Quote:
Originally Posted by 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.
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To varying degrees i agree with what you have said, but the bolded?
Not so much.
I dont think he was very good for most of the season and particularly when his 19 YO winger wasnt around. That cannot be a good thing.
Defensively especially..he was god awful at times. That is not what the narrative around him has been for a couple years now, and he simply isnt good enough offensively to compensate for dropping off in the 200' game.
Maybe with the contract in his pocket now, he settles in and gets back to what he is paid to do, but otherwise he is an overpriced 3rd line C and nothing more. It's why I and many others did not like the deal when it was announced.
Again though, maybe he has a renaissance season...it would sure go a long way to helping the team.