Let's talk about the 2022-23 lineup
As everyone knows, this years iteration of the Calgary Flames is going to look unexpectedly different than last years team. Out are the two core pieces of the previous half decade and in with brand new blood.
We lost two 100 point wingers and replaced them with one 100 point winger and a top 4 defenseman. Huberdeau is more comparable to Gaudreau than Tkachuck, so I'd argue that we still need to find a replacement for the grit and scoring that MT brought to the lineup. That won't be an easy task, and I don't know if any player we currently have on this team can step up and fill that role.
Right now this is how I view the lineup, and I'd assume management might as well. If we don't find another top 6 winger before the season starts I think this team is in danger of the floor falling out below them.
Huberdeau-Lindholm- UFA/Trade
Toffoli-Backlund-Mangiapane
Dube-Monahan-Coleman
Lewis-Ruzicka-Lucic
Tanev-Kylington
Andresson-Hanafin
Zadarov-Weegar
Markstrom
Vladar
I'm not opposed to signing Kadri, but that deal would have to be something along the lines of 4 years max which is something I don't believe his camp would go for. If Brad believes in this team maybe we look at hemorrhaging the future with picks and prospects for a top 6 guy.
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