Organizational alignment playing key role in Flames’ success

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It’s clear when watching the Calgary Flames this season that Johnny Gaudreau is almost always aware of where his linemates, Matthew Tkachuk and Elias Lindholm, are on the ice. Chris Tanev doesn’t have to look for Oliver Kylington, he already knows where his defence partner is at all times.

That innate chemistry throughout the lineup has propelled the team to the top of the Pacific Division as one of the biggest surprises in the NHL.

The same dynamic exists off the ice among the coaching staff and management.

In recent years, Calgary’s current front office has made several decisions that have set up the Flames for today’s success. 

Right now, they have a No. 1 centre signed at under $5 million a season (Lindholm), one of the league’s top scorers at $6.75 million (Gaudreau), and a 30-goal scorer at under $3 million (Andrew Mangiapane). The team’s top four blueliners (Rasmus Andersson, Noah Hanifin, Tanev and Kylington) are making a combined $14.75 million, and its Vezina-calibre goalie Jacob Markstrom is signed at $6 million. 

Since the end of the 1980s, the organization has had challenges in building a consistent contender. In the 31 years since becoming the only visiting team to hoist the Stanley Cup at the Montreal Forum, the Flames have won just four playoff series (three during that 2004 run, and one in 2015). 

While it’s still far too early to judge this season, things do look different now. The Flames’ current process can be summed up in one word: alignment.

“You all have to be on the same page in terms of things you value,” Flames general manager Brad Treliving said.

“When you’re bringing a player in, you’ve got to have alignment in terms of where you see the player fitting. It makes no sense for