Building The 2018/19 Flames Roster

[Niemo]

Jankowski and Ryan are going to be equal assuming Jank made a bit of progress in strength and confidence to hang onto the puck for another second. By seasons end, I'm quite confident that Jank will move ahead of Ryan. Not ahead of Backlund by any means though.

[theslymonkey]

Originally Posted by FlamesFanTrev

I would definitely like to see Neal on the top line. That line is lacking some grit that I think Neal is better suited to provide then Lindholm. Neal has a tendency to be unpredictable with his reactions (see kneeing marchand in the head). He's not going to be a physical force, but if you jack up one of his boys, all bets are off. I think that factor alone gives Monahan a little more room, and keeps a few slashes off johnny's hands. I just don't see Lindholm as much of a deterrent, and its not like Lindholm would be wasted playing on a line with Backlund and Tkachuk.

Yeah, why I said you could swap them. Neal and Lindholm are 1RW and 2RW. Doesn't really matter who goes where, but there's no competition for those two spots after them.

[Textcritic]

Originally Posted by FlamesFanTrev

I would definitely like to see Neal on the top line. That line is lacking some grit that I think Neal is better suited to provide then Lindholm. Neal has a tendency to be unpredictable with his reactions (see kneeing marchand in the head). He's not going to be a physical force, but if you jack up one of his boys, all bets are off. I think that factor alone gives Monahan a little more room, and keeps a few slashes off johnny's hands. I just don't see Lindholm as much of a deterrent, and its not like Lindholm would be wasted playing on a line with Backlund and Tkachuk.

I am going to counter and say that the presence of a "deterrent" on the top line is completely secondary. Lindholm has been slotted with Gaudreau and Monahan by the coach in multiple interviews now, and I don't see any good reason to expect anything different once the season starts. More importantly than a deterrent (which didn't seem to be all that effective with Ferland on the top line, anyways) I believe Lindholm provides two crucial components to Gaudreau's and Monahan's game: 1) he carries the puck well and is a very good distributer, and 2) he is a high-end defensive player. The last time these two played with another skilled play maker they formed the most dominant line in hockey, and Gaudreau scored 30-goals. I think Lindholm makes the Flames top line practically defend-proof, but in turn he also frees Monahan up even more in the offensive zone in large part because he is so good at covering in his own zone.

[theslymonkey]

Originally Posted by Textcritic

I am going to counter and say that the presence of a "deterrent" on the top line is completely secondary. Lindholm has been slotted with Gaudreau and Monahan by the coach in multiple interviews now, and I don't see any good reason to expect anything different once the season starts. More importantly than a deterrent (which didn't seem to be all that effective with Ferland on the top line, anyways) I believe Lindholm provides two crucial components to Gaudreau's and Monahan's game: 1) he carries the puck well and is a very good distributer, and 2) he is a high-end defensive player. The last time these two played with another skilled play maker they formed the most dominant line in hockey, and Gaudreau scored 30-goals. I think Lindholm makes the Flames top line practically defend-proof, but in turn he also frees Monahan up even more in the offensive zone in large part because he is so good at covering in his own zone.

And it gives the top line a RH and LH Center for faceoffs.

[Textcritic]

Originally Posted by theslymonkey

And it gives the top line a RH and LH Center for faceoffs.

Yeah, it is a terrific grouping, and yet it still provides Neal the opportunity to get plenty of playing time with Gaudreau and Monahan on the powerplay.

[FlamesFanTrev]

Originally Posted by Textcritic

I am going to counter and say that the presence of a "deterrent" on the top line is completely secondary. Lindholm has been slotted with Gaudreau and Monahan by the coach in multiple interviews now, and I don't see any good reason to expect anything different once the season starts. More importantly than a deterrent (which didn't seem to be all that effective with Ferland on the top line, anyways) I believe Lindholm provides two crucial components to Gaudreau's and Monahan's game: 1) he carries the puck well and is a very good distributer, and 2) he is a high-end defensive player. The last time these two played with another skilled play maker they formed the most dominant line in hockey, and Gaudreau scored 30-goals. I think Lindholm makes the Flames top line practically defend-proof, but in turn he also frees Monahan up even more in the offensive zone in large part because he is so good at covering in his own zone.

Peters comments on slotting should be taken with a grain of salt until he's had all his players in one city, on the same ice surface. He's also on record as saying that Brouwer is a good man and will be given the opportunity to pickup his game. Stuff changes.

Ferland never acted as a deterrent on the first line, he all but put away his big man game when he was playing on the top line, even when he was going through a goal drought.

