Quote:
Originally Posted by YyjFlames
Sure, the roster was flawed, but if the guy only took a 30 or 35 point step back on his career year rather than a 50(!), the Flames would have made it into the playoffs in 2023 and who knows what would have happened in the playoffs with that roster in front of Sutter and a little more positive momentum with their leading money maker actually helping lead the team.
Obviously, things were pretty toxic that year but a lot of that had to do with players, especially Huberdeau, underperforming and that tends to spiral, especially with Sutter.
If the team made the playoffs, because Huberdeau produced a little more, and won at least a series, a lot of the free agents would have probably resigned and Calgary would still be in win now mode.
Now, your point that the rebuild is the best thing for the Flames is valid, and I agree it was time to rebuild. So... I guess thanks, Huberdeau for sucking?
[Edit to say that "sucking" is the wrong word. 50 points a year is great for a middle six winger. He's just being paid way more than he should be for that kind of production]
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Markstrom playing career worst hockey, by a significant margin, didn't help the Flames playoff drive either. When your franchise forward and your starting goalie both regress to such an extreme level as those two did in 2022/23, you're not going anywhere.
Huberdeau went from most assists by a LW to 55 points. Markstrom went from Vezina finalist to .892 SV%.