If you split the league into three groups, I think the Flames are somewhere in that middle group in offence - anywhere from 11th to 22nd. I don't share the optimism in that one of the defencemen is going to emerge as a Giordano replacement, but I also won't say it is impossible. I also think that the overall transition might be too slow given too many defencemen with below average passing.
There is talent here that people are down on, however, and they are not a bottom third team IMO, unless something goes off the rails.
Somewhere in the middle for offence, top 3 or 4 for defence - that's this team this year to me. That should land them comfortably in the playoffs with a favourable draw for round 1.
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