All the energy that had been building for the upcoming Winter Olympics largely dissipated for many hockey fans with the understandable withdrawal by the NHL at seemingly the final hour. Flames fans perhaps more than many had a lot to look forward to, with a veritable boatload of current roster players not only making their respective nation teams, but as stars in their prime. From Matthew Tkachuk and Johnny Gaudreau on Team USA, to the handful of Swedes who undoubtedly would have shone, it’s a big disappointment not getting to see our familiar faces on an international stage.
If you’re somewhat of a prospect and draft nerd like me, you might be intrigued by the large number of former prospects and players that have worn the flaming C over the years who are now taking their place.