Quote:
Originally Posted by Strange Brew
Careful. This line of thinking seemed to lead to Sutter's famed acquisitions of former 20 goal scorers. A top 30 scorer would certainly help this team more than a 15 goal scorer IMO. Granted such players are harder and more expensive to acquire.
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In my estimation the flames are short a 25 goal winger or a 40 assist center, which is ostensibly a top line talent.
Hard to understate just how good the top line played for Calgary last year. If they get the same production from that line next year they will likely finish 30-50 goals back of the top 10. If the top line has any kind of drop off or injury that gap will widen.
The flames are in the unenviable position of needing both top end as well as depth forwards. If backlund doesn't score 20 goals next year the flames are probably in tough to make the post season. The team needs to acquire another winger to help boost his production or another centre to push him down the lineup.
Considering the needs and the lack of organizational assets I could see a Hamilton trade being used to acquire those pieces.