The Flames are virtually equivalent to the Jets in standings for the last 2 seasons.
The Flames have locked in Gio, Brodie, Hamilton, Frolik for 4 plus years.
They have Gaudreau, Monahan, Bennett as legit core type players under 22
The Jets have Wheeler and Myers for 4 plus years. If they opened up the vault they could add Byfuglien and Ladd and be in the same boat as the Flames.
They have Trouba, Schiefele, Ehlers, Hellebuyck as legit core type player under 22
The Jets have Morrissey, Connor and Roslovic who as non-NHL prospects who would be have least as much impact potential as Jankowski and Hickey.
The Flames are at the cap and will be forced to drop important players (Hudler, Jones, Russell) and will have to fill the vacant spots with bargain players.
The Jets are in the same UFA position with Byfuglien and Ladd but have enough cap room to sign them or replacements.
Trevling has already spent all his cap money on Gio and Hamilton and Frolik. This has not provided the expected boost that the Flames needed to break out of the bottom 3rd of the league.
There is a lot of expectations that Hamilton can get a lot better. Pretty sure that everyone will be happy and a bit surprised if Gio retains his current level of play as he ages. Frolik is as good as he ever was and likely ever will be.
The Jets media and fans are getting anxious.. How would the Flames fans not be feeling the same with a team that is solid on paper but closer to a bottom 3 finish than a solid playoff spot?
|