Quote:
Originally Posted by djsFlames
I'm not expecting it to be a quick rebound at all, but stranger things have happened. What if Wotherspoon and Cundari also step up and prove to be ready. (Feaster and co. say Cundari could be up with the Flames before this season is even done) What if Ramo/Berra prove to be able to bail out this team while it suffers through its inevitable hiccups. Another year of development from Backlund, who looks to be on a steady climb production-wise. Baertschi could break out at any moment, and a guy like MacKinnon could be good enough to be effective right off the bat.
And what about UFA signings (a guy like Khudobin) or cap-relief trades with teams that will be against it coming into next season? Too many factors.
There could be a lot more alterations to the current roster when 13/14 rolls around. Maybe they actually put together a roster that can gel under Hartley and compete.. crazier things have happened.
I personally think a 2-3 season rebound is more realistic, but we'll see.
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People are just pessimistic (with good reason) because it's been so long since a young player drafted/acquired by the flames has come out of nowhere and proven to be a player.
But you're right, there should be lots of spots open on the roster in the next few years and hopefully some of feaster's draft picks can come in sooner than later.