Flames don't need Kessel. Sad that Friedman is trolling now.
Everything Flames need is already in their system.
RW Poirier
D Wotherspoon
G Ortio
They are not elite, but I think they will win spots and earn progressively more ice time until Poirier is a solid 2/3 RW and Wotherspoon takes the #4 spot (pushing Wideman to 3rd pair PP specialist).
Flames elite upgrade will be Bennett. Between him and Poirier I think there is 30-35 net positive goals versus guys they will push down the depth chart.
And lots more good stuff is coming soon. There are good farm players that can fill in when injuries hit.
With Bennett and Gio in the lineup they will start the year a better team than they were at the end of 2014/5, which is saying something.
Much like last off season I think there are a lot fans nervous about being too optimistic. But I think we'll know by December that this team is for real.
I also expect the Avs to fight Calgary for position right to the wire. Last year was an anomaly for them.
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