Quote:
Originally Posted by ricardodw
The better option on the Flames than Stajan is Bouma, Ferland or 9-game NHLer Shinkaruk? Only if two of them has a significantly better season than they had last year.... ie there is only room to protect 1.
How much trouble do you think the Flames are in this season when their #4 d-man on an expected good contract is way down the list of the other teams #4 and a 2-3 year AHL player might be a better option as forward than the Flames #8 forward?
Its not like there are a lot of NHL level forwards on their exempt list: Maybe Jankowski or Tkachuck.
Your analysis of how little the Flames will have to expose to the expansion draft severely tempers my enthusiasm on getting Elliot making the Flames a playoff team.
There is no margin of error or injury to the Flames top 10 players.
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Jokipakka is not a #4 right now. As in my lineup prediction I said to buyout Wideman and sign Hamhuis. Right now Wideman is #4, which is not saying much but he is usually decent every other year lol.
Not many teams will be able to withstand many injuries to their top 10 players. Look what happened in Montreal last year. Flames are no different.
Flames top 3 D is near the top of the league. Their 2/3 of the top line can play with the elite. The Backlund line plays a role you need on a winning team. If Bennett gets a linemate and breaks out that give the Flames 3 lines that can go up against other teams. Last year all goalies sucked, now they have a goalie who is a #1.
So 3 potential scoring lines, top 3 D as good as any, and a #1 goalie has me optimistic. I think you should be too.