The rough stuff might be completely secondary, but as far as production, Neal is every bit as offensive as Lindholm presently. I can't really speak to the defensive play, I didn't see much of Carolina in years past, so I will defer to you on this point, which is sound one. I would consider the defense on this line secondary though as well, as they will be getting 90%+ OZS., And more limited ice time then in season past due to Peter's ability to roll 4 lines. Tkchuck and Backlund are used to the tough matchups, and having Lindholm with the ability to get the puck up ice or shut down defensively makes that line defensively solid with the ability to transition super fast. I think we can both agree that there isnt a better center to develop with then Backlund, and Neal is past the point of further development. It's a tough call, I don't think I will be unhappy with either outcome.

[FlamesFanTrev]

Originally Posted by theslymonkey

And it gives the top line a RH and LH Center for faceoffs.

This is a great point.

[Macindoc]

Originally Posted by Textcritic

I am going to counter and say that the presence of a "deterrent" on the top line is completely secondary. Lindholm has been slotted with Gaudreau and Monahan by the coach in multiple interviews now, and I don't see any good reason to expect anything different once the season starts. More importantly than a deterrent (which didn't seem to be all that effective with Ferland on the top line, anyways) I believe Lindholm provides two crucial components to Gaudreau's and Monahan's game: 1) he carries the puck well and is a very good distributer, and 2) he is a high-end defensive player. The last time these two played with another skilled play maker they formed the most dominant line in hockey, and Gaudreau scored 30-goals. I think Lindholm makes the Flames top line practically defend-proof, but in turn he also frees Monahan up even more in the offensive zone in large part because he is so good at covering in his own zone.

I do like Lindholm more on the top line than Neal because of his right shot and defensive responsibility, it would make it much more of a 200-foot line to use in all situations.

Neal with Backlund and Tkachuk would also be great, but not quite as much fun as Bennett between Neal and Tkachuk. That line would drive opponents absolutely batty and draw penalties at a record pace (Tkachuk is already a league leader in this, and the addition of top-notch meanness/sandpaper at every position on that line could only enhance that ability). Or if Janko centered Neal and Tkachuk, the Flames could reunite the Backlund/Bennett/Frolik line that was featured in Bennett's successful rookie season. Frankly, I still find it hard to believe that we will have that quality of player on our 3rd line!

[GioforPM]

Originally Posted by Royle9

Not sure I'd agree with "writing off" but definitely more critical of Frolik, but he's making 4.3M which made sense in the top 6, not so much in the bottom 6 in my opinion unless he's producing at a 40+ point pace again. Don't see that happening if he's playing bottom 6 minutes however.

He's a great defensive forward, good on the PK etc but when we have so many young guys banging on the door who do you figure we drop rather than Frolik?

I don't think you drop him at all. And once you've made cap adjustments like buying out Brouwer, how much Frolik makes doesn't affect where I slot him at all. As for his points, he's had one offyear in which he was injured and shot at an unsustainably low percentage.

Who do you elevate that's for sure better than Frolik?

[FlamesFanTrev]

Originally Posted by Macindoc

I do like Lindholm more on the top line than Neal because of his right shot and defensive responsibility, it would make it much more of a 200-foot line to use in all situations.

Neal with Backlund and Tkachuk would also be great, but not quite as much fun as Bennett between Neal and Tkachuk. That line would drive opponents absolutely batty and draw penalties at a record pace (Tkachuk is already a league leader in this, and the addition of top-notch meanness/sandpaper at every position on that line could only enhance that ability). Or if Janko centered Neal and Tkachuk, the Flames could reunite the Backlund/Bennett/Frolik line that was featured in Bennett's successful rookie season. Frankly, I still find it hard to believe that we will have that quality of player on our 3rd line!

I really hope the "Bennett at Center" experiment is done. Based on the personnel that was brought in this year, I would expect that is the plan barring roster shredding injuries.

[FlamesFanTrev]

Originally Posted by GioforPM

I don't think you drop him at all. And once you've made cap adjustments like buying out Brouwer, how much Frolik makes doesn't affect where I slot him at all. As for his points, he's had one offyear in which he was injured and shot at an unsustainably low percentage.

Who do you elevate that's for sure better than Frolik?

No one. Frolik is defensively better then 3/4 of last year's team, regardless of his counting stats. Hes the ideal guy in a shutdown situation. There is nobody like him on the team, and you don't get rid of him to make a spot in the lineup.

[Jay Random]

Originally Posted by FlamesFanTrev

Peters comments on slotting should be taken with a grain of salt until he's had all his players in one city, on the same ice surface. He's also on record as saying that Brouwer is a good man and will be given the opportunity to pickup his game. Stuff changes.

