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Blast from the Not So Distant Past

Looking at former Flames and how their 2015-16 seasons went for themselves and their club.

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The Flames have had many players go through their doors in the past few seasons, as is typical with a rebuilding club. In this article we will look at some former Flames who played on other teams this season and how their teams ended up.

Lee Stempniak, Boston Bruins Playoff Status: Missed 9th in East

He’s suited up for 5 different teams (PIT, NYR, WPG, NJ, BOS) since his last game with the Flames in 2013-14. This season, Stempniak was traded from the New Jersey Devils to the Boston Bruins at the trade deadline and has proceeded to help the Bruins during their tight battle for a playoff spot. Stempniak had 51 points this season (19G, 32A) while picking up 10 points in 19 games for Boston. Stempniak also tied his career high points this season dating back all the way to the 06-07 season with the Blues.

Jarome Iginla, Colorado Avalanche Playoff Status: Missed 9th in West

It seems like almost an eternity since Iginla last suited up for the Flames as he completed his second year with the Avalanche this season and so far it has been a fruitless endeavor. Iginla struggled this season only scoring 45 points on the Avalanche (22G, 25A) with his lowest points per game dating all the way back to his second NHL season. However, some of this can be attributed to him getting older as he's 38 now but the Avalanche have also struggled as a whole this year. Some have mentioned that this could be Iggy's last year and I certainly hope not, I really want him to go out on a better note than this.

Kris Russell, Dallas Stars Playoff Status: In, First in West

Following his trade to the Stars at this season's trade deadline, Russell played well as he anchored the top Stars defensive unit while also continuing to block shots. After nine games with the Stars, Russell had a foot injury which caused him to miss seven games and has just returned to the lineup. Russell played 11 games with the Stars, picking up 4 assists and 36 blocked shots. Here's hoping they make the conference final and get us that 1st round pick!

Jiri Hudler, Florida Panthers Playoff Status: In, Won Atlantic Division

Like Russell, Hudler was also traded this season just prior to the trade deadline. Hudler ended up playing 19 games with the Panthers and scoring 11 points (6G, 5A). Hudler finished the season with just 46 points in 72 games, which was very disappointing compared to last seasons 76 points, but to be fair, this years total was much closer to his career norm of around 50 points. Hudler will likely be relied upon as a veteran with playoff experience for the Panthers and he’ll have to make an impact against either the Islanders or Rangers, both of which are solid teams.

David Jones, Minnesota Wild Playoff Status: In, 2nd Wildcard Spot West

After being traded to the Minnesota Wild on deadline day this season, Jones failed to make much of an impact with his new club registering 2 goals and an assist in 16 games. Perhaps his biggest impact was made on Saturday with his thunderous hit on Flames newbie Turner Elson. Jones finished this season with just 18 points and will hit the free agency market in the offseason. Hard to say who won that Backstrom-Jones trade but I'd have to say the Flames simply based off of Backstrom's performance against the Wild on Saturday.

Mike Cammalleri, New Jersey Devils Playoff Status: Missed 12th in East

Cammalleri suffered an injury in late January to his hand that he never returned from this season. Prior to the injury however, he had been putting up a very good season having scored 38 points in 42 games and the Devils were in a fight for a playoff spot. After his injury the Devils slowly fell out of contention for a wild card and ended the season a disappointing 12th. Cammalleri's injury derailed what had looked to be a very promising season in which he possibly could've come close to his career high in points which he set back 08-09 with 82.

Jay Bouwmeester, St. Louis Blues Playoff Status: In, 2nd in Central

Bouwmeester spent most of the season playing alongside Alex Pietrangelo on the Blues and was a solid defenseman as he has been for most of his career. He put up 19 points in 72 games and will be an important factor in shutting down Patrick Kane and the Chicago Blackhawks in Round 1.

Markus Granlund and Sven Baertschi, Vancouver Canucks Playoff Status: Missed 13th in West

If you consider that trades between Calgary and Vancouver over the last two season amount to Granlund and Baertschi for Hunter Shinkaruk and a 2nd Round Pick, suddenly it looks like a pretty good trade. After being traded this season to Vancouver, Granlund picked up three points in 16 games and played a bottom six role for the Canucks. Baertschi had a better season scoring 28 points (15G, 13A) in 69 games for the Canucks. Both are up for new contracts this offseason and Baertschi will almost definitely be resigned as he’ll be a key piece moving forward in Vancouver’s rebuild.

Out of the nine former Flames listed, only four of them will be in the playoffs this summer. Russell and Jones will be squaring off against each other in the opening round as the Stars and Wild battle. Each of the nine players have had their own journey since playing for the Flames, but only a few of them have been successful in reaching the postseason this year. Who will you be cheering for in the playoffs?

by Michael MacGillivray