Could Calgary Flames be More Competitive Than We Think?

This might sound a bit crazy, but has anyone considered the possibility that the rebuilding Calgary Flames could be better than a bottom feeder this season?

Granted, it's extremely unlikely they're going to be major playoff contenders with a roster that has had as as much turnover over the past few years. The defence alone lost half its starters before the NHL trade deadline last season.

The retooled back end and a crop of unseasoned goaltenders as the last line of defence will go a long way in determining the Flames' fortunes in the coming months.

Dustin Wolf will have to use his elite athleticism and hunger to succeed to transition his all-star and MVP performances from every other level of hockey to the world's biggest stage. Dan Vladar will have to be healthy enough on his surgically repaired hip to provide solid secondary netminding. If not, late bloomer backstop Devin Cooley will be next up.

In front of them, MacKenzie Weegar and Rasmus Andersson are the top dogs on defence — although they won't play as partners. Trade pickup Daniil Miromanov showed promise in his short stint with the Flames even though he was still in the late stages of recovery from a serious knee injury.

Not a bad top three. And training camp invite Tyson Barrie could find himself a niche as a powerplay producer if the preseason goes well.

Kevin Bahl (another blueliner targeted via trade) just finished his first season as a full-timer, and Calgarian Jake Bean was brought in to replace Oliver Kylington in free agency. Brayden Pachal was a solid addition last season as well. Not flashy, but physical and savvy as a bottom-pairing player.

Related: Flames' GM Craig Conroy Asks Players to Be Patient Amid Rumors Of Rebuild Exits

There may be others knocking at the door, too, although it's probably too early to expect first-round pick Zayne Parekh to contribute. Still, there is enough star power at the position to compete if every plays to their full potential.

Up front, an even stronger case can be made — contingent on a few important details, of course.

For one, Jonathan Huberdeau needs to have a real bounceback season this year. No one should be expecting a return to the 100-point plateau, but a little closer to a point-per-game campaign would go a long way in keeping the Flames hope afloat.

He's one of those veterans that needs to fully buy in to GM Craig Conroy's vision of a quicker turn into competitiveness rather than waiting for a way out amid the rebuild. Same goes for Nazem Kadri, who was one of the team's best performers last season but has been rumoured to be open to a move because of his desire to win another Stanley Cup.

If Huberdeau and Kadri are anchoring the top two lines and get support from Yegor Sharangovich, who scored 31 times last year, Andrei Kuzmenko, who potted 39 two years ago, and some combination of Anthony Mantha (a three-time 20 goal scorer), or sophomore trio Connor Zary, Matt Coronato and Martin Pospisil.

But where a real difference can be made is one of the best possession duos in hockey, with Flames captain Mikael Backlund and Blake Coleman — fresh off a career year — anchoring the third line. They'll have a new linemate after the departure of Andrew Mangiapane, but whether it's Jakob Pelletier, Coronato or another forward filling in, the line should be solid.

Putting together an energy line buzzing with Ryan Lomberg and anyone able to keep pace may not put them in contender category, but they might scrap out more wins than most are predicting.

Either way, it won't be boring.

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