BIG move today, definitely didn’t expect this to happen so soon. But it sounds likes it definitely rocked the hockey world today because the Flames were all over the news and we never headline anything; so, good to see the spotlight on us for once instead of McDavid and the oilers.
The highlight today was probably seeing some of the excited faces on some of the current personnel, Lucic especially as the 2 are great friends apparently. Seems like he knows a lot of the guys on the team, so hopefully that increases team moral and further tightens the bonds of an already close team.
Overall, I’m in favor of it as I think the Flames should be all in on the season. I like that it addresses some of the weaknesses of the team, but it’s also a move that invites a lot of questions as well I think.
The Good
- Right shot
- Natural goal scorer
- Plays in all situations
- Dangerous shorthanded
- Lots of friends on the team
- Toffoli torched the Flames last season and in important games to boot. There were like 3 or 4 must win games down the stretch and he crushed the Flames in every one of them I think
- I’m hoping this move ultimately helps light a fire under Sean Monahan since his even strength production has been absolutely putrid this season. Like, even the defensemen on the team have produced more and that includes Gudbranson and Zadarov. If Toffoli comes in and fixes the 3rd line, then the Flames may be on the precipice of contending here.
The Questions
- Slotting: I’m not sure what we should expect in terms of production. He’ll be playing on the 3rd line most likely, so I can’t imagine he’ll be averaging 17 minutes a night like he’s currently use to.
- Linemates: Considering how close he is to Lucic and how much success he had as line mates, I’m hoping to see a Lucic-Monahan-Toffoli line. Although sadly, this does push Dube down the depth chart, probably deservingly though ad he’s had a downright awful season. Still young though, so hopefully it’s a teachable moment that’ll help him down the road.
- Salary Cap: A move like this without salary going back next season creates problems and almost assures major move(s). Obviously Treliving is all in on this season and I don’t blame him, I’m on a similar wavelength. But it appears he has decided to kick the can down the road and deal with the problems later. I have to suspect Kylington will be squeezed hard on his next contract here.
Overall, I just hope the Flames can have a nice long run through the playoffs. With the pandemic hopefully out of the way and sunnier days ahead, would be nice to put on the Flames jersey and celebrate on the red mile again
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