The vast majority of players to suit up for the Calgary Flames over the course of the team’s history have been Canadian. With that has come a number of stars who made a significant impact on the organization, along with many others who left their mark either in Calgary or elsewhere during their NHL careers.

At each player’s peak — whether that came with the Flames or another team — you could assemble an elite roster capable of going head-to-head with any best-on-best lineup imaginable. Based on career achievements, statistics and other relevant factors, here is a potential all-time Team Canada Flames roster.

Gary Roberts – Doug Gilmour – Jarome Iginla
Alex Tanguay – Joe Nieuwendyk – Martin St. Louis
Todd Bertuzzi – Owen Nolan – Lanny McDonald
John Tonelli – Nazem Kadri – Theo Fleury

Bench: Jonathan Huberdeau, Andrew Cassels

Mark Giordano – Al MacInnis
Paul Reinhart – Rob Ramage
Dion Phaneuf – Dougie Hamilton

Bench: Robyn Regehr, Jay Bouwmeester

Curtis Joseph – Mike Vernon – Grant Fuhr

This was difficult — not necessarily when filling out the top lines, but especially when deciding on the final few spots. The lowest career point total among the forwards belongs to Cassels at 732, which is hardly a small number. In fact, there are no other players in franchise history above that mark who aren’t included on this roster.

Starting at the top, that first line needs little explanation. Roberts, Gilmour and Iginla combined for 3,624 NHL points and brought size, toughness and physicality. Finding a line capable of matching up against them would be a serious challenge.

The second line is just as intimidating, combining for a “mere” 3,022 points. While the depth on the left side thins out slightly from here, it’s far from a weakness.

The third line is downright frightening. Nolan and Bertuzzi were both highly skilled offensively and physically imposing, and anyone sporting a moustache like McDonald’s clearly means business.

Current Flame Nazem Kadri has put together a career worthy of inclusion on this team, and it certainly doesn’t hurt to have another 1,000-point scorer in Fleury on the fourth line. Huberdeau could have easily slotted in on the left side, but that may not sit well with some readers. Still, his peak as one of the league’s most dynamic offensive players earns him a bench spot.

There were countless candidates for the final forward position. Cassels earns the nod based on career production, but that spot could just as easily have gone to players such as Michael Cammalleri, Jim Peplinski, Daymond Langkow and several others.

This group was equally difficult to assemble.

The top pairing of Giordano and MacInnis was an easy decision. MacInnis is arguably the best defenceman to ever wear a Flames jersey, while Giordano was an exceptional captain and a Norris Trophy winner.

Beyond that, there were many deserving candidates and just as many tough omissions.

Reinhart was nearly a point-per-game defenceman, while Ramage enjoyed a long career and finished with 564 points. Their resumes earn them the second pairing.

The third pair features the hard-hitting, entertaining Phaneuf alongside Hamilton, who is one of just five former Flames defencemen to surpass the 500-point mark in his career.

On the bench, Bouwmeester earns a spot for his consistency and reliability, while the other goes to fan favourite Regehr. Regehr could easily slot into the lineup as a shutdown defenceman, while Jamie Macoun was another strong defensive option. Derek Morris, T.J. Brodie and several others could also make a case.

This was also a challenging decision.

At his peak, Joseph likely earns the starting role, though legendary Flames goaltender Vernon would push hard for that spot. Choosing the starter and backup was relatively straightforward.

The third-string position, however, was far more contentious. That role could have gone to several goaltenders with comparable career numbers, including Mike Smith, Dwayne Roloson and Jean-Sébastien Giguère. Ultimately, the spot goes to Grant Fuhr. While his individual statistics may not align with modern standards, his impact and accomplishments — including five Stanley Cup championships — are impossible to ignore.

Overall, this is a deep, well-rounded team with elite offence, strong defence and excellent goaltending. You could swap out several players for others of similar calibre, depending on personal preference.

This article is a presentation of Platinum Mitsubishi, family owned and operated by lifelong Calgarians. Home of the industry-leading 10-year, 160,000-kilometre powertrain warranty. Check out their showroom at 2720 Barlow Trail NE or online at www.mitsu.ca.