equivalent of the proverbial deckchairs-on-the-Titanic exercise in futility.

- Fisty McKnuckles reporting from sunny Moncton

[Owen-Moncton]

HOT OFF THE PRESS: Mutiny in Moncton

Breaking: It has been reported that Moncton's Chief of Scouting along with scouts in Northeastern Europe and western Canada have tendered their resignations.

" Our job is--was-- to identify potential assets that could become the new generation of Flames talent...what's the point if we don't even draft a single prospect"? Such was the emphatically articulated opinion of one Elliot Lincoln, the aforementioned former head scout, who continued: "I'd have more job satisfaction opening a chain of stale coffee and microwave hotdog kiosks than watching every draftee we spend months tracking go to our competitors... I've had enough of this organization, to be frank".

Frank Varmkorv, Chief of European scouting followed suit: "Job satisfaction? pfffft... not exactly the scouting staff's motto".

President and GM Owen Durkin, caught exiting The Firehouse last night, said the following:

" I get the frustration... and I respect their decision to move on...our group is focused on our core primarily, and giving the fans a reason to put their asses in the seats... draft picks are a valuable asset, of course, but when there are holes in the layers of talent in front of them, the tendency is to rush them to the bigs before they're ready to compete against men...listen a 20-pound Butterball can feed quite a mob, but if you serve it half-cooked, you make everyone sick".

Durkin continued: "We've anticipated the growing frustration among our scouts for some time...no shock there...but, we have a fan base to consider, and a goal of moving the needle forward on our compete level". "The moves we've made to date, combined with the cap we have at our disposal gives us opportunity to establish those immediate goals while we look at ways to restock the prospect pool, whether through trade or signing".

In terms of hiring replacements for the departed scouts, Durkin said that an announcement will be made in due time.

-Fisty McKnuckles, reporting from "Hub City", Moncton.

[Owen-Moncton]

HOT OFF THE PRESS: Johnson Contemplates Future as a Flame

Just in: Stalwart defender Eric Johnson, renowned for his fearless shot-blocking prowess, has quietly been contemplating
his chances of success as a Golden Flame, and
his feelings -- passed primarily through his agent Clinton Copp via social media -- have reached front office.

"No, I'm not asking for a trade", said the bonafide first pairing veteran, "I love being a leader on this team, but it's in our DNA to win in this game...so, if a chance to become a champion before I hang em up becomes available at some point, I'd owe it to myself and my family to take it".

"EJ's an important part of our club", said GM Owen Durkin, adding: "He's a great leader on and off the ice and we are excited to kick off the new season with him on our top pairing along with newcomer Ryan Graves...together, they stand to be about as tough a D-pairing as one could imagine...I'm not one to negotiate via social media...whatever needs to be said can be said in person, and we've talked about his future and his goals as a professional face to face...that's how we do things...if there's any developments, believe me, you'll hear it from me first, and not Twitter".

As a veteran in his thirties, "EJ" shows no signs of regression. His numbers bear that out. But time may not be on his side as the prospect of toiling on a losing team looms larger with each tick off the calendar. Unless the Golden Flames find some way of extinguishing their propensity for flaming out while the league's best and brightest ramp up for the playoffs, his could be a career wasted, and as a hockey fan -- as a GHL fan -- that would be inexcusable.

Fisty McKnuckles, reporting from the Firehouse in Moncton

[Owen-Moncton]

HOT OFF THE PRESS: How do The Flames Stack up?

Following an extremely successful big-dollar UFA period (bit-part assets notwithstanding), a look at Moncton's roster sheet informs of noticeable upgrades up and down the page. On paper, the 2022-23 Golden Flames appear to be a well-constructed group, having added a couple big guns up front in Tomas Hertl and Vincent Trochek, as well as rugged rearguard Adam Graves.

earlier wheeling and dealing yielded veteran winger Jacob Voracek, as well as a goalie tandem of Connor Hellebuyck and Jordan Binnington; the latter looking to re-establish his 1A status with a solid campaign.

Recent free agent acquisitions also netted former Flame defender Andy Greene as well as Nick Leddy, once again returning to lend a veteran presence on the back end. Moncton's defense appear to be constructed around the principle of making life miserable for even the most skilled attackers, marrying a hearty mix of physicality and spatial awareness. Indeed, the goal south of the red line looks to be suffocating opponents, making life easier for a goalie tandem with a lot to prove. Moncton has struggled in recent years to keep the goals-against stats in check, finding themselves among league-worst in that particular category. No amount of luck and offense can mitigate the lack of puckstopping, and it appears that between a rugged d corps intent on controlling lanes and blocking high-danger attempts and a new-look tandem between the nets, the disparity between goals-for and against may finally be a point of pride.

