What team got better??

[bucksmasher]

Originally Posted by OutOfTheCube

The most important thing is that the Islanders didn't sign anyone of importance.

If there is any team I want to lose every single night, it's them.

I'm cheering for The Islanders to win so you guys don't get anymore dang draft picks. Buffalo is like a prospect sponge.

[PegCityFlamesFan]

The central division.... Minus Winnipeg and Nashville.

[Fire]

The Sabres are still the favourites for the worst team in the league. Signing a bunch of average players won't change that.

[Fire in the disco]

Originally Posted by bubbsy

lotta movement, obvious winners thus far for me are the teams that traded to get their Centers (anaheim/dallas), the ufa deals seem difficult to actually determine winners from.

will say that i'm sorta shocked at the pens so far. i thought the erhoff deal was great but expected them to be much busier on trying to solidify their wings with talent. Thought they'd be in on guys like hemsky, havlat, cammalleri, vanek, moulson, etc.

for a franchise that is in extreme win now, and a GM that got thrown out for not being able to round out the roster with the talent and toughness to do much in the playoffs, the new regime has started off pretty quiet. must be more to their plan some where...

as far as the flames go, think they got worse as raymond doesn't come close to replacing cammalleri as a upper echelon scoring threat, and i think engellend is about equal to butler all things considered. Hiller definitely solidify's the goaltending. Will be curious to see who wins out the starting role.

the forward/defense is 90% the same guys as last year with the additions of raymond/bollig/engellend, and the removal of cammalleri/westgarth/butler and perhaps byron if he counts (only here for part of the season). Assuming a bit of a sophmore slump from monahan, and not expecting any kids to come up and light the score sheet up, it could actually get pretty grim.

As of now, the team is trending towards another lottery pick. I also feel that is just fine. Next offseason is likely where we see the flames not only get what could be a generational pick in the draft, but also having some kids stepping in and owning critical roles with the big club, and looking to make a splash or two to really improve the defense.

This is becoming such a common sentiment around here. Reminds me of last year when the Flames were picked to be dead last and most people on CP also wrote them off as a team that wouldn't be competitive and would likely be the dumpster divers of the league.

Personally I have a much more positive outlook on the team. I feel that they are much better off after today. Hiller could end up being a real bright spot or Ramo could push it even harder and be even better than last year. Guy had an above .500 record after all and looked to me like a goalie who was solidifying his role with the team. Either way the goalie tandem is far superior to last years.

Up front Monahan may slump, but Id be surprised if his play really regressed. He is often in the right spot to score and has excellent hands. He could just as easily surpass last seasons totals. Baertschi as well could easily transition to the show next year and surprise many who arent even giving him a hypothetical slot on their fanstasy line-ups that are being posted in other threads. Raymond is Paul Byron but better. Glencross if healthy could easily bounce back going into a contract year. Hudler will likley keep doing his thing, and guys like Bouma, Bollig and McGratton will insulate the youth, Bouma in particular kept getting better and better last year, he's the type of unsung hero that championship teams possess.

On D I also feel we are decently strong. Wideman; first off played great before getting hurt last year, he was throwing big hits and creating offence with his heavy shot, If healthy I believe he will far exceed the expectations currently being group-thinked upon him. Gio-Brodie formed an excellent first line pairing and I dont see any reason why they would get worse together next year, theres no reason why they couldnt get better and continue solidifying the D. Russel is also a serviceable guy who puts in big effort every game. I dont know much about Egelland, but there is a reason why 10 teams wanted him, and a reason why Treliving and Burke felt he was worth it. I fully trust our GM tandem at the moment.

So, not saying I'm expecting playoffs next year, but I can see this team progressing rather than the opposite. The team is tight and seemed to own the roll of underdog last year, translating it into a well above .500 3 month span to end the regular season. Again, that winning pace cant be expected but I dont see the Flames in lottery contention next year. I predict they will be top 10 in the West, and am hoping for better.

