Honestly, I don't like any of Chiasson, Ferland, Shinkaruk, Hamilton, etc. on the top line. There's clearly a hole on the top line RW spot. If the Flames can choose someone who's good on the boards and doesn't kill the offensive opportunities with their stone hands, they'll be fine.
Sames goes for our number 4 dman. Kevin, Kulak, Wotherspoon, Wideman, etc. might fill the hole, but I doubt any of them will excel there.
However, I think these are actually very manageable holes. It's nice that we're really only missing a top line RW, and a number 4 defenseman. Teams like Edmonton have many more holes, and those holes are much larger.
Overall, the team balance makes me think the Flames will be competitive this year. I'm mostly just excited to see the goaltending. Elliott and Johnson look great. Gillies and Parsons look like great prospects.
Can't wait for the season to start.
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