Quote:
Originally Posted by Vinny01
I think when it is all said and done the only thing we missed this summer was that Andersson trade and it just wasn’t meant to be. Conroy got Coronato, Bahl, and Wolf inked long term.
I think in many ways for the long term of the team a down season this year could really help propel the team forward before they move to Scotia Place. Moving Andersson and Coleman this year could help fill the cupboards even more and open up spots for the younger players. Getting one more high pick and landing a center would set this team up with a Centre, Dman, Goalie to build around.
I am glad the Flames didn’t make any significant additions. A tank year with an aggressive summer next year and the following year could have this tr poised for playoffs and future contention in Scotia Place.
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You’re probably right about it being what’s likely best for the organization long term but I look at the team and I see too strong of a roster to finish in the bottom 5 this year. While they don’t have any elite talent, they have depth and have an established system that the whole team bought into last year. They had so many players have down years that a bounce back from even a few of them likely keeps them in the playoff hunt. I think it’s not unreasonable to think any or all of these players could improve upon their production from last year:
Frost
Sharangovich
Farabee
Zary
Coronato
Posposil
Klapka
And I think it’s reasonable for any or all of these players to repeat/have similar production as last year:
Huberdeau
Coleman
Weegar
Andersson
Lomberg
Hunt
Kirkland
Hanley
The following players I think could see a drop off this season but maybe not by much:
Backlund
Kadri
Wolf and whoever his backup is could be the wildcard. Goalies are difficult to predict but I could see Wolf continuing to be a solid, reliable #1 goalie for the flames. Tough to say with the backup position. If the backup goaltending isn’t as solid this year as Vladar was most of last year, it could be a real issue.