Since the most recent lockout the league has more parity than ever. I expect this to continue now that rich teams can't front load deals and circumvent the cap. I'm also not one that think that every team that makes the playoffs is a cup contender. But I expect 8-10 teams can fall into the category as true cup contenders. I also think there will be more rotation of teams in and out of this category. Example Sharks, Pens and Lightning all could be in serious hurt cap wise after this season. The pens already are. hawks are right now and Panarin contract coming up next summer it isn't getting better. Kings losing Lucic and guys like Pearson and Toffoli up soon I see their days are numbered. Ducks look good still but losing Andersen could hurt. Caps are coming into cap issues soon as well.
So after saying that why can't the Flames be a cup contender after this year? Lots has to go right but why can't it? Why can't Bennett do what Monahan did and score over 30 this year? If he does we could have 3 good lines. Why can't Hamilton improve? Why can't our defense be considered elite this year? Why can't Elliott be a top 10 goalie? If not why can't we get Bishop or someone else next summer and fill that void? But non of this could happen and we may be saying we are 3 years away mid season. Tough to predict teams as young as the Flames but my guess is next summer will be the year we will be looking at the cup not just playoffs
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