Best-Case Scenario for the Flames' Morgan Frost This Season
Every team has a player who could surprise people if the situation falls into place. For the Calgary Flames, I think Morgan Frost might be that guy. Frost isn't coming into Calgary with the kind of reputation that makes everybody expect 70 points. He isn't that player. But sometimes a breakout season isn't about suddenly becoming a completely different player. Sometimes it's about finally getting the opportunity to show what you can do with better players around you and a bigger role.
I can see three reasons Frost could have that kind of season in Calgary.
Three reasons Frost could have a breakout this season.
First, Frost should get the opportunity.
The Flames don't have a ton of proven offensive players, which means somebody is going to have to produce. Frost could be one of those guys. If he's starting the season on the first line, he's going to get minutes and opportunities that aren't always available to a player buried somewhere in the middle of the lineup. You can't score points if you're not on the ice.
Frost has already shown that he can produce offensively. The question has always been whether he can do it consistently enough to become an important NHL player. Calgary could give him the chance to find out.
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Second, Frost could have solid linemates playing beside him.
If Frost is skating with Matt Coronato and rookie Matvei Gridin, that's a pretty interesting combination. Both of those guys are offensive-minded players, and that could give Frost something he hasn't always had: linemates who are looking to create offence every time they're on the ice. That could work in Frost's favour.
He doesn't necessarily have to be the guy carrying the line. He can be the guy making plays, finding open ice and taking advantage of the chances those other two create. Sometimes that's exactly how a player finds another level.
Third, the timing might be right for Frost.
Frost is entering an important point in his career. He's no longer the young prospect we're waiting to see develop. He's played enough NHL hockey that we have a pretty good idea of what he can do. Now it's about putting it all together.
And there is another obvious motivation here: the Flames need somebody to help replace the offence they lost with Nazem Kadri's departure. I'm not suggesting Frost can become Kadri. That's not realistic. But somebody has to take on more responsibility, and Frost is one of the players who could benefit most from that opportunity.
Frost might not suddenly become an elite player.
Maybe this isn't the year Frost suddenly becomes a star. But if he gets the first-line minutes, plays with Coronato and Gridin, and starts finishing more of the chances he creates, a career year doesn't seem like a crazy prediction at all.
Sometimes a breakout season is less about discovering a new player and more about finally giving the player you already have a chance to become one.