Quote:
Originally Posted by Erick Estrada
Tavares hasn’t moved the needle for the Leafs so I think it comes down to the fact that he’s not a guy that elevates players around him. Gaudreau on the other hand clearly opens up things for his line mates. Losing him will likely impact the Flames far greater especially in the transition game.
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Right, Tavares signed with the Leafs and since then we've learned he's not as big of a difference maker as everyone thought he was on the Islanders. I think that's what people are trying to say.
I think Gaudreau is an exceptional talent, but it's no surprise his two best seasons have come playing heavy minutes with the criminally underrated Elias Lindholm (a player who kept up with him offensively in 19-20 and 20-21). Gaudreau finding another level offensively is a big part player, but an important part line mates.
Losing Gaudreau for nothing is a negative, there's no way to spin it otherwise. I won't be happy to lose him if we do, but I will be excited to see if the Flames can overcome it and if someone else breaks out.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Vinny01
Islanders were a team that got better after their best player walked for nothing so the same will happen for the Flames?
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No, but it could happen.
Ultimately, we don't know how it will play out IF he goes. There's a whole offseason ahead of us and then actual games to play after that. Good coaches apparently make all the difference, according to Saqe, and we have one, plus plenty of other good pieces on the roster.
We'll see what happens.