[GioforPM]

Looking for some positives that are (a) evident this year and (b) have a good chance of continuing next year:

1. Gaudreau had a career year - he's now an elite player IMO.
2. Monahan had a career year despite injuries. His progression is just fine.
3. Hamilton is an elite offensive defenceman. You can't teach that, nor size. you can teach defence.
4. Ferland solidified his game for much of the season. I think he can take even another step, and if not, he's going to be really useful.
5. Backlund had a good year defensively, and is signed, so no distractions off season.
6. Lazar got better and better as the year went on.
7. Kulak broke through as an everyday defenceman and IMO showed a pretty good upside.
8. Hamonic is good defensively, maybe as good as the Flames have, including Gio.
9. Speaking of Gio, no sign of slowing down.
10. I like what Shore showed in limited time.
11. Same for Rasmus.
12. Jankowski showed me he's got a good toolbox. I think he's goty a good upside too.
13. Dube had an impressive camp and there are spots he could take.
14. Rittich and Gillies got some good experience and either one could play a backup role IMO. If they'd been here from the start maybe Smith isn't overworked.
15. Despite the injury and some weaker play afterwards, Smith is the best goalie the Flames have had for a long time. I can think of maybe one loss that was on him, which is a lot better than the previous two seasons.