[dammage79]

The Flames over all got better. Allow me to clarify.

They Immediately became tougher to score against in two areas:

Hiller, Big upgrade over the sivs we had last season. Ramo was finding his game early on and got injured and Berra just could not get it going although he showed flashes of brilliance on a per save basis.

The goals against will get better next season. Considering how may one goal games there were the goaltending alone turn a few of those loses into wins.

Engelland: Not the best defender in the universe but he does bring a balance to the D corps with his RH shot (assuming Wideman sticks).

He presence again t will lower the goals against category as teams will less likely crash the net knowing the punishment in store for them if they do. I think management anticipates more shots on net from the boards instead of in the sweet spots.

As for goal scoring, Raymond alone only stems the leaking so much. But given the fact that 3-4 young players who great potential will be suiting up regularly this coming season I see them filling the scoring gap that cammy left behind.

All in all as it stands now, I feel the Flames are a more balanced team heading into next season.

[Da_Chief]

Don't care about top end teams cuz where not up there yet.

Teams who I thought are gunning for McDavid/Eichel

- Buffalo - They added some NHL player ad here's hoping Neuvirth and Enroth can provide them with NHL level goaltending. Added Meszaros and Gorges on defence, should be a decent 2nd pair. Added Mouslon, Gionta up front. Let's go Sabres!

- Carolina - Didn't do anything significant today but they still had a decent roster from last year. They lost both Khudobin and Ward to injury last year and the couldn't score. So hopefully both Ward and Khudobin are healthy and E. Stall, J. Stall, Skinner, Lindholm, Tlutsy, Semin can score a few goals. Their D is not too shabby but they do need to add.

Edmonton - I mean they have to be better right? Added Nikitin, Fayne, Pouliot etc and with some dman in the system...who am I kidding? Oilers are no good.

Florida - Shored up their G last year. Added Mitchell to their D. Ekblad, Kulikov, Gudbransson and Campbell. Added Bolland and Jokinen to an a young offence which includes Bjugstad, Huberdeau, Barkov, Pirri, Fleishmann and they are set to acquire Vinny as well. I think they will definately move out fo the basement.

Nashville - They added Neal the other day. They still want more offence. A healthy Rinne is enough to put them out of top 3 selection contention.

Islanders - Added Halak few weeks ago. A healthy Tavares might see Del Colle on his wing and hopefully that sparks that team. They have to win so I'm sure they'll make trades in order to get better all year. I dont see them in the bottom 5. They have O right now in Tavares, Okposo, Nielson with highly touted rookies in Strome, Nelson, Del Colle set to join the team. No fear here.

Ottawa - Lost their captain last year, made a brutal Ryan trade. Lost their new captain this year. Erik Karlsson is going to have a monster year for them to avoid mediocrity. This is a team I see in bottom 3. Unless the likes of Turris, Zibenejad, Ryan, Karlsson, Anderson/Lehner play lights out.

Winnipeg - Didn't do much at all today. They have a decent team; Ladd, Kane, Schieffle, Little, Buff, Bogosian, Enstrom, Trouba. Their issues are in goal. Pavalec needs to put or shut up. They didn't hit rock bottom last year so I dont expect to this year.

Now...

Calgary - Lost Cammi and added Raymond. Cammi is the better player so don't expect the offence to get better. Lost Butler, added Engelland; both bottom pairing guys. Added Hiller to push Ramo, this is where we will pick up few more points but not that many cause I see some serious scoring issues.


Right now I see us in mix with the Sabres/Oilers/Senators as having the worst rosters. Lets see what happens the next few days. Not that many quality UFAs left but I hope all these teams add more.

[wwkayaker]

Originally Posted by Poe969

I don't think the flames got better at all. If anything, with the moves that the other bottom teams made, I'd say the flames took a step back.

Agreed. Buffalo and Florida don't look to be in our neck of the woods anymore.

