Quote:
Originally Posted by ricardodw
So that would have the Flames with a legit #1 C!!!
His scoring this season puts him at #18 in the league #6 in the North Division.
Only Centres ahead of him in Canada are Matthews/Tavares McDavid/Drasiatl and Schefiele . He is basically elite and at 4.85 for the next 3 years is a bargain basement.
His scoring would put him ahead of Barzal, Point, Stamkos, Horvat, Dubois, Giroux, Couturier, Krejci, Suzuki, anyone on Vegas, Kopitar
Backlund is a solid #2 centre to play a shutdown role so what do the Flames need to upgrade to become a contender.
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This is about how I see it. Lindholm does so many things well without the puck that I'd stick him close to the elite category. But his lack of size and only nominal ability to manufacture offense probably holds him back from truly being an elite #1 center. However, stick him with the right playmakers and I think he scores 30-40 every year and gives you elite checking ability and strong neutral zone/defensive play.
I don't think I've ever seen a Calgary Flame skater harder on pucks and more difficult to play against in the entire 200' x 85' rink. He reminds me of Jonathan Toews out there hounding the opposition and giving them no time or space. He also rarely takes penalties either which is incredible for style of game he plays and he's the most responsible Flame and in structural positioning on the backcheck and forecheck. I'm a big fan of his 2 way game and he makes life easier and hides the shortcomings of his 2 wingers.
In my opinion, if the Flames want to be an elite team, they need a strong 1-2 punch down the middle and I have no problem having Lindholm as the 1A or ideally 1B. If Treliving can land an elite play driving center to be play on the other side of the coin, than I think the Flames could go deep.
