As the Flames near the start of the year and the end of the offseason, we have to re-evaluate, have they gotten better, how much better and what's next?
As an inexperienced young Flames fan myself, I believe they have gotten better. Although losing the core piece of TJ Brodie hurts, bringing in a top ten goalie in Markstrom and a top 4 RHD as of Christopher Tanev, and some underrated under-the-radar moves of Josh Leivo and Dominik Simon and some other depth moves, I believe they have gotten better. How much though is the question being asked here. My opinion is not much.
They have definitely improved in the net by the likes of Markstrom, whom people are stating right now is the best goalie for the Flames since Mikka Kiprusoff's retirement. However, in the blue line, I don't see that they got any better. Even though Tanev is a great shut-down d man, I don't see him being able to compete with what Brodie's performance was in Calgary. The return of Jusso Valimaki is a plus after his injury last year but the lineup after the top 4 is uncertain. Assuming Kylington will be signed, the Flames will have 5 LHD and 2 RHD. Valimaki has been playing right d since being in Europe for a loan so that is a possibility. Kylington has played a few games as RD before. And Nestorov could make a push into the majors too. The one thing here is consistency and a trustworthy depth. Last year, we had multiple RHD to swap around in injuries and were all somewhat consistent. However, with so much youth stepping up onto the spot, there is always uncertainty. I do see a little improvement in the forward lineup but just a little bit. The Flames choose to let go of Jankowski and signed three league minimum contracts which are Leivo, Simon and Nordstrom. I'm really excited to see Leivo and Simon's performance since Leivo is a consistent 20 point player and Simon is still pretty young, has potential, and just put up a 30 point year. Overall, I believe the Flames improved but not drastically since no crucial core players were added other than Markstrom and the core player we lost we didn't find an equal or better alternative. I believe with this lineup they will be eliminated in the second round.
I believe the Flames have finished business for this year. They only have one million dollars left, they still have Kylington to sign and not a lot of good contracts to move. I believe they will also not make lots of moves this deadline since they have depth and Seattle is coming in. I believe for next year they need another right shot 60 points or near 60 point player for their top 6. It is not that Gaudreau and Monahan aren't good, it's that just them alone won't get u over round two. I believe some good candidates are Travis Konecny, William Nylander, and Alex Tuch, or someone else in free agency. However, Idk how much the Flames have to give up (comment down below.) I don't see why Calgary will trade their core next year, as long as they pass the first round. next year they will have some breathing room for the cap as Ryan's contract comes to an end. However, Gaudreau and Thackuck's contract terminate the next season so they need to leave cap room for them.
I believe this year is a step forward towards a great future for the Flames. There are many things that need to go right before we can say we are cup contenders. Next year will be an exciting one to watch.
I think TK costs too much. Chances are TK (especially given contract) is worth more than Gaudreau (based on this past season), and I cant see the flyers doing that without an overpay.
I think TK costs too much. Chances are TK (especially given contract) is worth more than Gaudreau (based on this past season), and I cant see the flyers doing that without an overpay.
It will probably be. But I believe if we can get him I would think the Flames will be in cup conversations.
McDavid, Connor
$250,000)
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