MP5029

I hope Ward is open to suggestions from fans, I’d very much like to see something like: Gaudreau/Monahan/Lindhom Tachuck/Bennett/ Simon Levino Dube manji/Backlund/Dube Levino Simon Lucic/ try whoever/Nords Levino Simon Valimaki/Anderson Hanifin/Tanev Gio/Kylington

I wonder if letting Bennett sit was to show him he is extremely valuable to the team and sitting him one game shows how important he really is to the team even if he’s not playing in the top 9? Or Maybe sitting him woke the coach up and showers him how valuable Bennett is to the team? in either case I’m not saying Cgy would have won last night in WPG but 4-1 loss is generally considered a very poor showing. Or maybe this wakes up the GM and he sees the team needs RW’s not just Ctrs and D?

Which would be great if he could play RW he could make an office in front of the opposition net. id rather they move Lindholm back to RW where he was much more effective with Gaudreau and Monahan and put Bennet at Ctr with Tachuck and either Simon, Dube, Levino or Manji

Unfortunately I agree with you, particularly with the lindholm at Ctr part though I I have also wonder what if... Gaudreau/Monahan/Lindholm Tachuck/Bennet/Dube or Manji or Simon manji or Dube/Backlund/Simon or Levino luchich/Ryan/Simon or Levino Just seems like those lines may make more of an impact...but with that being said, lines 1 and two would need to be treated as two line ones and be provided equal time...on the bottom kinda the same idea, but basically roll out 4 lines almost equally...clearly the PP and PK are doing well so those are not the issue this year it’s 5v5 and more of an issue on the forward depts being kinda streaking Im also not in agreement with the D pairs, I know the Flames are saying they like the chemistry but, can’t help but feel this would be better: Valimaki/Anderson Hanifin/Tanev Gio/Nesterov

The real issue is if Dube is the key player to another players success I think you need to consider the position is weak...RW needs 2 top 6 guys Dube is a converted LW and to be honest he’s a 3rd liner. Lindholm is a RW now being converted back to Ctr so make no wonder he’s gonna take time to get back to playing a Ctr roll, in a short season this was a bad idea Backlund is probably the biggest problem, Cgy needs to move him for another top 6 RW And go with this: Gaudreau/Monahan/Lindholm Tachuck/Bennet/?????? manji/Ryan/Simon or Levno Luch/????/Simon or Levno and the D needs to be reshuffled: Valimaki/Anderson Hanifin/Tanev Gio/Nesterov if Geo is truly still a good D it will help moving him to the 3rd pair, if not, it will show and maybe address the 3rd pair at the TDL? and Ritich needs to play more often he’s not able to find a rhythm playing the latter 1/2 of back to back games. Either that or trade him if your gonna rely on Markstrom.

That’s the D pairing I’d like to see too: Valimaki/Anderson (the next great pairing) Hanifin/Tanev Giordano/Nesterov I think you would see a marked improvement all round with this, but there will be a few growing pains as Valimaki gets better but I think Anderson will help him get to star power much better and faster than sheltering/chaining him to Nesterov

Exactly why they really should try and move Gio and get a little something for him but he should have been traded right after he won the Noris...boy I took heat for that but as it turns out it was the right call and now we will get next to nothing for him, fitting he’s molded himself after Iggy cause he and the flames are definitely on the same track. Hopefully Tackuck gets the C next year or even better, right after this years TDL...he’s definitely gotta be the next C and just the right guy for that job and should help build a tough identity for the team moving forward

I think I finally figured it out.... Square Peg Round Hole Team this team always try’s to make pieces fit where they clearly don’t belong, look at the lines, next to no change since the start of the season and 2-3-1 records to show for it, yet again same lines to start the WPG series

so what would be so bad with paying someone to take Ryan so as to have a top 6 RW like Toffoil?

sorry, Levio And I was talking about this past FA season Toffoil @4,250,000 less current cap space = 1,600,000 less the last 2 signings 1,400,000 = 3,000,000 leaves only 1,200,000 to shed that’s not a huge amount to move maybe move Ryan or something like that and leaves only one slot in the above roster to fill, maybe with one of the farm guys? all I’m saying, is he could have been signed and could have fit with only a minor adjustment of the roster... BT totally dropped the ball in this RW option. if you look at Mlt now with Toffoil and how good they are and look at VCR now vs last year, and how much of a drop in their scoring and also that their scoring rose after the Toffoil acquisition, he’s clearly a guy that can drive the offensive play for teams...which if I recall, was one of the argument for not getting him. yet again another huge miss on BT’s part, though I do get it he’s still a bit snake bitten on the O’Neil signing...which I was totally against but everyone loved at the time...