"The goal was certainly to address that inequity", says GM Owen durkin. " Lots of times, we only look at points as a means of determining who the contenders are likely to be, but if you track the goal differential over the first couple months, sometimes you see a different story...any team can go on a heater, but sustainable success is based on getting that goal differential in-line".

Moncton's top two lines look more dangerous than ever. They are built to play a possession game, with a number of weapons able to strike from anywhere in the offensive zone.

While the bottom six is notably less offensive-based, newcomer Teddy Blueger along with veteran pivot Luke Glendenning seldom lose a faceoff, and the supporting cast of wingers are purposely-built to wreak havoc with an emphasis on physicality.

Warren Foegle and Sam Carrick will be in a dogfight all season, adding a hard-nosed presence to a slick, skilled core of Trochek, Hertl, Vorachek, Thompson and Barzal.

"This is a team built to punish on the scoreboard, along the wall, in front of the net and in the corners", opined team captain Erik Johnson. "The infusion of skill and toughness is going to make us a team that you need to watch out for...take a shift off and you're gonna pay".

Along with this new lineup, Moncton has replaced their head coach with a brilliant mind in Neil Connor. Connor likes to build from the back end, without sacrificing that high-flying, exciting offensive game that allows his teams to attack with speed as well as cycle the puck and wait for holes in coverage.

"We're not gonna be a one-and-done team...we're gonna use our size and speed, attack hard and use our ability to pass and possess the puck for longer stretches north of the opposing team's blue...we are learning to play a patient game as well as exploiting our creativity and quick-strike capabilities in the O-zone...but it all starts with being both mean and responsible when the puck is in our end".

This sounds good on paper, but the GHL is no joke when it comes to competition. So, how will this new and improved group stack up? Will Coach Connor's strategies address the goal differential problem that has plagued Moncton?

We'll find out soon enough...

Fisty McKnuckles, reporting from the Firehouse

[Owen-Moncton]

HOT OFF THE PRESS: Missed Steps in Moncton?

Despite a few players on the Golden Flames starting roster staring career campaigns in the eye, Moncton's new-and-improved squad isn't having the breakout season it had hoped for. It's an interesting conundrum.
GM Owen Durkin got himself a legit 1A keeper in Connor Hellebuyck, put together a rough-and-ready blueline that's up to rumble with anyone you care to name, and added some bonafide star talent up front, providing two interchangeable top lines. Still, the goals-for versus goals-against is an unflattering 20-ish goals to the red, and as we enter American Thanksgiving, the team sits four points out of contention for a spot come playoffs, with numerous teams tied with 20 points that they'd have to leap-frog to punch a ticket to the dance.

Normally, by Turkey day, if you're out of the picture, you're hard-pressed to move the needle enough to make any noise, so it'll be interesting to see if Durkin and Co. are content to ride it out and call it a year of growth, or look for some way to re-capture spent draft picks by moving some potential difference-makers out for futures.

"...No, we are not where we want to be in terms of standings at the quarter-turn, but we are witnessing some incredible growth from our group as they bond and build chemistry...do you hit the re-set and potentially disrupt that chemistry that's coming, or do you show some extra patience and stability from a management perspective, and let them work through the growing pains"?

when pressed further, Durkin concedes that it's a case by case scenario:' You look at some of the veteran guys with elite pedigree who are on expiring contracts...you can't call it apples-to-apples when comparing those assets with a young, hard hitting D man like Graves, or even a Barzal, who is gonna give you 30 goals every year if you put him in a position to succeed". "We're constantly in discussions with our management group as well as other teams in terms of what we may or may not be able to do to improve our hockey club".

The name that immediately comes to mind is one Jakub Voracek. Highly skilled with hands of gold, He's one of the game's premier playmakers with a knack for finding linemates with perfectly-placed dishes and dazzling rushes as he gobbles up the ice with powerful strides, fending off checkers with a powerful core and lower body. You'd hope to see more production from a star player approaching his UFA eligibility but he hasn't quite meshed as hoped. And at 7+ million in cap, one must wonder who--if anyone--has pockets deep enough to take a flyer on a player with all the tools who can't seem to find his workboots.

