Great signing. We all figured that the Flames were at the top of the list for Gross. Nice to have something fall into the Flames' laps for a change.
Signing a big bodied center for the bottom 6 is another significant add to the team's depth. The competition is building, which is good to see. I think it is tough to have an elite 4th line if you don't have an elite 4th line center, and these guys are so valuable in the playoffs. Not saying that Gross' ceiling is that of a 4th line center, but it is nice to have that competition so that you end up with good centers in your bottom 6. Guys that get pushed out get converted to the wing and then have to compete against the wingers, which is also great. If they push out a winger, then it helps having wingers who are natural centers for taking draws, or simply as injury replacements that shift back to the middle.
Lots of depth now in the 'middle six' and 'bottom six', and the Flames are obviously going to be targeting a top-line center next year (as this draft class arguably doesn't have any top-line Cs). This depth being built is really outstanding, however. Really good to see.
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