Quote:
Originally Posted by Hackey
Those who think all our prospects are going to somehow carry us to a much better finish or that were the only hard working team in the NHL will likely be dissapointed. I expect the team to perform similar to this year. Could be slightly better or slightly worse. All in all though I don't expect a big swing in either direction. This is going to take some time.
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Couple the work rate Hartley has instilled with the influx of talent in the last 12 months (which is nothing short of spectacular) and I think the Flames improve. Monahan & Colborne are legit NHLers now & have an entire season of experience to draw on. Brodie has emerged as a legit 1st pairing defenceman. Granlund, Baertschi, Reinhart & Knight should push to make the team & Gaudreau, Poirier & Wotherspoon shouldn't be too far behind. Ramo has (mostly) looked like a capable starter & Ortio waits in the wings.
If we could upgrade Glencross, Jones & Wideman (or manage to get them to play to their full potential) then we could be in the mix for a wildcard playoff spot. I sincerely doubt we draft top 5 next year, anyway.