Quote:
Originally Posted by Strange Brew
I hope those of you not worried about offense because it wasn't a problem last year are right. I am mildly concerned we have less skill up front than at this time last year.
Maybe someone emerges.
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Nope, the skill levels will be a problem this year. Basically we come in with a slight alteration between Colborne and Brouwer, although their point totals will be the roughly the same over the course of a season. So we have lost Hudler and replaced him with... Chaisson? Shinkaruk? Ferland? Someone that clearly isn't viable on a decent/good team to be on the first line regardless. Add in that they have replaced Russell with Jokipakka, who is more of a 6/7 guy than a #4 and have no other options.
The team in front of the goalie is worse. Significantly so. There is nothing that can be done about it until the 15 million dollars due to bottom end players are removed. Only 3 or so of that will be spent on Goalie raises and Bennett's new contract (his cap hit is already over 3 million, won't get 6 until he unleashes the beast).
Next year, the Flames will properly be able to address the lineup. Now we are stuck. The only saving grace is that players will get an opportunity in positions they would otherwise not receive shots in and see if they can rise to the occasion. I'm thinking at this point next year that TJ Oshie may be in a Flaming "C" because he's the only quality RW under the age of 30 available and it's doubtful that the Caps will be able to afford to keep him.