Flames' Ferland thriving since return to top line

The Calgary Flames' top line has been a work in progress for the past year, but it seems an unlikely candidate has finally secured the plum gig of skating with Johnny Gaudreau and Sean Monahan.

A rotating cast of wingers has taken turns filling the void since veteran Jiri Hudler was dealt at last season's deadline, but none have looked particularly impressive.

A week-and-a-half ago, head coach Glen Gulutzan switched things up, moving hard-nosed winger Micheal Ferland up to the big time.

Expectations were low, as Ferland had tried and failed to make a significant impact on the top line in the past. But this time, something clicked.

The 24-year-old recorded his first career multi-goal effort in his return to Monahan's wing. He's added two more goals in the four games since, after posting just three in the 23 games leading up to his top-line assignment.

Gaudreau and Monahan have added a combined 13 points in the five games with Ferland as well, with the big-bodied winger doing a fine job of clearing space for his new mates.

It's more than just a case of Ferland cashing in on his linemates' skillful plays. That much was made clear by the lack of success that came with the duo's previous wingers. The trio's success is grounded in a balance of style - Ferland bringing a blend of physicality and silky smooth scoring touch to complement Gaudreau's elite playmaking ability and Monahan's quick trigger.

Of course, watching Gaudreau and Monahan make waves offensively for the past two seasons has given Ferland an edge over newcomers like Alex Chiasson and Kris Versteeg, both of whom have seen time on the first line. Ferland has seen enough of Gaudreau's offensive wizardry to know what's coming next, and that anticipation has been a key factor in his ascension.

And, according to his new linemate, Ferland brings more to the table than most assume.

"He's sneakily skilled," Gaudreau told the Calgary Sun after Ferland's first game back on the top line. "Guys look at him just as a fighter and a big tough guy, but he's smart with the puck. He's intelligent, he can read the play, and he has a great shot, too."

Ferland has shown flashes of offensive brilliance in the past. In another life, back in 2011-12, he dominated the WHL to the tune of 47 goals and 96 points in just 68 games. He's never been that type of offensive cornerstone in the big leagues, but the new assignment might just be helping him rediscover that previously dormant skill.

As Calgary fights off the competition to remain in the playoff picture - they hold the first Western Conference wild-card spot with 72 points - the resurgent effort of its first line may be a crucial turning point.

Not because it will allow them to keep the status quo, but because it might signal a new level for the Flames.

The club has held on this long largely due to the exceptional play of their "second line" - Mikael Backlund, Michael Frolik, and Matthew Tkachuk. With that line still rolling, Ferland's role in helping Gaudreau and Monahan return to their rightful level could be a game-changer down the stretch.

Add in the deadline-day addition of prospect Curtis Lazar, who may get a shot at creating some chemistry with floundering pivot Sam Bennett, and it appears Calgary is building some dangerous depth as they climb the Western ranks.