In 21 games, Voracek has two goals and nine helpers, sitting ninth in points and fifth in shots team wide. The 6'2'', 213-pound power winger has just two hits on the season, suggesting that he's playing more of an opportunist's role and letting the play come to him as opposed to displaying a high-flying, heavy forecheck type of play. It's not uncommon for players north of thirty to pick their spots, but those are also the guys you want leading by example. Why he hasn't been more engaged is puzzling and makes one wonder how he might fare on a different team, closer to a playoff spot.

One thing we can be sure of is that the likes of Tage Thompson, Matt Barzal, Ryan Graves, Thomas Hertl and Vincent Trochek won't be checking out anytime soon.

"That's the core , the heart of what we are trying to build around, right there", said Durkin. "They've learned to play and think the game at an extremely high level...the next steps are learning the lessons that come with defeat, then learning to win as a group".

Draw whatever conclusions you like about the names left off that list inn terms of availability...

Fisty McKnuckles, reporting from The Firehouse.

[Owen-Moncton]

HOT OFF THE PRESS: Flames Coming up Aces in Recent Trade

Just in: Moncton and Adirondack have come to terms in an agreement that sends high flying pivot Tomas Hertl along with two third round picks and bottom six forward Reese Johnson to the Aces in exchange for winger one -time Flame Filip Forsberg.
Forsberg will likely become the team’s top winger going forward, mitigating the need left by Jakob Voracek’s somewhat underwhelming performance to date.

“We found ourselves in the enviable position of having an over abundance of first-line centre options, and as much as the embarrassment of riches looked great on paper, it left holes on the wing positions… that puts enormous strain on certain guys… that’s a pretty glaring hole and frankly, an easy one to coach against… our power play has suffered as well as even strength, and we feel strongly that Flip returning to the fold here in Moncton makes our attack more structured and balanced “.

So opines GM Owen Durkin, regarding what continues to be a revolving door of high-end talent, with precious little to show for it.

“Landing on the right combination of talent is always a challenge, but when you look at the pieces we’ve added— Thompson, Barzal, Trochek, Graves and Voracek— that’s a formidable squad by any measure”. “We’ve also been fortunate in keeping a great group of support pieces as well as a strong tandem of goalies…if we can control the puck a little better by spreading the talent out a little better, we will likely be on the winning side of some of these one goal games “.

Forsberg marks his return tonight versus fellow cellar-dwellers Washington who trail Moncton by just three points with 22 on the season.

“Any time you go from a first place team that is a lock for the playoffs and potentially a cup challenger to a rebuilding team, it’s going to be filled with mixed emotions “, say’s Moncton’s newest acquisition, adding: “these guys look to be on the verge of something pretty special…it’s a great roster and it’s a chance to be part of the biggest turnaround in franchise history, if not the league “.

Fisty McKnuckles reporting from the Firehouse in Moncton

[Owen-Moncton]

HOT OFF THE PRESS: On Burning Assets in Search of GHLGlory

As the deadline for transacting inches ever closer, general managers at the top of the GHL food chain are playing their cards close to the vest. While some appear confident in standing pat with the hopes of pushing through to the championship round, the playoffs are not always so predictable. One significant injury at a key position — even for a game or two — can wipe out an entire season of hard work and preparation.
It could be argued that all the line-matchups, chemistry experiments and due diligence needed to put together a contender pales in comparison to what kind of decisions are contemplated over the next few weeks.
Could a high flying winger— irrespective of cap hit— make the difference between an early out and a chance to hoist the big hardware? Would a hard-hitting shot-blocking defender with a top-pairing pedigree keep the goals-for ledger above that of the competition?
How will the moves of other contenders affect one’s aspirations for GHL glory?
Playoffs are a different animal. What may work during regular season often doesn’t necessarily apply directly during playoffs, as the intensity ramps up.
So, the question remains: What does one do in order to add the necessary insurance to take a serious run at a cup?

Every franchise has assets that might very well be the difference maker with a team that looks bound for post season action. Arriving in style doesn’t mean that you’re going home with the prom queen, however. And it’s fair to say that the competition will be fierce come April- May 2023.
The biggest challenge for a would - be seller is the issue of producing a package that not only has obvious on-ice merits, but also makes sense in terms of economics. It can be a tough task for both buyers and sellers to navigate the numbers in a way that makes sense beyond four rounds.
The trick is to identify high-price underachievers that the buyer could package up with more attractive assets such as first round picks and/or prospects with upside.
In short, it’s not as important to focus on the incoming salary as much as it is what you can dump along with centrepiece assets if one truly feels that a championship is in view.

