I think a lack of a play-driver (especially as a center) has hurt the Flames. I think Gaudreau, Lindholm, Backlund and Mangiapane were the only forwards that really drove the play last season. That's just the top 2 lines. A center that drives play can make both wingers more effective. I think that's why you often see career years in players playing alongside Backlund - Bouma, Colborne, Bennett (until he got to play with Huberdeau).
Now you bring Kadri into the mix.
Huberdeau + Lindholm will drive the play. Toffoli is a solid winger that always produces.
Mangiapane + Kadri will drive the play. Dube can learn on the job.
Backlund on the third line will be really good. Coleman isn't a play-driver, but he is very good defensively and not shy about barking orders too, so a revolving door of Schwindt, Ruzicka, Pelletier and whomever else is ok with me. Bennett and Tkachuk both did really well as rookies alongside Backlund. I think that's an IDEAL situation to help break-in rookies. I don't think the 4th line is helpful at all unless it is bottom 6 forwards breaking into the league.
I know Lewis is popular - and to his credit, he had a good playoffs. I would just like to see someone who brings a bit more on that 4th line - more speed, more physicality, maybe a bit more skill. Right now, it is a traditional energy-line, and I am ok with that, but I do think it needs more speed. However, at times with Lucic - Richardson - Lewis, I thought that line did VERY well and controlled the play on the ice, so maybe I am not being fair.
Defence is way better. 3rd in the league in points as a group, and you just added much more offence, defence and speed? I liked Gudbranson and everything he brought to the team, but Weegar is the direct replacement and he is a couple tiers better in every way except fighting. We will see how the pairings shake loose (I think Kylington plays with Zadorov in Gudbranson's spot), but this is looking really, really good.
My one and only 'gripe' if I can even call it that, is I sort of feel this team has gotten a bit weaker. I do think one of the reasons for the big turnaround last season was in large part to the identity this group had. I am not sure it still has it. I guess we will see. I am not really too concerned about it, but something to keep an eye on. I would say that Kadri has replaced Tkachuk's toughness and physicality too. Ritchie was not a good player, but he was really good on the forecheck and was quick to stick up for players, so it isn't all about Gudbranson leaving, but Gudbranson AND Ritchie leaving is removing a lot of intimidation. I think the Flames still have enough though.
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