[Calgary4LIfe]

Cammalleri vs Raymond - of course Cammalleri is the better scoring threat. However, Raymond will help this team score 'by committee', but is a definite upgrade for the Flames in terms of speed and defensive acumen.

Will be interesting to see how the Flames do in the goal-scoring department this season, but they may not drop off too much really.

[DeluxeMoustache]

Originally Posted by Calgary4LIfe

Cammalleri vs Raymond - of course Cammalleri is the better scoring threat. However, Raymond will help this team score 'by committee', but is a definite upgrade for the Flames in terms of speed and defensive acumen.

Will be interesting to see how the Flames do in the goal-scoring department this season, but they may not drop off too much really.

Cammalleri is a threat sometimes when he is motivated. People need to remember what a part timer Cammalleri really was.

Pre trade deadline, from Dec 27-Mar 1, 1 G 0 A in a block of 14 games
Nov 20-Dec 15 - 1 G 1 A in a block of 12 games.

Certainly not the model of consistency.

[dino7c]

how can anyone say the Avs got better?

Stastny gone Iggy in? step back if you ask me

[DeluxeMoustache]

Originally Posted by dino7c

how can anyone say the Avs got better?

Stastny gone Iggy in? step back if you ask me

Brad Stuart! He makes any blue line better

[stemit14]

The flames are going to be a team with speed to burn going forward... Brodie, poirier, gaudreau, Raymond, Bennett, Byron (if he signs as UFA), giordano... Only team in the league that will keep up with that in the future is Colorado.

[Calgary4LIfe]

Originally Posted by DeluxeMoustache

Cammalleri is a threat sometimes when he is motivated. People need to remember what a part timer Cammalleri really was.

Pre trade deadline, from Dec 27-Mar 1, 1 G 0 A in a block of 14 games
Nov 20-Dec 15 - 1 G 1 A in a block of 12 games.

Certainly not the model of consistency.

That is very true, but Raymond is an inconsistent scorer as well.

I really didn't care if Cammalleri was re-signed to be honest - as long as it wasn't for anything longer than 3 years. Don't mind to see him walk, and it is the mixed bag of size, age and inconsistency. If the Flames were bigger and slightly older, he is a guy I wouldn't mind to give out a 5 year contract to in order to shore up some offence (he does score at a higher clip than Raymond has, and is a legitimate threat on the PP).

All in all, I can say I am relieved that Calgary didn't re-sign him to what NJ did (and glad no real term was given to any of the FAs).

[DeluxeMoustache]

Originally Posted by Calgary4LIfe

That is very true, but Raymond is an inconsistent scorer as well.

I really didn't care if Cammalleri was re-signed to be honest - as long as it wasn't for anything longer than 3 years. Don't mind to see him walk, and it is the mixed bag of size, age and inconsistency. If the Flames were bigger and slightly older, he is a guy I wouldn't mind to give out a 5 year contract to in order to shore up some offence (he does score at a higher clip than Raymond has, and is a legitimate threat on the PP).

All in all, I can say I am relieved that Calgary didn't re-sign him to what NJ did (and glad no real term was given to any of the FAs).

Agreed. If Cammalleri could be counted on consistently to deliver to his potential over a full season then great, but unfortunately a lot of people give extra weight to the meaningless stretch where he was playing for his future, not the team.

This past season soured me on him. Good riddance.

The expectations for Raymond are all around game and average contribution and I would actually argue that his unproductive spells are no worse than Cammalleri's dry spells and much less egregious given expectations for him

Really disgraceful, how crappy Cammi played until he realized that he had no value on the trade market, and got desperate

[Fire]

Originally Posted by DeluxeMoustache

Really disgraceful, how crappy Cammi played until he realized that he had no value on the trade market, and got desperate

That still upsets me on how his played magically improved substantially after the trade deadline. The Flames are lucky they were able to draft Bennett with Cammy playing for a new contract.