It’s no secret that Moncton has assets that would absolutely benefit a contender. Names such as Voracek and Johnson are at the top of the list. While Voracek has great underlying stats, his skill has not necessarily translated in Moncton. As a pending UFA, there is no downside to dumping dead cap in a package in order to add an elite forward asset.
Johnson is one of the league’s most reliable blue liners with two years left on his deal, but there is no denying the impact his presence would have on a playoff team.
Fortune favours the brave. Whoever might be ballsy enough to negotiate for one of the aforementioned players— as well as others around the league — remains to be seen.

Fisty McKnuckles reporting from the Firehouse.

[Owen-Moncton]

HOT OFF THE PRESS: Moncton Goes Scorched Earth

Trade deadline day was a whirlwind in Moncton to say the least…

“It’s been like putting out a fire with gasoline “, opined a visibly exhausted Owen Durkin, quoting iconic British bard David Bowie.

“Trying to rebuild— or retool or whatever— on the fly, as they say, is a fool’s errand and our fans and season ticket holders deserve better… better from me, and better from all of us here”.

The season started with nothing but promise. The Golden Flames appeared loaded with an embarrassment of offensive riches, an elite goaltender in Connor Hellebuyck, and a deep and talented D Corps. Even the bottom six looked like it would be better.

And yet, once again, here we are…
With just 47 points, the only question is whether these post-deadline Flames will be able to eclipse last season’s 60-point total.

So long, TNT… bye, Forsberg…thanks for the memories, Trochek, Graves and Voracek.

Welcome aboard, Quinton Byfield Jordan Greenway and Noah Dobson. There are others joining the fray, such as the returning Thomas Hertl, but the majority of new names will not be known until the draft, wherein Moncton holds six picks in the first two rounds.

“I think we have exhausted every version of retooling, and we have had enough “ Durkin continues. “ It would be the absolute definition of insanity to continue repeating our mistakes… the time to burn it down was now, to start with a couple high-end cost-controlled pieces and draft and develop from within…we may still leverage cap space to add, but only if the right asset is available “.

Moncton has five second round picks and one first round pick at last count, giving the Flames’ scouting staff plenty to be excited about. With luck and preparation in equal measure, the chances of unearthing a gem or two are quite favourable.

For those unfamiliar with Byfield, he’s a top five draftee with all the tools one could hope for, he’s a terrific skater, not just for a big man (6’5”), but for any highly-touted developing star. His ability to crash through opposing defenders in the offensive zone is something to behold, as are his stick skills. Numerous comparisons to Evgeny Malkin are not unwarranted. He’s a couple years out from being on the level of a Tage Thompson, but the wait will be worth it.

Along with budding star backender Noah Dobson, the trade with Hamilton also yielded an A- level prospect in Nick Robertson, whose shifty moves and heavy shot have turned heads at lower levels. Again, patience is key in order for these players to become all they can.
Jordan Greenway is an interesting pickup. Built like a linebacker, the lumbering 6’6” power winger has yet to put it all together, but he is under contract until 2028, giving the big man time to become an everyday top six talent.

Moncton scouts, be forewarned: the task at hand is not an easy one. You’d best have those spreadsheets and video clips up-to-date. This will be a draft like no other for Moncton.

Patience is the new mantra in Moncton. Without a doubt, there’s bound to be more trades in the offseason, likely yielding more picks and prospects. Alex Stalock will likely replace pending UFA Jordan Binnington next season as the team’s backup goalie, and depending on the team’s plans for Connor Hellebuyck, the prospect of reducing an unflattering team goals-against may very well be addressed in the season to come.

Fisty McKnuckles reporting from the Firehouse in Moncton.

[Owen-Moncton]

HOT OFF THE PRESS:
Durkin Burns ‘23,’24 Firsts

Amidst what could be described as something of a fire sale with Thomas Hertl and Connor Hellebuyck being evacuated in separate deals, Moncton has somehow prevailed with a bonafide card-carrying cornerstone defender by the name of Owen Power to build around. Replacing Noah Dobson on the back end is Seth Jones, another tall, rangy defender with a complete 209 foot game.

Forwards Alex Newhook and Keegan Kolesar also join the fold as Moncton prepares for training camp over the coming weeks, as well as southpaw goalie Karel Vejmelka, who will challenge for the starting role.

