Quote:
Originally Posted by Enoch Root
I am starting to doubt they fall off significantly this year (though I still think we'll miss the playoffs), but I continue to believe next year will be worse, not better.
I don't see any prospects that are going to make the team better NEXT YEAR, but I do see a number of players who are on the slippery side of the 30s hill.
I also would not be at all surprised if Wolf had a bit of a tougher sophomore year.
I just think it's too early to change lanes.
And yes, adding Pettersson is definitely a lane change.
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I think without trading for a center the flames will eventually get the elite talent they need. Below is a timeline I sort of see under the scenario that they do not get a top line center through a trade. I did not count the 2025 draft but I suppose they might find a center at one of their two first round spots this year (say 25th and 29th for arguments sake). But I think it is the 2028 draft where they can really start to get some of the elite top 5 talent they need.
25/26 should not be too bad of a year for the Flames, probably pick around 11 or so. Still enough talent up front to compete and decent goaltending.
26/27 should be a better year for the tank with the centers getting older. Some of the young wingers and dmen should offset that a bit and decent goaltending will help as well, I say they draft around 7th or 8th that year.
27/28 is where the rebuild should really start, decent wingers, defence and goaltending should not offset the lack of good centers. This year is a top 5 year in the draft I think.
28/29 should also be a good tank year for the rebuild. Maybe if we get a decent center prospect in the 2025 draft they can play in the NHL this year. I say top 5.
29/30 probably a slight rebound from the 28/29 year. The flames should have at least one young center contributing at this point from the 2025-2029 draft classes. I say they rebound to drafting around 9 or 10 this year.
30/31 - start to turn the corner, have a number of decent young centers under the age of 23 by this time in the organization. Probably at times looks like a playoff team but ends up drafting around 12th.
31/32 - this team could make the playoffs.