Peters did not make the decision to buy out Brouwer. He doesn't choose what players he gets to work with, but he does choose how he will use the ones he has. Unless something truly bizarre happens, Lindholm and Neal are his top two RWs and he can decide which lines to put them on. What happened to Brouwer is not going to happen to them this year.

[Imported_Aussie]

Gaudreau - Monahan - Lindholm (Neal spots up here for the odd OZS)
Tkachuk - Backlund - Neal (Lindholm spots back here for the odd DZS, extra faceoff option)
Bennett - Ryan - Frolik
Mangiapane - Jankowski - Czarnik
ex. Lazar, Hathaway

Giordano - Brodie
Hanifin - Hamonic
Andersson - Stone
ex. Prout
(Kulak Traded)

Smith
Rittich

[FlamesFanTrev]

Originally Posted by Jay Random

Peters did not make the decision to buy out Brouwer. He doesn't choose what players he gets to work with, but he does choose how he will use the ones he has. Unless something truly bizarre happens, Lindholm and Neal are his top two RWs and he can decide which lines to put them on. What happened to Brouwer is not going to happen to them this year.

My point was that if he is slotting players before seeing them play together, plans change. His comments are little more then intention and off seasons talk, until they are together as a group and see it in action. Quoting off season interviews as Gospel is a fools errand. As Mike Tyson said "everybody has a plan right up until they get punched in the face".

[Jacks]

Originally Posted by Textcritic

Lindholm has been slotted with Gaudreau and Monahan by the coach in multiple interviews now, and I don't see any good reason to expect anything different once the season starts.

I remember hearing him say this when they first traded for Lindholm, has he said this after they signed Neal?
Not that I doubt what you are saying I'm just wondering about the timeline.

[theslymonkey]

Originally Posted by Imported_Aussie

Gaudreau - Monahan - Lindholm (Neal spots up here for the odd OZS)
Tkachuk - Backlund - Neal (Lindholm spots back here for the odd DZS, extra faceoff option)
Bennett - Ryan - Frolik
Mangiapane - Jankowski - Czarnik
ex. Lazar, Hathaway

Giordano - Brodie
Hanifin - Hamonic
Andersson - Stone
ex. Prout
(Kulak Traded)

Smith
Rittich

Originally Posted by theslymonkey

I realize it's summer and things are slow around here. But the lineup is pretty set based on salary and what Peters has said.

Center depth is set.
Monahan - Johnny/Mony isn't getting broken up.
Backlund - He's easily the second best center on the team.
Ryan - He wasn't signed to play 4C, he wins faceoffs.
Janko - He's still young but still needs to play center.

Left side is easy.
Johnny - Duh.
Tkachuk - See above
Bennett - Doesn't play RW, and can't beat out the guys above.
EatBread - Probably his spot to lose, but you could put lots of kids here.

Right side is a little more messy.
Lindholm - Peters said he'll go here.
Neal - Deadly with Chucky, but could easily swap with Lindholm.
Frolik - He's easily behind the other two and has proven to be effective at RW.
Czarnik - Less pressure here, but could bump Fro with a good showing.

Defense is set.
Gio/Brodie - Peters said so.
Hanifin/Hamonic - Makes sense and keeps Stone down.
Kulak/Stone - Whatever, it's the third pair. Could get bounced by a kid in trining camp.
Prout - Who cares.

Goalies is obvious.
Smith - Duh.
Gillies/Rittich - Flip a coin, one goes up, one goes down.

Hmmm, I swear this sounded familiar...

[Textcritic]

Originally Posted by Jacks

I remember hearing him say this when they first traded for Lindholm, has he said this after they signed Neal?
Not that I doubt what you are saying I'm just wondering about the timeline.

Yes.

Peters did a 20 min interview on the Morning Show on SN 960 about two weeks ago, and reasserted his placement of Lindholm on the top line.

[Reggie Dunlop]

I think the Flames are sitting on 41 contracts, with only Hanifin and Shinkaruk left to go.

Still think there's more signings to come, albeit of the minor league variety.

[getbak]

Originally Posted by Textcritic

Yes.

Peters did a 20 min interview on the Morning Show on SN 960 about two weeks ago, and reasserted his placement of Lindholm on the top line.

https://www.sportsnet.ca/960/boomer-...eup-decisions/

[Jay Random]

Originally Posted by FlamesFanTrev

My point was that if he is slotting players before seeing them play together, plans change.

Then you did a poor job of supporting that point. Peters' plans for Brouwer changed because he is no longer on the team. That is not any kind of evidence that his plans for Lindholm and Neal have changed or ought to change.

Quoting off season interviews as Gospel is a fools errand.

Perhaps there is some other forum on which people have actually been doing that. I certainly haven't seen it on CP.