Quote:
Originally Posted by All In Good Time
Too many are forgetting that we did rip a lot down by getting rid of a ton of vets. Not too far off of “scorched earth”. Then, the team surprised just about everyone with their performance last season.
I don’t think that we will be bottom of the league next year, but I can easily see us doing quite a bit worse than last year.
We just might get the pick everyone wants
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I think there is a not so insignificant chance the Flames regress next year. Andersson will be traded at some point. That still may occur this summer. Even though he had a rough season, for the most part, last year, he’s still a top
4 RHD that can be counted on in all situations. I’m betting Parekh won’t be an immediate replacement.
What happens with other vets, most notably Backlund and Lomberg? Is Backlund chasing legacy, or a cup? If he wants to stay, where is his head at moving forward? Is he comfortable signing one-two year deals at a lesser cap hit and, eventually, reduced role on the ice? Both he and Lomberg are on expiring contracts and leading candidates to be deadline deals. The Flames have to also start thinking about Coleman. Two years left on his deal and I can’t see a scenario where he extends.
A lot more question marks after that (as it is with all teams). What are the flames getting out of Sharangovich? Does Wolf continue his level of play behind a diminished blue-line once Andersson leaves? Can Zary stay healthy? Can Frost and/or Farabee have better showings?
I’m sure all of us could come up with several questions but I think the results we saw last year were towards the upper end of what reasonable expectations could have been at the start of the season. Can they do that again, or are they set to come back down. My bet is they take a step or two backwards. At that point, I think the Flames will need to take an intentional step backwards and leverage some of their veteran assets. Trade Andersson, which seems inevitable, trade a Lomberg, find out from Backlund what he wants (I’m sure they will or have already), explore what is out there on Coleman. If any team calls on Kadri, Huberdeau, or even Weegar, you listen. There should be no untouchable veteran.