It is a long season of course, and things can change. But as of right now, there is absolutely no way they go the 8 skater route and protect Jokipakka over Brouwer and Frolik.
They are both far more valuable than Jokipakka.
Again, as of now, I think the 7th forward is definitely Ferland. However, it is certainly conceivable that either Chiasson or Shinkaruk shows enough over the course of the season to grab that spot.
Regardless, the loss to the Flames will be relatively minimal and will not derail their growth.
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