[SeanCharles]

Originally Posted by bax

Why does Kylington have so much room to grow, but Hanifin doesn’t? Hanifin is only 5 months older than Kylington and quite frankly a much better player right now.

A top 6 of Huberdeau, Lindholm, Kadri, Mangiapane, Toffoli, Milano/Dube/Coleman is hardly a gaping hole. That’s still a very capable group.

Meloche is a nice depth option, but he didn’t play a full season last year. Could be a nice option on the bottom pairing, but when the goal is to win the cup I don’t think Sutter will be relying on him as an every day player.

Where are these Valimaki reports? Genuinely curious as I would like to read them, but regardless he has been regressing for the past couple of seasons and wasn’t even really trusted in the AHL last season.

Agree on Stone and Mackey- capable of filling in, but shouldn’t be pencilled in to the opening night line up.

“Giving young guys a look” isn’t and shouldn’t be a concern for the Flames this season. The goal is to win now. What’s wrong with having a great player play a bit lower in the lineup? If anything that should allow them to win even more of their matchups. That’s what good depth does.

As for the cap the Flames are allocating $25,050,000 to their defense this upcoming season. Good for 11th most in the league. They are spending 7th most on forwards as well so too much allocation to D really isn’t an issue.

I'm saying Kylington has the higher offensive ceiling and can potentially fill the high end offensive dman role we have been lacking for years.