In considering potential boom or busts on the team, I didn't really think about other options for RW other than signing Brouwer. It's hard to know what the trade options were. But I'm not sure that's relevant.
Is the suggestion that expectations for Brouwer need to be kept so low such that there is no way to be considered a bust?
My point is that the Flames are a cap team. They have decided to spend x amount of their cap going forward on Brouwer. It is a healthy amount. He needs to deliver commensurate value for that, or else he is a bust.
If he plays with Monahan and Gaudreau all season, he should have more than 35 points. If Flames make the playoffs, he should have more than 3 assists in 14 games, like he did year before last although I will take 14 playoff games even if the guy is horrible). Beyond points, I hope he is generating puck possession and creating space for his linemates.
As stated I don't think he will be a bust next year at all. But I suspect he will be before his contract is up.
I don't know why you can be surprised so many posters suggest he could be a bust? Expectations are high that he will contribute to more wins. Where as I don't see how guys like Chiasson or Ferland can be huge busts. Right now they are marginal NHLers. Even if they don't make the team, they haven't fallen that far.
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