Surprised nobody is bringing up the comments about Giordano. I am curious how much it is going to cost the Flames to retain Giordano. Lots of people don't seem to care (or they even want Seattle to pick him).
I think at this point, the Flames have to protect Giordano, either directly throught he protection list, or working out an agreement with Seattle. Short-sighted given his age and how many years he may really have left in this league, but who is going to replace him?
Andersson has NOT taken a step forward in any part of his game, including offensively.
Tanev is a defensive-defencemen.
Hanifin has become more of a defensive defencemen too - limited offence.
Stone is a defensive defencemen, with a cannon - so he is 'Regehr-lite'.
Kylington has the tools, but... doesn't play much.
Valimaki has the tools, but doesn't show them often.
Mackey is a bit unknown how he will translate.
I am going to guess here, but without Giordano, this team will probably sit at the very bottom of the NHL in terms of offence from the backend. They were sitting 2nd last in the North Division at around the half-way point of this shortened season (with only Winnipeg behind them - not sure if that's the case still).
I don't know who the Flames will get to replace Giordano, but it doesn't look too promising at the moment. The NHL has moved to more mobile and offensive-minded defencemen that can join the rush and generate some offence. I can't say that I am confident in this group overall to do that next season, and I am vastly less confident without Giordano.
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