On one hand, it's sad to see the Flames lose their two most skilled scorers. On the other hand, I think we've seen in 8 years what Johnny is, and what he isn't. It is less clear what Tkachuk is capable of, but I was sure reluctant when the rumors about naming him Captain were floating around. He's just not that guy - not yet. He's super-charged sometimes, dead weight other times, and when he gets too heated, he's less effective both as a player and I think as a team leader.
The Johnny/Monny/Gio core never managed much. Don't hate 'em, they're good players all. But they never got far in the playoffs. It's been years.
So. New core... Lindholm, Mangiapane, Backlund is what he is (3C on a good team) he's not a problem, but he's not a top talent either - he has his moments. Other than that, I don't give a crap about the forward group, they are all replaceable (and that's a big part of the problem).
The D ... Hanifin looked shaky at times in the playoofs. Big Z is back, that's all right, but we've seen him be awesome and we've seen him be awful (usually in the same game!). Tanev is the critical defensive piece. And Andersson.... may yet be a true 1D, I'm not sure. I like his attitude and his skill set, hope he keeps improving. Hanifin I am less sure of, times he looks like he's really getting it, other times you wonder what the hell he's doing out there.
Lots of holes to fill, but lots of cap space to do some filling with too. But I feel like this year, with Lucic and possibly Monahan eating cap... maybe the team should just coast and regroup, see what free agents and drafting looks like, plan for retooling a year from now.
I think I'm less sad and shocked with JG and MT leaving because I thought this was really the year for the Flames to hammer it in the playoffs and they didn't, so more of the same was not too exciting for me.
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