Tampa is probably still the team to beat but after them I'd say most of the true contenders are in the East.
Other than Tampa or Colorado I think they Flames could beat most of the best teams. Not favored to win but close enough that they could beat most teams. Add a good top 6 winger and definitely have a chance to beat most teams and if we finish top 3 in the division shouldn't have to play Colorado until the conference finals and Tampa to the finals.
This could be a good year to get at least to the 2nd round and that could help with Johnny and Tkachuk contract talks. If they value winning with the team they grow up playing with they could stay with a bit of a run.
Tkachuk last year seemed off, maybe he just hated losing that much?
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