The NHL playoffs are well underway, and some teams have already moved on to the second round. Although the Calgary Flames did not make the playoffs, multiple former Flames are in the playoffs looking to win their first Stanley Cup. We decided to ask our readers, who would you rather see win their first Stanley Cup? We asked, you answered.
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Picking a former Flame
We presented the below poll to our readers:
Chris Tanev
Unsurprisingly, Chris Tanev got the most votes from our readers. He was a beloved Flame in the community. Not only was he an elite defensive defenceman for the Flames, but he sacrificed his body every single night to give the Flames the best chance to win.
There were some question marks when Tanev first signed his contract with the Flames, as fans were concerned with the AAV, term, and his injury history. However, he provided incredible value to the Flames, which is why it is not surprising at all to see so many fans rooting for him.
Noah Hanifin
Not many are looking for Noah Hanifin to win his first Cup this year. Hanifin would not commit to a contract extension with the Flames and basically got himself traded to the Vegas Golden Knights. As of right now, that deal isn’t looking the best for the Flames as the organization only got a 2025 first-round pick, a 2025 third-round pick, and Daniil Miromanov. However, Miromanov’s spot on the Flames looks to be fading as each day goes by. Not many fans appreciated how Hanifin left and strung the Flames along until he had the lowest trade value.
Andrew Mangiapane
Andrew Mangiapane got the second most votes with 31%. Mangiapane was practically a homegrown talent for the Flames, as he was a sixth-round pick back in 2015. He spent time in the AHL with the Stockton Heat and worked his way up to becoming a solid top-six forward for the team.
Fans loved him and nicknamed him The Breadman, as his name translates to Eat Bread. Mangiapane’s time with the Flames will always be remembered by his incredible goal in the 2022 playoffs, where he went bardown against Jake Oettinger.
Mark Jankowski
Mark Jankowski was drafted 21st overall by the Flames back in 2012. From 2015 to 2020, he spent time between the Calgary Flames and Stockton Heat. Though his career as a Flame didn’t pan out as fans had hoped, he has a solid chance to win his first Stanley Cup at 30 years old with the Carolina Hurricanes. For fans who want the best for Jankowski, they’ll be watching closely to see if he can get the job done.
A former Flame winning is likely
All four players are on teams that are considered Stanley Cup contenders. Tanev’s Toronto Maple Leafs won the Atlantic Division. Hanifin’s Vegas Golden Knights are consistently considered contenders in the playoffs. Mangiapane’s Washington Capitals surprised the hockey world this year and are one of the best teams in the league. Jankowski’s Hurricanes finished second in the Metropolitan Division. Only time will tell if one of these former Flames wins the Cup this year, but I think the chances are pretty high.
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