Flames Having Only One Player on Pace for 50+ Points a Huge Problem

With only defenseman Rasmus Andersson on pace for more than 50 points this season, the Calgary Flames have a huge problem. Notwithstanding that the leading scorer on the team is a defenseman, there are some quality offensive talents that aren't producing, which not only means more regular-season struggles, but long-term issues as well.

Andersson has 11 points in 17 games. That's good for a pace of 53 points. The next closest is Jonathan Huberdeau with 10 (a 48-point pace.) Mikael Backlund has nine points, as does Andrei Kuzmenko. But, Nazem Kadri, Blake Coleman, and Connor Zary have eight, with others who should be producing way down the list.

Some leniency can be given to Yegor Sharangovich who was injured early. But, in 10 games, he's got two points. Kuzmenko has one goal, and others have taken a steep decline after a hot start.

What Does This Mean for the Flames?

Now 18th in the NHL for goals for and 23rd in goals-for-per-game, the team has allowed more goals against than they've scored this season. They are trending in the wrong direction if they want to be a playoff team.

Perhaps the bigger issue is what happens at the NHL Trade Deadline with players the team and GM Craig Conroy might want to move. Conroy won't have any luck trading Kuzmenko if he's on pace for five goals. He's already lost the ability to flip Anthony Mantha thanks to an untimely injury.

Could Rasmus Andersson be the player the Flames decide to move? They might not have much of a choice. If the defenseman continues to be the standout performer this season, he'll either play his way into a massive contract extension or attract irresistible trade offers from teams around the league.