So anyone still think we shouldn’t have signed Toffoil? Man I screamed for him to be signed...now Look! imagine if we had have signed him: Gaudreau/Monahan/Toffoil Tachuck/Lindholm/Simon manji/Backlund/ Venio Dube/Bennet/Ryan Lucic spare/taxi squad that looks sooo much better and imagine rolling those 4 lines right now nearly equal mins could be spread and keep fresh legs out on the ice all the time.

Well I’d say they have the identity of being a weak team (mentality), skilled physically. what they need and the only thing champs need is will power...Tachuck type but you need a team like that not just one guy...our successful years have been hard working playing for every inch of ice every second of every game...hard work, grit and determination makes that happen. again what we see is a skilled group that folds under pressure...not saying skill is need too but we have too much flash and not enough dash on this team.

I like the fact people are starting to see line # is not the key aka top line, shutdown 3rd or checking 4th line...that’s old school hockey which the rules were built to support...the new betman style he’s been bringing in dose not support that mindset which so many of us grew up with, the new style hockey which many top team have adopted for years now (pits, Col, TB etc..) are top teams, because they have balance up and down the line up and don’t relay on a single person or the top two lines to score... I really like the above line combo here it’s in the mindset of having a balanced 4 lines...I’d move players around a little different but this is the key to being successful in the NHL now...20 years ago not so much, but in the 2000’s this is the way to be a top team. having said all that, I’m still of the mindset we need a another mid level reliable D and 2 RW’s capable of playing top 6...yes I said top 6 but more of a expectation of the type of player we need not in terms of where they play here...Anyway, in an ideal world I’d love to see a RW like Tachuck to slot in with JG and Monahan and another RW more of a platemaker style to slot in with Tachuck and Lindholm. as for the other two lines, it would be Manji-Bennet-Livo Luch-Backlund-Simon yes I realize Dube is not there, he’s great and all but we have Manji and in being honest we already have: Gaudreau Manji all small skilled shifty guys but the forward lines need more size and power.

I took a lot of crap when they got Markstrom cause I said they aught to have gone cheaper on that position I’m pretty sure Ott signed Murray who is 26 to 6.25 at 4 years vs Markstrom who is 30 to 6 at 6 years... would have been a better route as Murray at Markstrom’s current age vs Markstrom at 36 I’m thinking the length of this contract will really suck and cost way more in the long run... at present, the major weak area is still D, and sorry to say it but Gio is 1/2 the problem age sucks especially eating up 6+ Mil of the cap! ...the other 1/2 is we could use another reliable and prove 3rd pair guy up front, is another issue all together Lucic is a huge issue mostly because of his cap hit vs what he brings is way too high...the other issue is we are way too small up front, and have absolutely 0 RW’s that legitimately belong on the RW (aka they are either Ctr or LW converts) and of those, none are legitimate top 9 players...least not yet Manji and Dube are potentially 2nd liners but both are natural LW’s and both are small... as much as I hate the idea of letting one of them go it needs to be done they are basically the same player say for Manji being a bit more offensive and then add in we also have gaudreau, which if he’s our only small spit fire would be fine but holly hell, that’s a full line of tiny right there! anyway theses are some of the major issues and reasons why this team lack pushback and never say die...

well maybe Bennet and Dube can be more effective elsewhere... I’m not certain but maybe c could be looking like: monahan backlund/Bennet Bennet/Backlund Dube/other? im not a fan of more so I think moving Lindhom to C is a good idea whatsoever but it’s an option so... Lindholm Monahan Bennet/Backlund Backlund/Bennet but not my idea of a good ways to go, however in any case, the Ctr position has tons of options which is good...we are also super solid on LW so the glaring hole this year like every year since Iggy was traded is RW, maybe Freeing up Ryan’s salary could open a trade of some kind for a better RW than we have now...let’s be real it won’t be a legit top 6 RW but maybe someone a tad better than what we have now? If they are looking to move Lindholm to Ctr, it’s gonna be needed, if not, it’s still a huge weak side for Cgy so hopefully there is something brewing for it. im still wondering why sign Kylington and then put him on waivers? He’s sure to be claimed?

Lol auto correct yes and most likely yes, but hard so say kinda depends, I’d be ok with Dube (as much as I love the guy, he may be a better fit for the rangers)

If we can get Gauthier from NYI we should be all over it...he’s one of those guys if you give him an opportunity he could shoot you the depth chart but he’s a solid bottom 6...I have a feeling he’s a Glencross type (not play style, well maybe a bit in the power forward sense) but more in the sense he could be a top 6 on the right team, plus he’s just an amazing fit though if he could be had I’d be more inclined to play him on the third and also, if we could swing Laine if look at: Gaudreau/Monahan/Lindholm Tachuck/Bennet/Laine manji/Backlund/Gauthier lucic/ not sure/Dube thats a deadly lineup I’d actually be super ok with sending any of those lines out against any other team and any line. come on BT find a way to land Laine and Gauthier PLEASE!!!???!!!

