Post by Calgary Flames on May 15, 2023 17:42:07 GMT -6
First of all, well done to the team putting together the evaluations. Ton of effort, ton of respect. It was really enjoyable and I listened to every one. You each bring something different which is good in a team.
Couple thoughts on the Flames prediction:
- Cap space may be close to $6M but could be higher depending on graduations. It could be as high as $8M.
- Aaron mentioned limited forward promotions but Zadina and Texier should move up. Should be 4 players injected in middle six with two forwards and at least bottom pair on a very deep D corps. Gives trade flexibility.
- There was a comment on potential UFAs in coming years. We have zero UFA's this season of note, and only one UFA next year of interest....Sean Monahan. Dahlin, Heisekanen, Debrincat, Nylander, Sergachev, Timmins will all be RFAs at the end of their deals leaving UFAs as Monahan (next year), Lindholm, (two years out), and Kane (three years out). Flames have managed the contracts very well. Raises could be an issue but contract management will be fine from a timing perspective (and you want raises because it means your players are good). If you look at it, the core could remain intact for 5+ years without subtracting except for cap considerations.
- Goaltending is an issue for Flames except Kuemper was top 10 in most categories. Considering what was spent it looks like value for money. Goaltending is voodoo. I'm actually surprised 3 of 4 playoff teams have a goalie rated 82 OV. I view the position as a luxury not a necessity.
With that all said, I feel the evaluation team nailed it. Flames are a good team, top players good, contracts good (except for the comment on UFAs to be), and cap space mostly good. I would argue the Flames current biggest fault is the lack of impact prospects for NHL creation, aside from Dustin Wolf. Lots of draft capital this year should help. Here's a primer, I won't leverage future for the current, and asset management is king for me. While the Pacific was dominant this year things change quickly and I could see the Flames doing slightly better to rise to the top of the division or I could see the entire division falling off and we are all crying about another division getting lucky. Except for the Central, no one knows where that is.
Couple thoughts on the Flames prediction:
- Cap space may be close to $6M but could be higher depending on graduations. It could be as high as $8M.
- Aaron mentioned limited forward promotions but Zadina and Texier should move up. Should be 4 players injected in middle six with two forwards and at least bottom pair on a very deep D corps. Gives trade flexibility.
- There was a comment on potential UFAs in coming years. We have zero UFA's this season of note, and only one UFA next year of interest....Sean Monahan. Dahlin, Heisekanen, Debrincat, Nylander, Sergachev, Timmins will all be RFAs at the end of their deals leaving UFAs as Monahan (next year), Lindholm, (two years out), and Kane (three years out). Flames have managed the contracts very well. Raises could be an issue but contract management will be fine from a timing perspective (and you want raises because it means your players are good). If you look at it, the core could remain intact for 5+ years without subtracting except for cap considerations.
- Goaltending is an issue for Flames except Kuemper was top 10 in most categories. Considering what was spent it looks like value for money. Goaltending is voodoo. I'm actually surprised 3 of 4 playoff teams have a goalie rated 82 OV. I view the position as a luxury not a necessity.
With that all said, I feel the evaluation team nailed it. Flames are a good team, top players good, contracts good (except for the comment on UFAs to be), and cap space mostly good. I would argue the Flames current biggest fault is the lack of impact prospects for NHL creation, aside from Dustin Wolf. Lots of draft capital this year should help. Here's a primer, I won't leverage future for the current, and asset management is king for me. While the Pacific was dominant this year things change quickly and I could see the Flames doing slightly better to rise to the top of the division or I could see the entire division falling off and we are all crying about another division getting lucky. Except for the Central, no one knows where that is.
