Calgarypuck Forums - The Unofficial Calgary Flames Fan Community - View Single Post - The future is bright! The future is when?

Lanny_McDonald · 05-12-2015, 06:30 AM

The season is over but what a great season for the Flames. This was supposed to be a transition year and boy, did they transition to a new generation of players. We got to see the development of a new first line and watch as it grew into one of the best in the NHL. Standouts were aplenty.

Several veterans played up to and beyond expectations for a change. Matt Stajan and Jiri Hudler were good mentors up front. Dennis Wideman and Kris Russell were excellent on the back end, complimenting the Norris Trophy caliber season Mark Giordano was having until his injury. While these guys were important I think it was the “next generation” of players made the difference to this team though.

Sean Monahan proved last year was no fluke, turning into not only a great two way center, but a scorer as well. Lance Bouma turned into a quality third liner who could provide some secondary scoring. Mikeal Backland continued his progression as a solid checker. Joe Colborne continues to develop into the power forward the Leafs hoped he would be. TJ Brodie was equally as good as Giordano, especially when the captain went down with injury.

Just an amazing year from the guys under 25, but it was a rookie that made the most difference. The amazing Johnny Gaudreau continued to prove his doubters wrong and not only stepped into the NHL, he became a top player for the club.

As the year progressed we got to see some other flashes of brilliance that will make the summer seem extra long as we pine for next season to begin. The arrival of Micheal Ferland has been much anticipated, but did he burst onto the scene in the post-season. We also got to see Sam Bennett become a regular in the lineup and look like another player with a bright future ahead.

What is really exciting is to think of the continued influx of youth that could find its way onto the NHL roster this fall. Markus Granlund showed he was NHL ready up front. Drew Shore didn’t look out of place on the lower lines. Tyler Wotherspoon is likely on the verge of cracking the defense. These guys are givens, as they have been on radar for a couple seasons, but there are others knocking on the door. Kenny Agostino and Billy Arnold both have the NHL size and skill to make the jump. They both have championship pedigree, which you can’t have too much of on your team. Then there is Emile Poirier, who has the speed and hands to compliment our top two centers to become a big scoring threat. The only thing really missing in the mix is a defenseman or two, or a goaltender that could challenge for job come the fall.

Something for the Flames to look forward to is maybe the rapid development of players answering those two shortcomings from players that just signed contracts. The additions of goaltender John Gillies and defenseman Kenney Morrison, both from the college ranks, could see both of them make the jump sooner than later, if they show success in the AHL.

That still leaves a few really nice players in the system with potential to step in and have an impact in the not too distant future as well. Mark Jankowski, Morgan Klimchuk, John Gilmour, Brandon Hickey and Rushan Rafikov all still look to be quality players in development and should arrive in the next year or two

2014-15 was a season we should all remember positively as it has set them team up for great success moving forward. Playoffs was gravy this season, as it provided great experience for our kids. This off season and next training camp will be that much more exciting as we get too see a new crop of rookies try to force their way onto the roster and improve our depth. What an awesome time to be a Flames fan! The only big question I have, is when does this team arrive? When is all of this young talent going to achieve critical mass and become a contender? 2016-17? 2017-18? 2018-19? I think it will be soon, but I hope we don't let this past season raise expectations to where we place too much pressure on this developing team to perform.

05-12-2015, 06:30 AM	#1
Lanny_McDonald Franchise Player Join Date: Mar 2013 Exp:	The future is bright! The future is when? The season is over but what a great season for the Flames. This was supposed to be a transition year and boy, did they transition to a new generation of players. We got to see the development of a new first line and watch as it grew into one of the best in the NHL. Standouts were aplenty. Several veterans played up to and beyond expectations for a change. Matt Stajan and Jiri Hudler were good mentors up front. Dennis Wideman and Kris Russell were excellent on the back end, complimenting the Norris Trophy caliber season Mark Giordano was having until his injury. While these guys were important I think it was the “next generation” of players made the difference to this team though. Sean Monahan proved last year was no fluke, turning into not only a great two way center, but a scorer as well. Lance Bouma turned into a quality third liner who could provide some secondary scoring. Mikeal Backland continued his progression as a solid checker. Joe Colborne continues to develop into the power forward the Leafs hoped he would be. TJ Brodie was equally as good as Giordano, especially when the captain went down with injury. Just an amazing year from the guys under 25, but it was a rookie that made the most difference. The amazing Johnny Gaudreau continued to prove his doubters wrong and not only stepped into the NHL, he became a top player for the club. As the year progressed we got to see some other flashes of brilliance that will make the summer seem extra long as we pine for next season to begin. The arrival of Micheal Ferland has been much anticipated, but did he burst onto the scene in the post-season. We also got to see Sam Bennett become a regular in the lineup and look like another player with a bright future ahead. What is really exciting is to think of the continued influx of youth that could find its way onto the NHL roster this fall. Markus Granlund showed he was NHL ready up front. Drew Shore didn’t look out of place on the lower lines. Tyler Wotherspoon is likely on the verge of cracking the defense. These guys are givens, as they have been on radar for a couple seasons, but there are others knocking on the door. Kenny Agostino and Billy Arnold both have the NHL size and skill to make the jump. They both have championship pedigree, which you can’t have too much of on your team. Then there is Emile Poirier, who has the speed and hands to compliment our top two centers to become a big scoring threat. The only thing really missing in the mix is a defenseman or two, or a goaltender that could challenge for job come the fall. Something for the Flames to look forward to is maybe the rapid development of players answering those two shortcomings from players that just signed contracts. The additions of goaltender John Gillies and defenseman Kenney Morrison, both from the college ranks, could see both of them make the jump sooner than later, if they show success in the AHL. That still leaves a few really nice players in the system with potential to step in and have an impact in the not too distant future as well. Mark Jankowski, Morgan Klimchuk, John Gilmour, Brandon Hickey and Rushan Rafikov all still look to be quality players in development and should arrive in the next year or two 2014-15 was a season we should all remember positively as it has set them team up for great success moving forward. Playoffs was gravy this season, as it provided great experience for our kids. This off season and next training camp will be that much more exciting as we get too see a new crop of rookies try to force their way onto the roster and improve our depth. What an awesome time to be a Flames fan! The only big question I have, is when does this team arrive? When is all of this young talent going to achieve critical mass and become a contender? 2016-17? 2017-18? 2018-19? I think it will be soon, but I hope we don't let this past season raise expectations to where we place too much pressure on this developing team to perform.