Not sorry to see him go at all.

[EldrickOnIce]

Originally Posted by Fire

The Sabres are still the favourites for the worst team in the league. Signing a bunch of average players won't change that.

Absolutely not the favourites any more.

[Table 5]

Originally Posted by Fire

The Sabres are still the favourites for the worst team in the league. Signing a bunch of average players won't change that.

If they are the worst, then signing average players implies that they would get better, no?

[Schraderbrau]

The big winner was Dallas (not just in the FA but with the Spezza deal as well). Add another tough team to the mix in the West.

Despite Buf moving out Ehrhoff I think they got better as well. This is a good things in our goal to go after a top pick next year. I look to the Islanders and NJ as our competition for last at this point.

[MuscleOnTheBlvd]

I have to say Minnesota by adding Thomas Vanek. I was impressed with them in the playoffs this year and with how fast they were.

Also Paul Stastny has only played 22 career playoff games in 8 seasons, St. Louis may be the place for him.

The Avs lost Stastny and signed Iginla so does that make them better?

So the Wild is the team that got better in my view.

[bubbsy]

Originally Posted by Fire in the disco

This is becoming such a common sentiment around here. Reminds me of last year when the Flames were picked to be dead last and most people on CP also wrote them off as a team that wouldn't be competitive and would likely be the dumpster divers of the league.

Personally I have a much more positive outlook on the team. I feel that they are much better off after today. Hiller could end up being a real bright spot or Ramo could push it even harder and be even better than last year. Guy had an above .500 record after all and looked to me like a goalie who was solidifying his role with the team. Either way the goalie tandem is far superior to last years.

Up front Monahan may slump, but Id be surprised if his play really regressed. He is often in the right spot to score and has excellent hands. He could just as easily surpass last seasons totals. Baertschi as well could easily transition to the show next year and surprise many who arent even giving him a hypothetical slot on their fanstasy line-ups that are being posted in other threads. Raymond is Paul Byron but better. Glencross if healthy could easily bounce back going into a contract year. Hudler will likley keep doing his thing, and guys like Bouma, Bollig and McGratton will insulate the youth, Bouma in particular kept getting better and better last year, he's the type of unsung hero that championship teams possess.

On D I also feel we are decently strong. Wideman; first off played great before getting hurt last year, he was throwing big hits and creating offence with his heavy shot, If healthy I believe he will far exceed the expectations currently being group-thinked upon him. Gio-Brodie formed an excellent first line pairing and I dont see any reason why they would get worse together next year, theres no reason why they couldnt get better and continue solidifying the D. Russel is also a serviceable guy who puts in big effort every game. I dont know much about Egelland, but there is a reason why 10 teams wanted him, and a reason why Treliving and Burke felt he was worth it. I fully trust our GM tandem at the moment.

So, not saying I'm expecting playoffs next year, but I can see this team progressing rather than the opposite. The team is tight and seemed to own the roll of underdog last year, translating it into a well above .500 3 month span to end the regular season. Again, that winning pace cant be expected but I dont see the Flames in lottery contention next year. I predict they will be top 10 in the West, and am hoping for better.

don't disagree with anything you have said, all solid points.

My take is that a lot of things went well for the flames last year, gio had his best season as a pro despite the injury, monahan scored at a clip no one expected, goaltending wasn't the biggest downfall of the team on most nights, cammalleri had a incredible final third (or less of the season), etc. With all the positives that the team experienced, they still landed 4th worst team in the league.

There are some improvements being injected into the mix, there are some areas the team may have gotten worse. I think not enough change occurred in either direction (improvement vs decline) to really change the team's overall placement after an 82 game season, so expect the team to land around where they were last year. i think the west just got better again this offseason which doesn't help.

lastly, i went in expecting a 30th place craptastic team last year, and had one of the best year's i can remember in the last decade as a flames fan. I am happy to go in this year with similar expectations but enjoying the product