I think that the Flames are more than likely still a playoff team without Gaudreau (knock on wood for injuries or other unforeseen bad luck). I do think that without Gaudreau, it most certainly is a step down in their ability to compete with other teams as it stands right now, however.
Waiting to see how the roster looks by opening night. I was very down on the Flames at this time last season, until I saw an actual blueprint being followed, and I was quickly onboard with my pom poms before the season kicked-off. More trepidation this year with Gaudreau gone, but this is not a bad team by any stretch. Lets see what Treliving does between now and opening night.
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