Quote:
Originally Posted by Flash Walken
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.
|
I am prioritizing the playmaking center personally, in the hopes that a scoring winger can magically appear among the prospect ranks. And also that the right center can make his wingers better players.
But there are also these rumors that Treliving is looking to get back into the draft this year. Which maybe was the plan all along with the Hamonic trade? Maybe he realizes this team is not a trade or UFA away from contending and wants to continue to build the organization so that some of these answers can eventually come from within.