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Originally Posted by Mike F
Yes, it (i.e. my list) is a lot of "ifs". 4 to be exact. If a lot go right, the Flames forwards will be better than last year. If not, not. It may not be highly likely that they all go right, but given that 3 of the 4 involve improvement or maintenance of play by talented young players, I don't think it's fair to say the Flames would have to be "really lucky" to have them go right. It's not like they're relying on veterans repeating uncharacteristically successful career years.
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Young talented players don't always develop in a straight line though. Some improve by leaps and bounds year over year, some have setbacks, some stay the same. Look at guys like Bartschi and Backlund. Fans were expecting them both to be first liners by now.
Counting on young players to improve certainly falls in the big if category.
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The one part of your post I really disagree with is that the Flames need Hiller to rebound from his slide. They also have Ramo, who looked good at the end of last season, who can carry the bulk of the play if Hiller disappoints.
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Ramo has half a season under his belt in the NHL in the last 5 years. His performance could go either way IMO.