Quote:
Originally Posted by soulchoice
Cecil, are we more talented though, in reality?
Let’s do a comparison, Tkachuk is much more of an offensive threat than Kadri is, and I do not think the defensive acumen between them is overwhelming different. Note, I do think Kadri was a good addition, as we needed the second line center. But, as good as Kadri is, he has never been a consistent offensive threat and is most effective on a second line.
On the Johnny G vs Huby front, sure Huby had consistent and great numbers whilst in Florida, but he has never had to be the main guy on the team. That was Barkov. Johnny G on the other hand was the main catalyst and always faced the toughest match ups, yet still produced comparable numbers to Huby, despite not playing in a free wheeling system.
Sure, we added Weeger, so that may tip the scales on the defensive front, arguably more talented. But, when it comes to offensive talent/forwards, I do think the flames are less dangerous and talented than last year. Losing 2 bonifide first line players is a tough task for any team to overcome.
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I think this post summarizes this season’s version of the Flames very well. The preseason predictions of the Flames being one of the top Stanley Cup contenders, reflected the surprising salvage job Treliving did when faced with the loss of the two forward stars of the team. However, the trade and free agent signings, as good as they appeared on paper, have clearly not been an improvement over last year - certainly not adequate replacements for Gaudreau and Tkachuk.
As a group, the forwards are much weaker in scoring ability, and while Weegar is probably an upgrade on Gudbranson, Tanev is not as good as last year (maybe still recovering from last year’s shoulder problems). Add in the loss of Kylington, and the defense is not as good as last year’s group. And then there’s Markstrom’s struggles.
Maybe there’s hope for improvement of all of the above weaknesses, but I think the team is simply not as good as last year’s version - at best, a contender for a playoff position.