This is very much a Flames move. Watch them sign a reclamation project goaltender too. Mediocre moves are mediocre.
That's probably not fair to Ward. He seems like a good man and he really is a decent coach, he is certainly better than Gulutzan. But there was a real opportunity here to go and sign a real top end coach with a proven track record and they either couldn't or wouldn't do it.
I think my biggest concern is that after the playoffs ended for Calgary both Ward and Treliving came out and said that they felt the Flames were a really good defensive team. I just don't see it. This teams defensive game is way too passive in an NHL that's all about speed and aggression.
But I guess we will hope for the best and see how it goes, even if I feel like this team is headed straight for another season in the mushy middle.
|