Let's talk about the 2022-23 lineup

[Enoch Root]

Another way to put it:

I think the 1st line will produce less than last year.
I think the 2nd line will produce a little more.
I think the 3rd line will produce more.
I think the 4th line will be similar to last year
I think the defense will produce at least as well as last year, maybe better.

[Textcritic]

Originally Posted by Enoch Root

Another way to put it:

I think the 1st line will produce less than last year.
I think the 2nd line will produce a little more.
I think the 3rd line will produce more.
I think the 4th line will be similar to last year
I think the defense will produce at least as well as last year, maybe better.

Good breakdown. Although I would say that the second line should be expected to produce a lot more than last year. Kadri is good enough that he could anchor a top line, and I don't think it is improbable to see the Flanes with two +70-point centres this season. When was the last time that happened?

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[Textcritic]

Originally Posted by Steve Bozek

Unless Dube and Mangiapane improve over last year, the forwards are not going to be as good as last year. Huberdeau and Kadri are not an improvement over Tkachuk and Gaudreau (and a healthier Monahan). Although coming off career seasons their age suggests Kadri and Huberdeau are not going to be building on last year’s season. Consequently, I think offense is going to be weaker this season...

As Enoch has already shown, this is the wrong way to evaluate the team based on the changes made, because the team is a lot more than just the top line. I think the practical expectation is that the Flames top line is not getting close to what last year's trio of Gaudreau, Lindholm and Tkachuk did. They were absolutely incredible, but the team as a whole was arguably far too dependent on the #1 line last year.

But with the changes made thr team is MUCH better through three lines, at the expense of the top line. It was a change the Flanes could afford to make, and I think they will be much better for shifting that offensive potential off the top line, and through the top-nine. That will make a huge difference overall.


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[TheScorpion]

Originally Posted by Monahammer

We need a Michael Bunting this season.

Funny enough, you know who profiles pretty darn similarly but has been written off by a lot of people ...

[TheScorpion]

This is the lineup I think is most likely to start things off ...

Huberdeau–Lindholm–Toffoli
Mangiapane–Kadri–Coleman
Milano–Backlund–Dube
Lucic–Rooney–Lewis
Ritchie

Weegar–Tanev
Hanifin–Andersson
Kylington–Zadorov
Mackey–Stone

Markstrom
Vladar

[Harry Lime]

I think that is the most likely lineup as well, with the change of... I don't think that they will break up the duo of Backlund and Coleman, so I think that he and Dube flip (to start). Also Mangiapane and Dube have had chemistry in the past.

[Enoch Root]

Yeah, I would switch Dube and Coleman as well.

Dube seems like a perfect partner for Kadri.

And I agree about Milano with Backlund (and Coleman). To me, that is a well balanced line, and one of the best 3rd lines in the NHL.

[Nelson]

I also have Dube and Coleman flipped, forwards otherwise the exact same.

That 3rd pair makes me nervous. Zadorov on his offside with Kylington. That pairing would need very favourable zone starts and opposition, but I agree that these pairings are likely.

Another way would be to line up 3 equal pairs with one offensive and one stay at home defenceman each and with equal playing time.

Hanifin - Andersson
Kylington - Tanev
Zadorov - Weegar

[Goriders]

I think the Flames are going to have a well balanced forward group. A great defensive group and solid goaltending.

Plenty of young players on the farm to absorb injuries as well.

They’ll be a hard team to play against. Enough toughness to be able to play whatever style is required.

Looking forward to the season.

[USflamesfan]

Ruzicka signed!

[Enoch Root]

Originally Posted by Nelson

I also have Dube and Coleman flipped, forwards otherwise the exact same.

That 3rd pair makes me nervous. Zadorov on his offside with Kylington. That pairing would need very favourable zone starts and opposition, but I agree that these pairings are likely.

Another way would be to line up 3 equal pairs with one offensive and one stay at home defenceman each and with equal playing time.

Hanifin - Andersson
Kylington - Tanev
Zadorov - Weegar

This is how I see the D as well. Kylington-Tanev and Hanifin-Andersson were both great pairings last year, no need to 'fix' them. Roll with 3 equal pairings 5 on 5, and then utilize the top 4 for PP and PK duties.

Balanced forward lines, and balanced D pairings. I like it!

[Enoch Root]

My guess for the starting (injury free) lineup:

Huberdeau - Lindholm - Toffoli
Mangiapane - Kadri - Dube
Milano - Backlund - Coleman
Lucic - Rooney - Lewis
Ruzicka

Hanifin-Andersson
Kylington-Tanev
Zadorov-Weegar
Stone

Pelletier, Schwindt, Valimaki, Mackey, Meloche all to start with the Wranglers but the first 4, at least, will see NHL time. Wouldn't be surprised if Wolf gets to dress for one game during the season as well.

[Paulie Walnuts]

Originally Posted by TheScorpion

Funny enough, you know who profiles pretty darn similarly but has been written off by a lot of people ...

Who?

Bunting put up 20 plus goals and 60 points last season.

[Enoch Root]

Yes, who? (I figured you meant Milano?)

[gvitaly]

Originally Posted by TheScorpion

This is the lineup I think is most likely to start things off ...

Huberdeau–Lindholm–Toffoli
Mangiapane–Kadri–Coleman
Milano–Backlund–Dube
Lucic–Rooney–Lewis
Ritchie

Weegar–Tanev
Hanifin–Andersson
Kylington–Zadorov
Mackey–Stone

Markstrom
Vladar

I don't think the Flames try to sneak Ruzicka through waivers at the start of camp. I think that he will either be on of the 14 forwards, or Ritchie will be sent down instead.

[Enoch Root]

Ritchie! I knew I forgot someone.

Yeah, they either send Ruzicka down to start, or they run with 14. But the only time Ruzicka might clear waivers is at the start.

[the-rasta-masta]

Originally Posted by Paulie Walnuts

Who?

Bunting put up 20 plus goals and 60 points last season.

I'm thinking Toffoli?

[jayswin]

Originally Posted by Monahammer

We need a Michael Bunting this season.

Originally Posted by TheScorpion

Funny enough, you know who profiles pretty darn similarly but has been written off by a lot of people ...

Is this a game? Is it a signed player, or one of our PTO's? Or someone you wanted Sutter to acquire?

[Paulie Walnuts]

Pretty sure he said he wasn't excited about Milano so it has to be someone else. Why leave us hanging like that.

[Burning Beard]

Based on his previous posts my bet is he's talking about Phillips.