Quote:
Originally Posted by Classic_Sniper
As I expressed in the other thread, I’d be very comfortable re-signing Weeger right now as I think he has the chance to pop given the ample opportunity he’ll likely receive. He may just walk in to camp as the default #1 PP quarterback.
Huberdeau on the other hand, I’m waiting to see how he plays in a Flames jersey before I extend. I‘m not 100% sure how his offensive game will translate in Darryl’s system or with his new linemates. Based on what I saw, he’s not really the type of player who can manufacture offense out of nothing like McDavid, Gaudreau and etc. He looks to be the type of player who works with his line mates to string plays together to generate chances. So seeing how he plays/responds with his new line mates first would be good idea IMO.
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I've read a lot of your posts and came to the realization that you don't watch a lot of other teams play. You might watch the Flames play. I (on the other hand) have watched the Panthers play a lot and you will soon understand that Huberdeau is on another level that Gaudreau will never reach. He plays a puck possession, cycle game which is how you win in the playoffs. He doesn't get knocked off the puck. He manages a PP wonderfully, he PKs, and he expecially elevates his teammates. Look at what he turned Sam Bennett and Anthony Duclair into. They just had career years with him after not accomplishing much in their careers.
Point being- he can run/anchor his own line. You can give all the other talent to Lindholm - if possible but Huberdeau will be fine playing with Mangiapane and another young center.
Huberdeau-XXXXX-Mangiapane....maybe make Dube the Center or give Monahan a shot if he is healthy.
XXXXX-Lindholm-Toffoli
Huberdeau-Monahan-Mangiapane
Dube-Backlund-Coleman
Lucic-Lewis-XXXXX
I think it's pretty obvious that Flames are missing a Top 6 Forward but they should gear it more for Lindholm's line.
Gaudreau was able to carry a line but he struggled against tight checking teams or playoff hockey because he simply was just not big enough. He couldn't "grind it out".
Tkachuk never had the skillset to carry a line.
Huberdeau meanwhile has the ability to carry his own line, elevate his linemates to perform well beyond their capabilities while still "getting his".
The Flames missed sorely a second line in the playoffs that would be able to dominate matchups. With Huberdeau's acquisition, I think they have the opportunity to achieve the depth that they sought.
With Colorado losing a lot of their depth, I believe they have come down to being beatable again.