Expectations for 2014-15 Season

[T-Dog]

I did a quick scan and didn't see a thread on what expectations are for the Flames for the 2014-2015 seasons. Is management content to let the kids continue to develop and finish near the bottom of the standings? Or will the kids surprise and finish higher than they did this year? Burke has said his is impatient, so will he try to improve the club through bigger name free-agent signings this year and what impact will that have on the standings?

In terms of expectations for where we finish next year, of the teams that finished below or near us (Buffalo, Florida, Edmonton, NYI), it's conceivable that at least a couple of them will be better, so where does that leave the Flames? If Cammi leaves and his goals aren't replaced, realistically we are probably finishing closer to the bottom. With two guys that are being touted as generational players in McDavid and Eichel available, it is hard to not get excited about having someone like that in the lineup for the next 20 years - I don't want to cheer for losses, but can't help but consider how things may play out for the Flames long term.

Thoughts?

[FBI]

I disagree with the popular opinion that we are going to be worse this year.. I am guessing there are going to be some more positive surprises and we will be missing the playoffs but picking more like 10th-12th..

[ForeverFlameFan]

We will be way better.... I think we barely miss the playoffs, picking in 12-14th. With Hartley as coach, anything is possible.

[Northendzone]

i expect that the crap they serve for pizza in the dome will continue to be crap

[thethumwood]

As much as I like to be an optimist, I do not think we will do as well next season. We are still in the early goings of our rebuild and many of these players are still adjusting to the league, we can expect many ups and downs. and with Cammy most likely leaving and the FA market not being great... hard to get someone to fill that role right away.

I just don't want to set my expectations too high and be disappointed. It is year two of the rebuild.

[Ashasx]

73 points, 25th overall.

25. Calgary
26. Vancouver
27. Nashville
28. Edmonton
29. Carolina
30. Buffalo

[codynw]

Flames will finish in 28th place (ahead of Buffalo and Edmonton), maybe 27th if Carolina decides to blow things up.

[polak]

Every bit of my brain is telling me to not get too excited but I just can't help but feel like we'll be competitive. This team played fantastic through many stretches of last season and honestly, depsite the fact that we are going to have more young guys on our team, I think overall it'll be an increase in talent.

I'm hoping we compete for a playoff spot. Won't make it but will make life miserable for post-apex bubble teams.

[Wolfman]

I will let you know my expectations when I see the opening night roster and see what changes are made this offseason. Otherwise, hard to say.

[Muffins]

If we improve it will be because:

- Ramo keeps up his play from the second half
- Monahan doesn't have a sophomore slump
- Gio keeps being awesome
- key injuries don't happen
- Gaudreau is jebus

If at least 2 of those things don't happen then I don't see us improving on last year.

[Poe969]

28-29 and end up with the second overall pick.

[lazypucker]

As long as the Flames finish above the Oilers I will be content.

Winning the draft lottery will be the icing on the cake!

[wretched34]

My thought, is they definitely get better.
It starts in net though. With Ramo's solid play at the end of the year, he's earned himself a shot at being a starter. Burke will be on the hunt for a solid backup, but I think he'll either be looking for someone with potential to be a starter, such as Reimer, or someone who is a declining starter, like Ward, that will push Ramo to become better, or to lose his starting spot. That will be a step forward right there, seeing as the majority of the Flames losses in the early part of the season could be chalked up to inexperienced goaltenders.
If Cammi walks, it opens up a spot for either another UFA, or one of our prospects. If Johnny earns a roster spot, it's because he's producing, if he's producing, who knows what he is capable of. Our 1st round pick, could also push for a top 6 roster spot, like Monahan did last year, or there are a couple other prospects that could impress.
If Burke can solidify the Defense, by getting a top 4 D-man on the UFA market, or via trade, without creating a hole, this team could be a lot better next season.
I think we will see improvement no matter what, with the prospects being a year older, they will be able to fill holes during injuries at a higher production level than last year. Having a starter go down, would not be as detrimental.
We'll have a much clearer picture of how things are shaping up in mid July, obviously. I'm excited to see what the hard work and never say die attitude can do next year.

[thethumwood]

Better question, how long will buffalo be terrible for? I mean they can't get much worse than last year.

[codynw]

I expect that Johnny wins the Calder, Art Ross, Rocket Richard, Hart and Ted Lindsay awards on the way to a Pacific Division title.

[Bandwagon Surfer]

Worse. We had a lot of things go our way last year. We lost top a top line player in Cammalleri. We cannot count on Giordano to have another career year. Our rookies will go through slumps.

I expect to see young players improving. I expect to see consistent effort and defensive responsibility. But i expect a lot I thought losses and to see the team bottom out this year.

[nik-]

I'm expecting worse, but I also expect our basement to be 3rd last.

[Day Tripper]

Originally Posted by codynw

I expect that Johnny wins the Calder, Art Ross, Rocket Richard, Hart and Ted Lindsay awards on the way to a Pacific Division title.

I think he'll find some way to win the Norris and the Vezina as well.

[codynw]

Originally Posted by thethumwood

Better question, how long will buffalo be terrible for? I mean they can't get much worse than last year.

They're not going to get better in one off season. They'll be at least 3-4 years assuming they don't Oiler their rebuild up, in which case they'll never be good again.

[codynw]

Originally Posted by Day Tripper

I think he'll find some way to win the Norris and the Vezina as well.

Selke and Jack Adams too. Sky is the limit with him!