Will the flames make the playoffs next year?

[Yrebmi]

Originally Posted by DJones

Keep on seeing colborne for under two million. How confident is everyone for that? Seems cheap to me.

But I think we will fight for 3rd in the Pacific but probably fall short. 50-50 that means playoffs

Agreed. He loves Calgary and will take a hometown discount but we are still going to pay him 2 or more
Worth it too

[saillias]

If good goalie acquired yes

If good goalie not acquired no

If Hartley still on the bench 50-50

[Vinny01]

Way too early but i will say yes. I think the expansion draft and cap are going to force teams to be creative and potentially move pkayers they otherwise wouldn't have moved in the past. The Flames have assets and a GM thst so far has proven to be very good at making deals.

I assume we will be adding a top 6 forward and starting goalie. If we add a top 3 pick on top of that then I think the pieces are in place to make the playoffs next year.

My biggest concern is the cap and the dead weight contracts on the books

[MarkGio]

Based on usual cycles, I can't see it. I look at compatibles and most rebuilding teams take about 4-6 full seasons.

I think Treviling was aware of this, hence he expects the Flames to contend once Raymond, Engelland, and Bollig are off the team. Monahan should be a top centre in the league, Bennett should settle into a comfortable second. Based on normal draft incubation, Poirer, Klimchuck, Jankowski, Gillies, etc. should be available or otherwise bust.

Next season will be a step forward in development as a team, but not until the season after should the Flames officially be a legit threat in the playoffs.

[Fire of the Phoenix]

Originally Posted by Iceman90

Don't count on a post season appearance for another 3-4 years.

I guess Treliving isn't long for the organization then. Conroy for GM.

Gaudreau will probably ask for a trade if we're on the outside for 5 of the first 6 years of his career lol.

[Fire of the Phoenix]

It's like people forgot we made the playoffs last year. Pretty funny how people are so certain that the Flames will miss for x amount of years because of reasons.

[gvitaly]

No, there are currently too many holes in the lineup and too little cap space to address them all. This team's season will depend on the PP. A team like the Flames can't afford to have a bad PP because our forwards(especially the first line) continuously get roughed up against the bigger teams. Once the Flames start making teams think twice about taking a penalty they will gain a lot more space on the ice which is what Hartley's system needs. Also, hopefully, the Flames find a way to be more than a one trick pony next year, and won't be shut down as easily when they don't get the matchups they want next year.

On a positive note, a good start, and reduced expectations will go a long way in building this team's lost swagger and confidence from last season, so anything can happen.

[taxbuster]

Yes: I trust BT and expect that, over the summer, the team will make significant moves to address what I believe are its main three issues:
- goaltending (they will acquire a #1)
- special teams (either Gelly will go or they'll add a mentor/specialist)
- style of play (transition to a more control-type of play, less dependence in the long pass)

Will they have to give something up to accomplish all of that? Yes - though hopefully it results in a better team, with tighter play overall.

[polak]

Need to fill the holes in offence and replace the coach.

[Sylvanfan]

Too many high cost and low production contracts on the books for next year. Plus I expect Gaudreau and Monahan might squeeze the stick a bit in the first year of big money contracts. I think the Flames have a good shot at being bottom 3 again next year.

[IgiTang]

I don't think the Flames solve their goaltending issues. Sure they may Bring someone in with some experience but I don't see any of the vet goalies that maybe available, being the answer.

Reimer or Ward are not the answer.

If Raanta, Andersson or another lesser known commodity, or if Ortio is re-upped and plays lights out in camp, then it's possible.

But this team has a few holes that will need to be filled and if they bring up some new guys to rou D out the D, then it's possible.

If we are looking at a Ramo and Wideman being huge minute eaters, than no, I don't think they make the dance.

I'm OK with no playoffs next year. But I think next year is the last possible year to miss the playoffs before it becomes unacceptable.

[zyzz]

If Bennett can step up his game and they get a goalie I can see them in a battle till the last few games

[Vinny01]

the biggest challenge will be shedding some bad money. It won't be impossible but also won't be easy dumping a couple of the Wideman, Stajan, Raymond, Smid, Engellend, Bollig deals.

Personally I feel this team needs 2-3 top 6 forwards. A top 3 pick will address o e of those spots and really put this team in position to build 3 strong lines based on pairs. Monahan and Gaudreau, Bennett and top 3 pick, Backlund and Frolik. Getting a winger for the top line is a priority. Bouma or Ferland can have a shot with the Backlund line, and Colborne or a replacement can play with Bennett and hopefully Matthews.

I think the starting goalie will come easy and Treliving will get that done.

A second outing LHD would be nice but that will be touch without some cap magic.


Will the big contracts prove to be difficult for Monahan and Gaudreau or will they be motivated by this years playoff miss to come back and be better next year to get this team back in the top 8?

[MarkGio]

Originally Posted by taxbuster

Yes: I trust BT and expect that, over the summer, the team will make significant moves to address what I believe are its main three issues:
- goaltending (they will acquire a #1)
- special teams (either Gelly will go or they'll add a mentor/specialist)
- style of play (transition to a more control-type of play, less dependence in the long pass)

Will they have to give something up to accomplish all of that? Yes - though hopefully it results in a better team, with tighter play overall.

It's going to be really hard to acquire a #1 goaltender, especially since we don't know who's going to be a #1 goalie once the equipment sizes have been reduced. We'll see a lot of good goalies struggle all of a sudden, while the quick and athletic goalies who depended less on their size will come at a premium.

I wouldn't be surprised to see Ortio and Ramo come back cheap, unless their scouts feel that Reimer is good enough even with smaller equipment.

[MarkGio]

Originally Posted by Fire of the Phoenix

It's like people forgot we made the playoffs last year. Pretty funny how people are so certain that the Flames will miss for x amount of years because of reasons.

The Flames are one point ahead of the 2nd worst team in the league. Prior to the playoffs they were the 3rd worst team in the league. Prior to that year, the 5th worst.

Isn't it possible that all the critics were right, and that they Flames were a statistical outlier the year they went to the playoffs?

[djsFlames]

If they get a capable starting goaltender and sign a top 6 UFA. Drafting in the top 3 will further help their cause.

Too many shoes to drop before next season to say though.

[sadora]

With something this early you almost include an undecided as an option. I'm hopeful they will, but lets see what happens in July first.

[Strange Brew]

Originally Posted by Yrebmi

Agreed. He loves Calgary and will take a hometown discount but we are still going to pay him 2 or more
Worth it too

Yeah I don't see how Colborne signs for less than Bouma. Which is poor logic on my part since I think they overpaid Bouma on salary and term.

[locsofblu]

Way to early to be even thinking about playoffs next year lmao.

[killer_carlson]

Originally Posted by taxbuster

Yes: I trust BT and expect that, over the summer, the team will make significant moves to address what I believe are its main three issues:
- goaltending (they will acquire a #1)
- special teams (either Gelly will go or they'll add a mentor/specialist)
- style of play (transition to a more control-type of play, less dependence in the long pass)

Will they have to give something up to accomplish all of that? Yes - though hopefully it results in a better team, with tighter play overall.

I've lost confidence in BT for not addressing the goalie situation earlier in the year and essentially blowing the season.