I feel a lot better about our forwards this season than last. There's more of an identity, especially in the bottom 6. The bottom line isn't going to score much, but it could be an effective useful line. If guys like monahan, gaudreau, tkachuk, Lindholm play to their career averages, plus throw in guys who can provide some more positive scoring depth in Coleman, mangiapane, Dube, it could be a good enough group.
Defensively, who knows. There isn't a dependable #1/2 in there with Giordano gone. I thought valimaki was brutal in my limited viewing this preseason. Stings less with kylington coming in and playing the way I hoped valimaki would.
Gudrabson/zadorov seem a bit redundant to me. I would be ok with either, but not sure an nhl level defence carries both in their everyday 6 man dcore.
Of course sutter is the great equalizer. Truth be told, I have no idea of whether this roster and coaching style will be effective enough to get into the playoffs. However, if they do,I really do think they are far better equipped to not get completely outclassed come spring either.
My biggest fear is how gaudreau, tkachuk and the trade deadline are handled should the flames be +/- a few points of a playoff spot.
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