FLAMES RETOOL TRACKER: Why the buzz is building around forward prospect Andrew Basha
The Calgary Flames, like any NHL organization, relish the opportunity to evaluate their prospects in pressure-packed moments.
Article content
However, in the case of Andrew Basha, who just won a Western Hockey League title with the Medicine Hat Tigers and is headed this week to the Memorial Cup, they might have learned more when it seemed like his next big game was months and months away.
Article content
Article content
Article content
Nobody else, that is.
Article content
'Basha, he said from the day he was going to get operated on that he was going to come back,' Tigers head coach Willie Desjardins told media in Medicine Hat during the WHL final. 'I agreed with him, just so he wouldn't keep talking. But I didn't think there was any chance he'd be back. Like, none.
Article content
'And he kept saying it and every day he went working. The Flames, I know how impressed they were with how hard he tried and what he did. It was pretty impressive that he was able to make it back.'
Article content
It was equally impressive that, after a lengthy layoff, he made such an immediate impact.
Article content
The 19-year-old Basha returned for Game 1 of the WHL final and promptly scored on his first shift. Two of Calgary's development coaches, Martin Gelinas and Darren Rommerdahl, were in attendance at Co-op Place in 'The Hat' for that memorable marker.
Article content
Article content
The Flames' future speedster totalled two goals and three assists in five games as the Tigers rolled over the Spokane Chiefs. He was one of only three players to hit the scoresheet on every night of the championship series.
Article content
Article content
As Basha, in an interview with the WHL, beamed after leaving his fingerprints on the Ed Chynoweth Cup: 'That's the stuff you dream of when you're growing up, is lifting important trophies like that.'
Article content
That's what fuelled him, no doubt, as he recovered and then rehabbed after surgery. He made quite an impression on the staff at the Saddledome with his determination and drive during that process.
Article content
There is optimism the Flames amateur scouts — helmed by Tod Button — absolutely aced their assignment at the 2024 NHL Draft. Led by first-round picks Zayne Parekh and Matvei Gridin, the first seven skaters they selected all averaged upwards of a point per game this season in either the major-junior or collegiate ranks.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Winnipeg Free Press
5 hours ago
- Winnipeg Free Press
Meadows makes season debut with Tigers after being sidelined by an arm injury
CHICAGO (AP) — Parker Meadows had a big smile on his face. It had been a long time since he had played in a major league game. Meadows was activated by the Detroit Tigers on Monday after missing the start of the season because of a nerve issue in his upper right arm. He started in center field and led off for the opener of a three-game series at the Chicago White Sox. 'I didn't sleep much last night, just thinking about the day,' Meadows said. 'Excited to be here.' The major league-leading Tigers optioned infielder/outfielder Justyn-Henry Malloy to Triple-A Toledo after Sunday's 1-0 victory at Kansas City. To make room for Meadows on the 40-man roster, right-hander Ryan Cusick was designated for assignment. Meadows was injured in Detroit's spring training opener Feb. 22 on a throw from center field. He appeared in eight rehab games in the minors beginning on May 21, batting .259 with a homer and five RBIs. 'He's a glue guy, and the guys love him,' Tigers manager A.J. Hinch said. 'He played at an incredibly high level for us on both sides of the ball, and we have missed him. Our guys have done a really good job of kind of picking up the pieces and being able to adjust to life without him, but we're better with him.' Meadows, 25, hit .244 with nine homers and 28 RBIs in 82 games for Detroit last season. He also batted .269 (7 for 26) in seven postseason games, helping the Tigers reach the AL Division Series. The road back to the majors took longer than Meadows expected when he first got hurt. 'It was tough, but just put my head down and worked every day,' he said. 'We've got a really good training staff here. Keep a good head on my shoulders and they got me right.' One of the last steps for Meadows before rejoining Detroit was trying a couple of hard throws during his rehab stint. 'At first it was a little eh,' he said. 'But the more throws I made, the better it felt. It feels good now.' Thursdays Keep up to date on sports with Mike McIntyre's weekly newsletter. The return of Meadows gives Hinch another option on a versatile Tigers team that had won six of seven going into the matchup with the last-place White Sox. Javier Báez, who played an impressive center field while Meadows was out, was back at shortstop for the series opener in Chicago. Hinch said Báez is going to move around the diamond. 'I told Javy, 'Don't take the outfield glove (and) throw it away. You're still going to need it,'' Hinch said. ___ AP MLB:
CTV News
6 hours ago
- CTV News
Let's get physical: Oilers eager to combat aggressive Panthers even minus NHL hits leader
Los Angeles Kings winger Warren Foegele, centre, loses his helmet as he is hit by Edmonton Oilers winger Zach Hyman, left, and winger Evander Kane as defenceman Darnell Nurse watches from the Oilers' bench during the second period in Game 2 of an NHL hockey first-round playoff series Wednesday, April 23, 2025, in Los Angeles. Zach Hyman will be missed by the Edmonton Oilers in several ways. For his scoring: the team-leading scorer of 54 goals last season has five goals in the 2025 National Hockey League playoffs, tied for third on the team list with three others, and 11 points, good for fifth on the Oilers with Evander Kane. He has scored 40 goals and 73 points in 100 career NHL playoff games. For the winger's character: The 32-year-old is a popular leader. His speech in the dressing room after last June's heartbreaking Game 7 loss in the Stanley Cup final resonates with teammates and coaches alike now almost a year later. And for his physical play: Before going down to injury in Game 4 of the Western Conference final and having surgery the next day to most likely be sidelined for the rest of the playoffs, Hyman was No. 1 on the NHL list in hits with 111. Sam Bennett of the Florida Panthers, who the Oilers are facing again in the Cup final that starts Wednesday at Rogers Place, is second on that list with 85. Oilers forward Vasily Podkolzin ranks fourth in the league with 74. The Oilers will miss everything top-liner Hyman brings to the ice, but on Monday, players and head coach Kris Knoblauch all touched on the importance of physical play against the defending champions. Both Kane, who was hobbled by injury during last year's post-season and didn't play past Game 2 of the 2024 Cup final, and defenceman Darnell Nurse said the team will have to collectively replace what Hyman brings to games. 'We're going to have to all pick that up by committee,' Nurse, who has 50 hits these playoffs to sit 23rd among NHLers, told media on Monday. 'With that said, we're very confident in the group that we have and in the players who are available. 'There have been guys who have stepped up in huge moments so far over the course of the playoffs, and I'm sure over the course of this series, we'll need more of that.' Oilers vs. Golden Knights Vegas Golden Knights goalie Adin Hill (33) makes a save on Edmonton Oilers' Zach Hyman (18) as Nicolas Hague (14) defends during second period of Round 2, Game 4 NHL Stanley Cup playoff action in Edmonton, Monday, May 12, 2025. (JASON FRANSON/THE CANADIAN PRESS) Nurse is bang on about players stepping up after coming out of the press box and into the lineup. Wingers Kasperi Kapanen and Jeff Skinner come to mind on the scoring side of things. Kapanen scored the game-winning goal in overtime in his second game played this post-season to eliminate the Vegas Golden Knights in the second round. The mid-season waiver wire pick-up from St. Louis has three goals in seven games played. Skinner drew back onto the active roster in Game 5 against the Dallas Stars – he played in the Oilers' playoff opener then was assigned to press box duty when Kane returned to action – scoring his team's third goal of the game in the Western Conference final-clinching 6-3 Edmonton win. Kane, seventh on the NHL playoff hits list with 68, says it's evident team depth is benefitting the Oilers. Oilers vs. Stars Dallas Stars' Roope Hintz (24) and Edmonton Oilers' Evander Kane (91) battle for the puck during second period NHL Western Conference final playoff action, in Edmonton on Tuesday, May 27, 2025. (JASON FRANSON/THE CANADIAN PRESS) 'If we need scoring, we have scoring. If we need some guys who can be a little more physical, we can be more physical,' said Kane, who has 68 hits this post-season, good for second on the team and seventh on the NHL list. 'We're going to have to use that depth, and we're going to have to get the job done with it.' 