I’m a huge fan of giving Bennet more responsibility: Gaudreau/Monahan/Lindholm Tachuck/Bennet/ Manji *(though I’d rather see a legit 2nd line RW, and would also let us have an insanely great 3rd line but for now Manji is it) Lucic/Backlund/Dube if my some magic BT were to land a legit 2nd RW: manj/Backlund/Dube although a smallish line its got a lot of energy and puck possession capacity I could see it being crazy dangerous, the reason I’d rather backlund here is he’s so sound, he could offset a few of the mistakes by Manji and Dube, Bennet would of course bring huge energy but I thing having a veteran presence would really help these two take another step. added to that Bennet and Tachuck with another proper RW would be like having a second top line...I just get the feel if they could do this they could roll out 3 solid scoring lines and teams would be hard pressed to contain all three lines..1 sure, 2 yes there are some solid defensive teams, but 3 lines, no way! added to that Lucic and Ryan on the 4th could be dangerous if teams underestimate them...

Ok so I’m thinking maybe just maybe, BT could have some room to move Hanifin for some RW help... it kinda depends but may very well work out just fine, anyone have a read on Yelesin? Is he NHL ready? If so he could pair well with Kylington, we know he’s definitely ready, it’s a bit risky but it could Very well open lots of new look d options: Gio/andsrson Valimaki/Tanev Kylington/Yelesin or Valimaki/Anderson kylington/Tanev Gio/Yelesin or Valimaki/Anderson gio/Tanev Kylington/Yelesin trade Hanifin for a soild RW?

I’m thinking: Lucic /Monahan/Gaudreau - not the best situation but, first we are paying Lucic like a top 6 so play him in it, also he could open the ice for both Mony and JG, it could also bring him back to life, he did well when he was with some talent of Bennet and Manji so he could actually rebound..it’s a risky move but, Ming and JG are still the key tandem so that should offset the risk plus the added punch on lines 2 and 3 may help take the heat off the top line so the opponents need to worry about the other lines and could open thin line more..kInda have a 1-2-3 punch no way a team can shut down 3 lines? Tachuck/Bennet/Lindholm- this is a second line but I think Tachuck and Bennet could both benefit from Lindholm and more so Bennet, A’s Lindholm can play Ctr it takes some pressure off Bennet and just let him develop, it also gives him some talent for once, so if ever he was to develop this would be the opportunity for him. Manj/Backlund/Dube - I see this as a 2B line because, Backlund can cover the possession and defensive responsibility while these two spark plugs go to work on the Ozone and just be a nightmare in the other teams zone. kirkland/Ryan/Gadwin - same as everybody else, it’s basically Ryan’s line just give him what you can and he will take care of the rest. Rino -Spare stands to reason. on D I’m liking: Valimaki/Anderson- the future top pair might as well get them going now! Hanifin/Tanev - Same reason everyone else, makes sense Tanev can skate and move the puck and also a defensive sound D, may open Hanifin to open up and become more offensive like he was envisioned to be. Gio/Kylington - Gio has lost a step but can mentor Kylington, who say he likes playing his off wing, maybe Gio can develop Kylington into a Brodie type ish? in net it’s self explanatory lol! It’s a bit different but could work very well, but I will say it’s a bit risky on a few fronts, but the biggest being it could expose a few players as being not as good as everyone thinks and this dropping their trade value (Bennet, JG etc) if this fails horribly. However it it fails, we would be going into a full rebuild a year or two early and probably a top 5 pick so not bad, cause we will really know where things stand with this team...problem is it would force the rebuild and issue out this year...other combos would mask it...but if it works, then we would be taking a huge step forward like the Avs, Stl etc did a few years ago

Wow ok I have to say there are a lot of save that remind me of Kipper...I miss hearing that “Oh what a save” comment it’s been a few years, and I could get use to it...let’s hope our young D don’t disappoint us, Valimaki, Anderson Hanifin if they all step up And play as we hope this could be a very hard to score on Flames Team...offensive is still ? Too but I guess wait and see... anyway it will be nice hearing that”oh what a save” comment again 😊👍

The retro jerseys are far better than any of the other debacles that have been introduced...though I disagree about the shoulder flags, I do love the Canadian flag on the shoulder...the Alberta one I don’t really care either way

