[djsFlames]

I liked/am encouraged by:

-Tkachuk
-Backlund
-Monahan
-D.Hamilton
-Giordano
-Versteeg
-Ferland
-Hathaway
-Lazar (over 5 games)
-Gillies (debut)

I was lukewarm on/give merely a pass to:

-Frolik
-F.Hamilton
-Bennett (improved in playoffs)
-Stone
-Engelland
-Bartkowski
-Johnson

I was discouraged and concerned by:

-Gaudreau
-Brodie
-Brouwer
-Wideman
-Elliott (.880 in the playoffs killed us)
-Bouma
-Stajan
-Chiasson at times, other times was a pass

I think they need to trade/ship out/not re-sign 2-3 skaters from that third group. I'd consider re-signing one goaltender, but if it were up to me I'd probably lean towards letting both walk.

Probably the only player I would consider moving Gaudreau for is the other Johnny Hockey - Tavares.

I think a retool may be in order given the two playoff exits vs a gritty team. It's about getting a little bigger, tougher without losing skill.