Quote:
Originally Posted by Textcritic
Carter played in only 16 games with the Kings in 2012. Prior to that Sutter had already led the Kings to a 13-9-8 record. Carter helped, but the improvement was already well underway.
[EDIT] And while the Flames may not have a player like Carter available to them this season, I don't think there is any chance that the roster is not significantly overhauled before the start of next season.
|
I am actually not convinced of this - either way.
It wouldn't surprise me if the exact same core is brought back again next season (with the usual periphery moves that happen).
It wouldn't surprise me if there are huge moves.
I think for now, I am taking a 'wait and see' approach.
For instance, is Johnny not really a 'playoff performer', or was it that he has never been put in a position to succeed in the playoffs? I think that Colorado match-up raised a lot of questions about his perceived 'ability to play in the post-season', but I also think at least partial blame lies at the feet of Peters who couldn't make adjustments, while Colorado was zeroing-in on Johnny whenever he was on the ice.
I am really hoping the Flames make the playoffs this season, and we can see what Johnny looks like playing for a coach who we all know is a very good tactician. If he performs poorly again, the I am much more confident in the answer that the team has to look at moving him (and whomever else isn't productive).
However, the crux of the argument is this: "Should a Stanley Cup Winning team make significant changes to the roster in the off-season?"
This is the approach that I am taking right now:
I will keep the history in the back of my mind as to provide more of a sample size if things don't change. However, for the most part, every single Calgary Flames player has a completely blank page for me to write notes about and keep track of. I am not hoping for roster changes at the moment - I am just hoping for changes in two key areas - how they are fitting-in to how the team is obviously trying to play, and how much success they are having in all zones of the ice. By the end of the season, I think we will all have a fairly good book on who we feel probably needs to go, and who needs to stay, and who is 'expendable, but whatever'.
If the Flames happen to make the playoffs this year, that's when we start writing our notes in all caps, and underline everything.
As it stands right now, I am not hoping for any roster changes for next season. I am excited to see how these players develop under Sutter and how they fit in from now until then.