Well I’m of the thought that if you bring in Hall you can remove Gaudreau...to which I would be very ok with. It’s an upgrade, thus your LW looks like: Hall Chucky Manji luch further on that note, Mony is not a first line Ctr nor is backlund or Bennet for that matter but with the way this team is built, I’d be very ok with trading backlund and making the Ctr lines look like: Monahan Lindholm bennett ryan Looking at things in this light, you can very clearly see...this team has absolutely NO RW talent, heck just no RW! this here is where I’d be focused on if I were BT although, with that in mind the FA pool is very light on RW so your gonna need to use Backlund and Gaudreau as chips to get at the very least a 2 legit top 6 RW’s the others can probably be patched worked in but I’d rather they find some solid bottom 6 RW too...but that’s a tall order to fill in one off season, especially with the D and G needing some touch up work as well.. speaking of the D, I’m thinking if I were BT I’d try and lock up Brodie he’s. A solid d and still young enough to fit in with our main core...hammer is walking so he’s gone and Gio I think would fetch you a younger all round d man like a Hanifin, potential but is struggling to hit his stride...since we are stuck with Hanifin unless we trade him (it would be a t a loss value though) I say keep him sign Brodie and pick up a solid d man and some filler upgrade to Stone and guff’s for the 7th and 8th slots brodie + ????? hanifin + Anderson Valimaki + killington (or a spare?) ???? spare + ????? Spare could be from the minors or wherever all and all signing Brodie keep the majority of the D intact and less overhauling to do...same thoughts with the way I looked at the forward lines... as fo G it’s a poopoo show, maybe hope to find an upgrade on Tablot and keep Ritich? Let them both go and hope you find 2 decent G in FA and trades? Hard to say, I’d rather they try and upgrade Tabs and keep Ritich seems like less overhauling again... at the end of the day we need at the very least a power RW who is a top 6 guy and at least one more top 6 RW that’s the major hole we need to fill, we have too many C’s being used on the wings particularly on the RW and it needs to be fixed

In my humble opinion and observation of this team, one thing I have noted for consideration is we really don’t have that elite superstar w do have the elite type supporting cast but not a game changer. so I’d say the Flames and more important BT has some serious considerations to make before the draft. 1. Do we build a balanced team with no super star elite like The Dal’s and LVK’s of the NLH 2. do we go out and hunt for that elite super star? well, the obvious answer to this is option 1, why I say this is it’s take CGY how many years to get to the point of a reliable playoff team (which is also debatable but seems they are after 2 straight post seasons now which should continue as is) but that’s only treading water and your gonna loose your core window vast by truffle moves which we seen last year. The other issues is, in order to get that super star your gonna have to give up a few key elite supporting casts which at that point your nearing a rebuild...so the obvious answer is build and acquire what they really need. with this in mind, the obvious holes are on the RW and power forward position especially at the top line level. the easy fix here would be to sign Hall for the LW side and thus making Gaudreau an expendable piece for a elite (not super star, but elite) power RW, again, no accounting for if Hall would sign and also the cost to sign him could seriously impact other areas like goal and Defense..which the D is also pretty close but needs a few overhaul moves (Gio needs to go now, and if they can resign Brodie then they really only need to make one major move on the score plus a few minor moves or resigns for competent spares...not Stone for example) if and huge if they can square those issues away before the start of the season I think it would be a huge improvement, as the rest should be a more easy plug of holes at the deadline...oh and also they need to re-up on Ritich in goal and find him help as good or a bit better than Tabloit which should do the trick short term if the score is properly addressed. also, the bottom 6 could use a bit of tinkering, especially the bottom 9, but over all the bottom 6 didn’t really cost us many games so standing pat with them wouldn’t hurt any. i guess it boils down to what opportunities that can fit that BT has and if he’s willing to do what it takes to make some of those opportunities a reality. We shall see what unfolds and I’m thinking by the time the draft is done we may have a better idea.

Well now I don’t think a full blow up is needed...the team can play and compete with some of the big dogs, they do seem to lack the drive and will to win...the only guy on this team with that is Tachuck and it shows when he’s out of the line up, so we need more players like that who can step up. the question, is it the core group players lacking that or the supporting cast? well honestly I think now we know it’s the core guys, while they are not bad players, they are not leaders like Tachuck. its time for some change, starting with the C going to Tachuck and the 2 A’s I’d be looking and bringing in at least one more top 6 RW power type To wear the one of the A’s and the other has to be either Anderson or bringing in a top rated D. i think we need more grit or as Burke likes to call it, more sandpaper in our top 6 (but obviously not lugs with no talent as that never works we have done that many times)