Quote:
Originally Posted by Cleveland Steam Whistle
While I don't think Kessel is the answer, the Flames are far far away from having everything they need in the system IMO.
The Flames are missing a bonnafied 2nd scoring line, even with Bennett in the line up, he needs more consistent support. Poirier is a long way from proving he's for sure an NHL player, let alone a top 6 forward, so I don't think we should be taking that to the bank. They will improve up front as our key players mature and get closer to their primes, but I wouldn't say everything the Flames need to be a contender up front is in the system.
On the back end, same thing. Depth through the organization is weak. We need another top 4 D man IMO and I don't think we have one right now "in the system". Not to mention, 2 of our current top 4 are dangerously close to regression age (Wideman and Gio) with only one of them (Brodie) a player we should expect to improve in leaps and bounds.
In net, I'm also feeling good about Ortio being the long term solution, but it is a funny position.
So, if we look and say, realistically, the core of Monahan, Gaudreau, Bennett, Brodie and Ortio are set to be ready for cup contention in 2-3 years, I'm not sure we have what we need "in the system" at the moment to compliment them into being true cup contenders. You have to think at that point, Gio and Wideman (if still around) will be worse. Maybe Poirier is the answer as a complimentary player, but are we really confident we have the forwards in our system to round out the top 6 and 9 with what we've got?
Lot's can change in 2 to 3 years as we found out this year, but I'm not so convinced we are going to be continuously surprised by our prospects exceeding expectations the way we have the past couple of years. Flames need to add to their roster and prospect cupboards with assets we currently don't have if we want to target the rebuild being over and being a legit cup contender even 3 years down the road IMO.
|
Only time will tell, but I see no point in questioning this teams selection and development of talent. the optimist in me sees Bennett as the number one offensive player on the flames as early as next year, combining element of Money and Johnny's games, plus some meanness. He won't lead the team in scoring or points, but by next spring his trajectory will be plotted and will point steeply upward
IMO he will make players like Poirier and Ferland much better. Bennett on the Flames solves the second line problem form last year and makes the third line better simply by clearing up which line is the third line
The 10th best offense will be better 5-5 and on the PP. I'm not seeing a problem.
On defense I see organic improvement to depth by Wotherspoon making the team. Gio and Brodie are among the best in the league, and by mid season Russel and Spoon will be a solid tandem that complement each other.
Ortio will win the goalie position. He has already demonstrated that he can play as well as the other two.
In two years Flames will have 4 of the leagues best forwards and 2 of the best defense men. Plus they will have excellent supporting players most likely without even having to go the FA route.
IMO they should just keep doing what they are doing emphasize drafting players they develop or who they obtain early in their careers for low risk (Russell and big Joe).