Quote:
Originally Posted by 2macinnis2
My brother who is not a Flames fan shared his fair outsider’s perspective on this when I discussed it with him today. Said he thought Monahan and Gaudreau were obviously awesome talented offensive players but he didn’t understand how I expected the Flames to be better at playoff hockey when the team overall lacks toughness to such an extreme.
This has been tossed around ad nauseum but there probably is truth. And, if you think about it, the Flames actual biggest weakness may be that their 3M line and Janko are so buttery soft. I saw another poster mention this and of the major changes that could be suggested, it’s probably the least crazy: trade Backlund. He’s still a very good player but his style isn’t what this team needs in the lineup after Monahan. I still like the idea of going hard after Hayes, but he would need top 2 line ice time. I’d imagine between Backlund, Frolik, and Brodie, we MAY actually be able to net an additional 2 first rounders and add a lot of young depth into the prospect pool.
I also hope, hope, hope this season appeals to the pride of James Neal in his offseason training. If he can be the player he was in Vegas, the lineup looks very different.
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The problem with the Backlund trade is not having a center that can take the heavy lifting defensive matchups. Hayes is not that guy and we have to pay him a lot of money to come here and would likely be another Treliving UFA dud.
I can see why the Flames went so hard after Reaves last summer his swagger come playoff time would have been ideal. Also heard the Flames almost signed Calvert so Treliving was after grit last summer. Let’s see who he chases this off-season.