The 29-year-old Hertl was deemed to be just over the age of what would constitute a core member of a rebuilding club and will surely have an impact in Alaska.

With numerous second-round picks at its disposal ( 40,43,57,62),
GM Owen Durkin has assured his scouts that they will see the fruits of their labour pay dividends in the coming days as there are several gems to be unearthed in the following round.

“We’ve been doing our homework in Moncton and we feel we have identified a number of solid assets who could become important pieces of our future… of course, there is always that temptation to try to flip the picks for something that we see higher up in the draft but we feel very comfortable with our list and are excited about adding some exciting pieces to the puzzle we are putting together”.

Durkin continues: “we’ve had to say goodbye to a couple veterans and a few promising young players, but to say that we are elated about adding a legitimate cornerstone player like Owen Power is… well, he’s a rare breed and that’s a trade that I would make any day of the week “. He’s gonna be a handful, and we can’t wait for training camp to begin “.

There’s still a number of holes to be filled before camp, but with the cap space and picks available to Moncton at present, the smart money is on at least a couple marquee players joining what appears to be a very good young squad in the making.

Fisty McKnuckles, reporting from the draft floor.

[Owen-Moncton]

HOT OFF THE PRESS:
Flames Show Signs of Life vs Cincy

After a disheartening blowout against Syracuse to start their’23-24 season, Moncton took a team-wide deep breath , rallying well enough to notch its first point against the swords of Cincinnati.
Alex Stalock stood tall, stopping 35 of 37 shots, earning second star honours for his harbinger of the hemp hut heroics.
Newcomer Andrew Copp lit the lamp for the Flames’ first goal of the campaign with Martin Frk adding another to keep the maritime squad in the game.

Flames’ longtime goal song; “hot hot hot” has been officially retired, with “Shot down in flames “ by legendary Ozzie rockers AC/DC becoming the new celebration song.
With a little luck and a whole lot of sweat and determination, Moncton’s faithful will be rocking in the aisles Angus Young style to their heart’s content in the coming months.

Fisty McKnuckles reporting for GHL.com

[Owen-Moncton]

HOT OFF THE PRESS: Golden Flames Refuse to Lose

With just a solitary’W’ thus far in the season, the plucky Moncton squad has fared surprisingly well against clubs who boast superior offensive talent and in some cases, some pretty elite goaltending.
How have they managed to pile up the points?
‘A tie against a deeper team is win in our books’ says GM Owen Durkin. ‘’ going head to head with the league’s top offensive players, giving up 40- plus shots a night and coming away with twenty blocks, twenty hits and a 935 save percentage— along with a point— that is changing the culture of our club, and instilling character in our young studs like Power, Byfield and the like… it’s entertaining hockey and our fans are loving it’’.

Rolling with three skilled goalies with solid if not Vezina calibre numbers allows the team to have confidence in whomever happens to be tending the twine, as Demko, Stalock and Vejmelka all have shown themselves capable of holding the fort while facing a high volume of shots.

If there’s on area Durkin would like to see some improvement, it would be with the man advantage.

“We’ve gotta crack the code when playing up a man, no question… our shorthanded numbers don’t trouble me, but there’s not much happening on the power play and in tight scoring games like the ones we are finding ourselves in, that boost while up a man could make the difference “.

With a record of one win, two losses and five draws, Moncton is flirting with .500 hockey. While that may sound a tad underwhelming, it’s an encouraging sign, giving one pause to wonder how a young core such as this will fare in seasons to come.
With a trifecta of reliable goaltending, a healthy mix of prime age veteran players such as Kane, Mantha, Marchment and Schiefle along with Trouba and Seth Jones, young guns like Owen Power and Quinton Byfield have time to develop their skills to the fullest as the perennial bottom feeders of the east bury their troubled past and look toward a promising future.

Are playoffs in sight? Tough to say and too early to call but they’re hovering right around the middle of the pack, making superior teams scratch their heads as they routinely hold the opposition to a single point, at home or away.

“American Thanksgiving is a a pretty good indicator of who gets in and who gets to reevaluate “, says Durkin, adding: “if our team goals-for versus against continues to improve— which is job one right now— I think the boys would welcome the chance to challenge the big dogs in a post season runoff “…”Let’s just stay focused, put in the work and clean up our power play and let the chips fall… but I am confident in the group and it’s ability to make noise in the years to come “.

Fisty McKnuckles for GHL News