'We have a lot of guys in the room that can play that (physical) style, too.' — Darnell Nurse Knoblauch said the Oilers are 'better equipped this year' to handle the physical Panthers, who led the NHL in team hits during the regular season with 2,446 – an average of 29.83 per game. The Oilers ranked 32nd, last, in that category with 1,241, although until the playoffs began, they were without the likes of Kane and Trent Frederic, gritty power forwards both known for banging bodies. So far in the 2025 playoffs, Panthers players have delivered a collective 812 hits, their Oilers counterparts second among conference finalists with 636. Oilers Stars Hockey Dallas Stars centre Colin Blackwell (15) tussles with Edmonton Oilers defenceman Jake Walman, front left, and forward Trent Frederic (21) during the first period in Game 2 of the Western Conference finals in the NHL hockey Stanley Cup playoffs Friday, May 23, 2025, in Dallas. (LM Otero/AP) 'I think we're better equipped this year. We've got, especially up front, a lot more physical players,' said Knoblauch, highlighting the addition of Kane and Frederic to the lineup. Nurse said he expects the Cup final rematch with the Panthers will 'be a fun series.' 'They play a hard style of hockey. They play physical. They're in your face,' Nurse said. 'In each and every shift, you've got to go out there and – I know it's a cliche – give 100 per cent and work as hard as you can, because they're a team that doesn't give any free space. 'We have a lot of guys in the room that can play that style, too.'
Winnipeg Free Press
6 hours ago
- Winnipeg Free Press
Winnipeg a perfect landing spot for Jonathan Toews' next chapter
The Winnipeg Jets remain in the market to upgrade the centre-ice position and one of the most intriguing players that is available will be Jonathan Toews. The pride of St. Vital recently made it clear through agent Pat Brisson that his healing journey has brought him to a place where an NHL comeback is something he plans to pursue this fall. There's no doubt whatsoever that the Jets will be among the teams interested in Toews' services and given where they are in their competitive window, they absolutely should be. Winnipeg Jets' GM Kevin Cheveldayoff said in January that he had been in touch with Jonathan Toews' representatives. (Jeffrey T. Barnes / The Associated Press Files) Provided Toews can remain healthy after his excruciating battle with long COVID, he checks a lot of boxes for what the organization would be looking for. Wherever Toews lands as an unrestricted free agent, his resumé speaks for itself. For those who need a refresher, Toews is a three-time Stanley Cup champion and has appeared in more than 1,200 games when you include the regular season and the playoffs. He's been a highly-productive player since entering the NHL during the 2007-08 season with the Chicago Blackhawks and his leadership skills are legendary. Toews is a winner who hates to lose and he's someone who isn't afraid of the bright lights or the big stage. These are all qualities that would come in handy for an organziation looking to take the next steps in pursuit of the first Stanley Cup in franchise history. With Luke Schenn the only player on the current roster who has been part of a Stanley Cup champion team, adding someone with three rings to go with an abundance of gold medals looks like a natural fit. Back in January, Jets general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff held court with several reporters on a road trip, including colleague Mike McIntyre, and mentioned he had been in touch with Toews' representatives. 'Knowing Jonathan and knowing what standard he holds himself to as an athlete, and what impact he wants to have in games when he plays, I think it will be an interesting journey to watch how things unfold with him.'– Jets general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff 'He's going to want to play to win. These guys don't want to just say they want to play. He knows the standard he would have to be at, and we would certainly hope to be in that mix,' said Cheveldayoff. 'Knowing Jonathan and knowing what standard he holds himself to as an athlete, and what impact he wants to have in games when he plays, I think it will be an interesting journey to watch how things unfold with him. 'Certainly if he's progressing to that point in time, it would be a real welcome conversation to see if there's a fit both ways. I think it would be a great story for his career, too. Not that he needs another story to his career. But I think he's proud of his roots and would be an interesting fit.' One of the most important factors for Toews in making his decision will be having the ability to play for a winner and the Jets would appear to fit that criteria. Clearly, steps forward were taken by the Jets this past year, when they put together the best regular season since returning to the NHL in 2011 and captured the Presidents' Trophy. That the Jets were among the last eight teams standing reinforced that they were a legitimate contender, but by losing in six games to the Dallas Stars, it was clear the Jets still needed to upgrade the roster slightly to get over the hump. Winning six playoff games was something the Jets hadn't done since 2018 when they advanced to the Western Conference final and racked up nine of the 16 wins required to get your name etched on Lord Stanley's silver chalice. That progress is to be acknowledged and it will also serve as motivation moving forward. Motivation is something Toews is never lacking and by having the game he loves taken away from him, there's no way he would put himself through the physical and mental toll required if he didn't think he could be an effective player. Now, there's no playbook when it comes to what Toews has battled through medically since taking his last shift during the 2022-23 season, when he was limited to 53 games. 