Even with a perfect off season (unlikely) I have a hard time believing the Flames will be able to replicate last years regular season success. How many players had career years? 5? 6? 7?
And they are going to lose some key depth pieces who not only could play solid Sutter hockey, but also brought the size, toughness and physicality that the top of the roster needed around to do what they did.
If Johnny stays, great. But even if he does I kind of hope they sell high on Tkachuk to fill a key hole on another part of the roster. Two wingers making 8 figure AAV's is not a recipe for success in my opinion.
|