Quote:
Originally Posted by Bingo
I think some are undervaluing Backlund here.
I see the core, and I get that Backlund isn't in it per say. But I do think Frolik and Backlund are the key complimentary players to the core going forward, and players you don't just part with on a maybe.
Three young forwards, three key defenseman, and then two more support forwards at this time ... total of 8 pieces.
I don't think many NHL teams get much beyond 10-12 in this count.
The mix is good between forwards and defenseman, just need a goalie to crest this group and the Flames are well on their way.
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I think this all really depends on what you consider 'core' from now on.
My 'blueprint' of what core players vs complimentary/support players are based on roles. To be deemed a core component, I feel a player both has to be playing in a certain role, as well as fulfilling expectations for that role.
So what is a blueprint of a championship team to me?
Top Line RW or LW - 1st line center
2nd line center (preferably a 1B)
3rd line center capable of shutting down opposing lines and putting up points
#1 Defencemen - #2 Defencemen
#3 Defencemen
#1 Goalie
I think based on performance, Backlund definitely fulfills the 3rd line center role very well.
Based on the existing players in the lineup, this is where my 'core' comes in:
Gaudreau - Monahan
Bennett
Backlund
Giordano - Brodie
Hamilton
???
One can make an argument that I wouldn't necessarily disagree with in that there needs to be another core winger in the lineup. I think as long as the Flames find complimentary winger that can fulfill their spots, they can be rotated into the lineup for 'x' seasons until they price themselves out.
Biggest question for me is if Backlund ends up pricing himself out long term. I think the max you give a 3rd line center is around 5 million - emphasis on absolute max. I believe in strength from the center, defence and goal.
As for Jankowski - I am not sure there was a bigger 'homer' of his than myself. What I do think is that with his skill-set, he can have the potential to replace Backlund as a core piece if Backlund prices himself out, but I also feel he can be a very good complimentary/support player in the top 6 as a winger. I think that is where his placement on the team will eventually land. If Bennett doesn't take a firm grasp at center, Jankowski COULD be a decent option for the Flames down the road as a playmaking/defensively responsible center with Bennett on one wing. I would bet at this stage however, Jankowski will be the winger.
This will get interesting in a couple of years for Hamilton. When will Giordano slow down? Is Hamilton #1 material, or is he more in the line of a #2? I actually see him more of a #1 type of defencemen - and based on his age and how he has been doing thus far in the league, I would bet he gets there. I do think that a Brodie-Hamilton pairing will be the foundation of the Flames' defence for the next decade as a legitimate elite pairing in the mold of a Weber/Suter (or I guess now, Weber/Josi). That was an absolute steal of a deal.
I would have to assume that Sweeney must not have shopped Hamilton around much at all (and it seemed that way based on the rumors coming out at the time), and I imagine that perhaps other GMs felt he was simply a product of sharing the ice with Chara. I think Hamilton basically has to completely stall his development in order not to end up as a legitimate top-pairing defencemen - and even if he does, I think he only needs to shore up defensively a bit in order to firmly solidify himself as the #3 for the next decade (which is still good).