'I think it would be a great story for his career, too. Not that he needs another story to his career. But I think he's proud of his roots and would be an interesting fit.'– Kevin Cheveldayoff The last time Toews appeared in the post-season was 2020, when he orchestrated an unlikely upset and the Blackhawks bounced the Edmonton Oilers in four games during the qualifying round. Toews was the most effective player in all three zones in that series — which included two of the best players in the world in Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. Not only has Toews proven to be a clutch performer, both in the NHL and while suiting up for Canada on the international stage, he's got a level of defensive awareness and competitive spirit that all teams are looking for. Toews won the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP in 2010 when the Blackhawks captured the first of three Cups in five years (2013, 2015) and he also won a Selke Trophy as the top defensive forward in the NHL in 2013. It's true that Father Time remains undefeated and that Toews turned 37 on April 29. It's also true that Brad Marchand of the Florida Panthers is 37 and has been a driver on a highly-effective third line as he prepares to suit up in the Stanley Cup this week, while Corey Perry of the Edmonton Oilers turned 40 last month and has seven goals and 10 points in 16 playoff games this spring while flourishing in the role of a complementary scorer and shift disturber. So, while the examples of players making an impact in their late 30s and early 40s remains rare, bet against Toews at your own peril. Toews doesn't need to suit up for his hometown team to enhance his legacy, but for someone who helped the Blackhawks win a championship for the first time since 1961, it's easy to see the appeal of joining a Jets' team that could be knocking on the door. It might just be the perfect landing spot for Toews to write the next chapter in his storied career and to eventually go out on his own terms. On top of winning three Stanley Cups, Jonathan Toews has won two Olympic golds at the 2010 Vancouver and 2014 Sochi Games. (Grigory Dukor / Reuters files) For the Jets, bringing in someone with the pedigree of Toews makes a ton of sense, especially when you consider that captain Adam Lowry is expected to miss the start of the season after undergoing successful hip surgery last week. Lowry's absence means the Jets will have plenty of important minutes to distribute in the early stages of 2025-26, which should provide ample runway for Toews to show what type of role he'll be able to handle. Once Lowry is back to full speed, having him on a depth chart that features Mark Scheifele, Toews and/or Vladislav Namestnikov, Morgan Barron, Rasmus Kupari or David Gustafsson would provide an upgrade — with prospects Brayden Yager and Brad Lambert knocking on the door and looking for inclusion, provided they're not playing on the wing instead. The Jets already have a number of versatile guys that can either be used down the middle or on the wing, including Namestnikov, who has handled the bulk of the second-line centre responsibilities during the past two seasons when Sean Monahan wasn't on the roster. Signing Toews isn't the only option the Jets are going to consider and it's not a make-or-break situation if Captain Serious chooses to go in another direction, but signing him to a one or two year deal is something that could help provide a boost for what will be one of the most important off-seasons in franchise history for Cheveldayoff and his staff. X and Bluesky: @WiebesWorld Ken WiebeReporter Ken Wiebe is a sports reporter for the Free Press, with an emphasis on the Winnipeg Jets. He has covered hockey and provided analysis in this market since 2000 for the Winnipeg Sun, The Athletic, and TSN. Ken was a summer intern at the Free Press in 1999 and returned to the Free Press in a full-time capacity in September of 2023. Read more about Ken. Every piece of reporting Ken produces is reviewed by an editing team before it is posted online or published in print — part of the Free Press's tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about Free Press's history and mandate, and learn how our newsroom operates. Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber. Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.
