NHL 19: Calgary Flames Player Ratings, Roster & Top Prospects

(Image Source: EA Sports)

After a crushing end to the 2017/18 season, the Calgary Flames are determined to push for the playoffs in this campaign. With a veteran goaltender, two elite-level young forwards, many other youngsters breaking into the team, and one of the best defensive corps in the league, the Flames, with a little luck, could go deep in the playoffs this season.

Johnny Gaudreau, Left Wing, 90 OVR

Age: 25Role: Left Wing SniperHeight: 175cmWeight: 71kgShoots: LeftBest Stats: 95 Deking, Puck Control, Discipline 

Johnny Gaudreau personifies the new-age style of play in the NHL; speed and skill are taking over the league. Having scored 24 goals and 84 points in 80 games last season, Gaudreau has proven that size doesn’t matter, demonstrating his ability and shrewd talent for scoring over and over again. This season, at the 26-game mark, he joint-led the high-flying Flames with 29 points – tied with Matthew Tkachuk – helping his team to the top of the Pacific Division.

Mark Giordano, Defenseman, 86 OVR

Age: 34Role: Two-Way DefensemanHeight: 183cmWeight: 90kgShoots: LeftBest Stats: 90 Defensive Awareness, Stick Checking. 89 Shot Blocking, Endurance, Body Checking 

In a team filled with young guns, a cooler, experienced head is needed to keep them grounded and lead the way, which is exactly what captain Mark Giordano does in every game. Despite his age, Giordano is still a top-class defenseman who is as effective in the defensive end as he is the offensive end. Last season, he played all 82 games and tallied 38 points and a neutral rating – a good rating for a minute-munching player on a team that conceded an average of three goals per game. This season, he’s stepped up again to tally 24 points at the 26-game mark with a +14 rating.

Mike Smith, Goaltender, 85 OVR

Age: 36Role: Hybrid GoaltenderHeight: 193cmWeight: 97kgShoots: LeftBest Stats: 90 Puck Playing Frequency, Passing. 89 Breakaway, Stick Low. 

Mike Smith was somewhat hit and miss last season behind a team that also struggled for form. This season, he seems to have lost a lot of confidence, with his usual knack for collecting and playing the puck failing to come off. He has, however, also had some games where he’s next to unbeatable. But, through 26 games, he’s ceded 11 starts to 26-year-old David Rittich, who boasts a .924 save percentage and 2.21 goals against average to Smith’s .885 save percentage and 3.13 goals against average.

NHL 19 Calgary Flames Roster

From the Day 1, September 13 update, this is how the Calgary Flames’ first lines start. Sean Monahan and Johnny Gaudreau create a perfect duo in this line, despite Monahan being underrated at 87 overall. The defensive line is strong at both ends of the ice, with Travis Hamonic complimenting the two-way play of Mark Giordano nicely. James Neal brings a dose of physicality to the line while also boasting a tremendous shot.

Johnny Gaudreau (90) – Sean Monahan (87) – James Neal (84)Mark Giordano (86) – Travis Hamonic (83)Mike Smith (85)

*Brett Kulak traded to the Montreal Canadiens on October 1.

Tyler Parsons, Goaltender, 68 OVR

Age: 20Role: Hybrid GoaltenderHeight: 183cmWeight: 84kgShoots: LeftPotential: Starter med

He’s not quite ready to be Mike Smith’s replacement, but in a few seasons, Tyler Parsons will be able to step up to the NHL crease and provide a trusty presence in the net. His 83 for speed and agility is already very promising, while his 80s for passing and puck playing frequency has him shaping up to be a like-for-like replacement to Smith, but in a more condensed package.

The Calgary Flames boast many exciting prospects who could challenge for an NHL place over the next couple of seasons, or fetch a fair price in the trade market. Defenseman Rasmus Andersson headlines to prospect pool and could make the jump into the stacked defensive corps of the Flames at the start of the game. Juuso Valimaki will soon be knocking on the door for a place in the NHL lines, as will Oliver Kylington – both of whom are defensemen. 

NHL 19 Calgary Flames Top Prospects