This is a well timed injury, and I like Smid as a 6.
The Flames best chance of
a) making the playoffs
b) making noise if they do
is the upgrade of the defense core to the point that they benefit from a trickle down effect.
I love Wideman on the powerplay and I think his contract has turned out to be a good one for the Flames (despite how last season looked). But he's likely better suited as a third pairing defenseman given how the Flames are structured.
If Wotherspoon can get established he helps in one of two ways.
1) excels to the point that he pushes Wideman down
2) makes the third pairing stronger, so they can take minutes away from the second pairing.
I really see the Flames as a club with an elite pair, as great 4 (Russell), and a great 5 (Wideman). That 3 guy is the difference between taking a big step forward and likely wilting late when the pace shifts upward again.
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