FlamesNation’s All-Star break fan survey and feedback results

Flames fans are not impressed with what they’re seeing from the 2023-24 team. Only 2.7% of respondents said that they are happy with this season.

It’s hard to blame Flames fans for not being happy. As of Feb. 5, the Flames rank 24th in points and points percentage. They’re 17th in goals for and goals against. They don’t have any elite players. It’s just been a very average to below average season from a mediocre team.

2. Who has been the team MVP this season?

There was a lot of love for Jacob Markstrom in this survey, and for good reason. Markstrom has been one of the better goalies in the NHL this season. His counting stats aren’t anything to write home about, but his underlying numbers are at or near the top in the NHL.

3. What has been your favourite moment or part of this season? 

We got some great responses to this question. Here are some of the different answers we received:

“The return of Oliver Kylington. It’s amazing to see him back playing the game he loves”

“Youth in lineup and Pospisil’s physical presence and scoring ability”

“Letting the young guys get a look at the NHL level to see who has the talent to be every day NHLers. Stay the course with not jumping on trades just to make a trade. Let the market present the best option”

“All the chances the kids have had. I hope management sees how the fans have embraced them and moves to sell. Also, Kylington’s return!”

“When Lindholm and Hanifin apparently didn’t accept the huge extensions they had been offered.”

“Bringing up Connor Zary”

“THE COMEBACK WINS”

“Sharangovich becoming a scoring machine”

“The short handed goals. Much more exciting than the Power Play!!”

“None”

4. What grade would you give Craig Conroy for the job he has done so far? 

One thing to keep in mind is that a lot of the responses to this question came in on Tuesday, one day before the Elias Lindholm trade.

I would guess that there would be a lot more A and B grades for Conroy after he acquired Andrei Kuzmenko, Hunter Brzustewicz, Joni Jurmo, a 2024 first-round pick and a conditional 2024 fourth-round pick from the Vancouver Canucks.

But overall, it seems like Flames fans are liking what they’re seeing from the Flames general manager.

5. What grade would you give Ryan Huska for the job he has done so far? 

There is a mixed response for the job Ryan Huska has done with this squad. 52% of respondents think that Huska has earned a C, D, or F rating and 48% think he’s earned an A or B grade.

5. What direction do you want the Flames to go in? 

It’s clear that hardcore Flames fans don’t believe in this current edition of the Flames and they want to see a rebuild or re-tool.

And we are starting to see that as Craig Conroy has already made futures based trades for veteran players on expiring contracts like Tyler Toffoli, Nikita Zadorov and Elias Lindholm. And we’re likely going to see a couple more deals between now and the trade deadline.

6. What do you want the Flames to do with Elias Lindholm?

As previously mentioned, this survey was sent out on Tuesday. A day before the Elias Lindholm trade.

But I think it’s safe to say that Flames fans are happy with the decision to trade Lindholm.

He was a great Flame for nearly six seasons, but it was time to move on.

7. What do you want the Flames to do with Chris Tanev?

Chris Tanev has been one of the better free agent signings the Flames have made in a long time. He has been tremendous during his time in Calgary.

But it looks like the fans want to see the team build for the future and Tanev is a piece the Flames could get a lot for in a trade.

8.  What do you want the Flames to do with Noah Hanifin?

This has been one of the biggest debates among Flames fans this season. To keep, or not to keep Noah Hanifin.

Myself and Ryan Pike laid out the arguments for keeping and trading Hanifin in January. Check out those articles to see a couple different perspectives on the situation.

9. Are there any other players you think the Flames should look to trade? 

The biggest talking points among Flames fans have been surrounding the 2024 UFAs. But are there any other players who aren’t UFAs that the fans want to see Conroy move?

The player who led the charge in this question was Dan Vladar. 63.4% of respondents said they want to see Vladar moved which would open up a spot for Dustin Wolf to become a full time NHLer.

Some other names fans are open to moving on from are Jacob Markstrom, Andrew Mangiapane, and Nazem Kadri.

10. If you had the chance to talk to Flames owner Murray Edwards or CEO John Bean, what would you tell them in terms of positive changes you want to see made with the Calgary Flames organization on or off the ice?

This is my favourite question to ask fans as it’s valuable feedback for the Flames organization.

“Stop embracing mediocrity and trying to retool on the fly just to make money in the playoffs.”

“This team needs a long term plan to win the cup. No more of the mushy middle!!!”

“I’d tell them I’d like to see the team look to build something monumental in the future, Calgary wants a long term contender.”

“Please understand a championship squad is what we desire. It isn’t a guarantee that a rebuild works, true, but please.. don’t try and tell us this group can win it all. We need to get more high end talent. We need to draft high.”

“I think just transparency with the fan base, or at least more communication on where they see things going. Hearing from them once every 10 years, or in Edwards case never, just leaves fans frustrated and apathetic. Knowing there’s some kind of plan, good or bad, gives fans something tangible to hope in. Right now it feels like we’re all on a bus being driven by a guy wearing a blindfold..”

“Ensure there are proper washrooms and vending stations in the new stadium. Including for the cheap seats (unlike Edmonton)”