This is a significant blow for the Flames, who currently seem to be in organizational free-fall as they find out their team has a mediocre ceiling. Currently, they hold a record of 10-11-3 and are outside of a playoff spot. Losing Markstrom will only make this more of an uphill battle for the Flames.
If losing Markstrom seriously affects the team, and results in more losses, it could expedite the current trade talks surrounding the team. Both Chris Tanev and Noah Hanifin are rumoured to be available, and they could end up requesting a trade if this season gets worse.
To get through December, the Flames have recalled their highly touted goaltending prospect Dustin Wolf. Selected in the seventh round of the 2019 draft by the Flames, Wolf has risen greatly in the goalie depth chart. This year, he's posted a 2.50 Goals Against Average and .920 save percentage with the Flames' AHL team. Hopefully, he can carry that success with him to the NHL.
POLL | ||
5 DECEMBRE | 179 ANSWERS Calgary Flames lose key player to serious injury Will the Flames do a full rebuild? | ||
Yes | 74 | 41.3 % |
No | 42 | 23.5 % |
They can't, they're stuck with bad contracts | 63 | 35.2 % |
List of polls |