Fantasy Report Card - Calgary Flames

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theScore will be giving out fantasy report cards discussing the fantasy value of key players on each of the 30 teams. This edition focuses on the Calgary Flames.

ANA | ARI | BOS | BUF | CGY | CAR | CHI | COL | CLB | DAL | DET | EDM | FLA| LA | MIN | MTL | NAS | NJ | NYI | NYR | OTT | PHI | PIT | SJ | STL | TB | TOR | VAN | WAS | WPG

G Chad Johnson/Brian Elliott

Widely drafted by fantasy owners for extra goaltending depth, Elliott was an unmitigated disaster for the few starts owners allowed him to make. The Flames, unfortunately, are stuck with him. Johnson has been considerably better, though he has also regressed toward his career means of late. Still, he has been among the top waiver claims this season, and he should see the majority of the work. Grade: A/F-

C Sean Monahan

Monahan has slid backward after two consecutive seasons recording more than 60 points. He should hit 20 goals with ease, but he'll need to change his game in order to best last season's 36 assists. He may also need a second scoring winger, as he floundered while Johnny Gaudreau was sidelined by a finger injury. Grade: B-

LW Johnny Gaudreau

Gaudreau returned quicker than expected from his injury, and he picked up where he left off last season. The 23-year-old is just barely below a point-per-game pace, with a very modest and reasonable 11.1 shooting percentage. He'll need to take more than his 2.5 SOGs per game if he hopes to approach 30 goals once again, but he's all but a lock for 25-plus. Grade: A

C Mikael Backlund

Backlund has taken a step back after last year's 47-point season. He could still reach 40 points, but he's likely to finish closer to 35. A late-round draft pick in most formats, he's affected by the Flames' lack of depth on the wings beyond Gaudreau. He's likely a couple of successful Calgary draft classes away from being an impactful player on offense and in fantasy. Grade: C

RW Troy Brouwer

Signed for his physicality, Brouwer has been a surprise on offense, producing at a 1/2-point-per-game pace. He has spent time alongside Monahan and Gaudreau and is currently skating with the former on the third line. His ice time is up a half minute from last season, and he has been a very effective piece of the power-play unit. Grade: A-

C/LW Sam Bennett

Bennett has temporarily replaced Monahan as Gaudreau's center, with the two forming 2/3 of the unofficial second line. Wildly inconsistent, Bennett is a much better daily fantasy option than he is in for any season-long league. His power-play usage remains very low, capping his upside in either format. Consider him at a low cost in favorable matchups. Grade: C+

LW Matthew Tkachuk

Tkachuk has bounced throughout the lineup as much as anyone on the Flames, as their lines are among the most fluid in the league. He's averaging slightly less than 15 minutes per game, but he does see some time on the second power-play unit. Tkachuk should finish with slightly more than 40 points in his rookie season. Grade: B+

D Dougie Hamilton

December has been Hamilton's best month of the season, with his surge commencing once trade rumors began rapidly swirling. Flames president Brian Burke shot them down, and he seems right to have done so. Hamilton is averaging a three-year low in ice time, but he does operate on the second power play unit. He should top last year's career high in goals. Grade: B

D Mark Giordano

Last season, Giordano used a 15-point March to help him finish with a career-high 56 points. This year's slow start is considerably worse. His shooting percentage is less than half of what it was last season, but it's not the lone reason he'll finish well short of 20 goals. He's averaging a half shot less per game this season, and 20 fewer seconds of ice time. Grade: D

Player to watch: D T.J. Brodie

Brodie will need a big second half for his third consecutive 40-point season, but there is hope. His shooting percentage is better than last year, and he's on pace to top last season's meager six goals. He should finish closer to 10, but he'll need to start taking more shots. His ice time is down nearly two minutes per game, but he's still on the top PP unit. Hold out hope for a little longer if you made the investment.