MacKenzie Weegar didn’t leave Calgary with any bitterness about life north of the border. If anything, the former Flames defenceman came away with the opposite feeling.
In a recent interview with OverDrive, Weegar was asked about the wave of players who seem eager to get out of Canadian markets. His answer made it clear he didn’t share that view.
“It’s a tough question because as a Canadian-born player, to play in Calgary, for me personally, I had a great experience in Canada,” Weegar said during a recent interview with OverDrive. “Calgary was an absolute blast to play in. I think there’s great things to come for that team, especially.”
Weegar added that it was tough to watch players try to force their way away from Canada.
“It’s a bit unfortunate to see players wanting out of Canada just because I know how passionate the fans are there. The citizens in each city, how much they love their hockey and their star players.”
That perspective stands out in a league where several high-profile players have pushed to leave Canadian teams. Quinn Hughes and Brady Tkachuk have forced their way out of the Vancouver Canucks and Ottawa Senators, respectively, while goaltender Connor Hellebuyck recently made his trade request from the Winnipeg Jets public. Calgary fans have seen it too, with Johnny Gaudreau and Matthew Tkachuk both departing after the 2021-22 season.
Mitch Marner is another recent example. He didn’t request a trade, but it had become obvious he wasn’t going to re-sign with the Toronto Maple Leafs, and former GM Brad Treliving sent him to the Vegas Golden Knights.
Weegar’s run with the Flames didn’t include a playoff appearance, but that didn’t change how he felt about the city or the fan base. His comments are a reminder that not every player sees Canada as a place to escape. Some actually embrace it.
In Other News...
Flames Fans Will Love This Brutal Take On Edmontons Blue Line
The Oilers blue line got an unexpected little taxidermy treatment on a recent podcast, where Peng zeroed in on Edmontons habit of collecting former San Jose Sharks defensemen and used it as a shorthand for his larger doubts about the roster. With Jake Walman, Ty Emberson and Shakir Mukhamadullin all now part of the conversation around the back end after the Darnell Nurse trade, the veteran hockey voice framed the group as a reason to question how sturdy the Oilers really are when the games get tight.
There is a caveat worth keeping in mind, because past Sharks struggles do not automatically tell you what Edmontons current defense will look like. Still, the reaction captures the broader skepticism hanging over the Oilers right now, and it is the kind of take Flames fans are always happy to hear when the Battle of Alberta debate turns to who actually looks built for a long playoff run. [Read more 🡒]
Flames Radio Picture Is Clearing Up But One Spot Still Looms
The Flames radio future is starting to take shape after the closure of Sportsnet 960, with QR 770 stepping in on a five-year agreement to become Calgarys new broadcast home. Derek Wills will stay on as the play-by-play voice, giving the station a familiar lead-in as it builds out its hockey coverage around the team.
Pat Steinberg and Jock Wilson are also set to host a daily Flames show, giving listeners a fresh weekday hub for team coverage and conversation. One piece still hasnt been filled in, though, and it is the one that will matter most once game night arrives: the club has not yet announced who will handle colour commentary on Flames broadcasts. [Read more 🡒]
Flames Still Have One Forward Decision Camp Could Settle
The Flames are heading toward next season with three centres effectively penciled in, but one more spot in the middle still needs a name attached to it. Mikael Backlund, Morgan Frost and Ryan Strome give Calgary a solid spine down the middle, and the upcoming preseason should offer a chance to sort out the last piece of the lineup puzzle.
Martin Pospisil, Connor Zary, Yegor Sharangovich, Tyson Gross and Sam Morton are all in the mix for that fourth centre job, giving the coaching staff a range of styles and experience to sort through. Camp figures to be the best test, especially with the Flames still looking for the right fit in a role that could quietly shape the bottom six all season. [Read more 🡒]