A main reason the Flames missed the playoffs in 2017-18 was their inability to score. A low shooting percentage played a part in that; so did a lacklustre forward lineup.
In increasing both the overall quality and depth of their forward group, the Flames may be well on their way to rectifying that particular blight. Something else those additions should help? The powerplay.
The Flames’ third-worst powerplay in the NHL was a major reason as to why they missed the postseason. One way to fix it for next season had already been accomplished long before any other moves were made: Bill Peters replaced Glen Gulutzan and, perhaps more importantly, Geoff Ward replaced Dave Cameron.