Throughout history, many men have worn the red of Calgary. Most stay for several years, with a smaller group seeing out their entire career in Alberta, such as Mikael Backlund. On the flip side, however, are the Flames who only spent a single season in Calgary. Recent examples have been Anthony Mantha, Tyson Barrie, and James Neal.
Whilst most of these players come and go without many remembering them after, some stick around.
Based on that, let’s look at arguably the three most memorableoneseason-wonders for the Flames. For context, they don’t necessarily have to have been impactful for the Flames; they only have to have been memorable for their stints.
Jaromir Jágr – The living legend!
What can be said about Jaromir that hasn’t already been written or spoken? Over 1,900 NHL points, two Stanley Cups, five Art Ross trophies, and that’s just the start. If you were to build an all-time NHL team, he’d be in there. It’s that simple.
By the time he reached Calgary, he had already been playing professionally for 30 years. His career was older than most of his teammates.
Unfortunately, the Flames never really saw the best of Jágr. Injuries restricted his appearances during the season, but his impact was felt amongst the younger players. When he did play, his numbers were well past his prime, recording just seven points in twenty-two games.
Since leaving Calgary, Jágr has continued to suit up for his hometown club, Rytíři Kladno, where he also serves as the team’s owner.
Owen Nolan – Still went strong late in his career
Drafted 1st Overall at the 1990 NHL Draft, Owen Nolan came to Calgary towards the end of his career. Exemplifying veteran leadership, physicality, and secondary scoring, Nolan impressed many in his solitary year in Alberta.
Hitting a respectable 32 points in 77 games was a bright spot as the Flames secured a Playoff place. Arguably the highlight of his time at the Saddledome was scoring a hat trick against San Jose. He had captained the Sharks for several years before ending up in Calgary.
Nolan’s career saw him play in over 1,200 games, scoring 400 goals, and he was a five-time all-star.
Todd Bertuzzi – Controversial, but productive
Todd Bertuzzi was an experienced winger who joined the Flames after stints with the Canucks, Panthers, Red Wings and Ducks. Reuniting with Flames coach Mike Keenan, Bertuzzi played for the Flames in 2008–2009. The signing initially divided opinion among Flames fans following an infamous incident with Steve Moore whilst playing for the Canucks. He was later accepted by Flames fans, although the latter half of his only season was plagued with injuries.
Bertuzzi’s numbers were actually solid, averaging exactly two points every three games. He totalled 44 points in 66 games, finishing sixth in scoring. The Flames finished second in the division, partly due to his contributions.
He may not have been the dominant force he was in Vancouver, but Bertuzzi proved he still had plenty to offer, finishing his lone season in Calgary as one of the team’s most productive forwards.
Summary
Looking back, there was a clear trend. Many of Calgary’s most memorable one-season players arrived towards the end of their careers. Their best hockey may have been behind them, but they still gave Flames fans the chance to watch some of the biggest names in NHL history wear the Flaming C.
That’s not necessarily a bad thing, as it could produce additional revenue, such as jersey sales with that player’s name.
Who will be the next most memorable one-season wonder?
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