Calc, what makes you think Mangiapane will be ready next year? I've seen you mention him multiple times now, so clearly you are quite high on him.
I've watched 4(?) Heat games this year, and while not examining his game, I didn't come away with the impression that he's a guy who will make a huge push next year.
I think Klimchuk is the most likely winger to make the team from the AHL next year, with Hathaway as well (though he wouldn't fill the same role as either. Then I agree with OKG that Dube could surprise, and I'd probably have him and Mangiapane in the same tier in terms of chances of stealing a spot.
This is also dependant on what management does with Jankowski (winger or centre to start) as I feel he is ready to make the jump.
What is Klimchuks waiver status next year?
You all honestly believe Flames can consistently legitimately contend for a cup (Chicago, LA, Pittsburgh) with Monahan and Backlund as our centers? I love Backlund as much as the next guy (I think he is better than Monahan), but I just dont see that. I hope I am wrong.
I mean, Chicago is a cup contender with a 1-2 of Toews and Anisimov. No slight to them, but if you were to look at only 1-2 centres of all 30 teams, I'm not sure you'd label that as "perennial contender". And Toews is one of my favourite players.
I get that good teams need good centres, but you also have to surround them with good players, which we have.
I don't see why Monahan can't be comparable to Toews within a couple years, and I probably take Backlund over Anisimov.
You all honestly believe Flames can consistently legitimately contend for a cup (Chicago, LA, Pittsburgh) with Monahan and Backlund as our centers? I love Backlund as much as the next guy (I think he is better than Monahan), but I just dont see that. I hope I am wrong.
Backlund is defintely better than Anisimov. I hope Monahan can get to that level.
I think there is going to be a natural progression to Bennett being top 6 and Backlund either being the best 3rd line center in the NHL who is compensated like a #2 OR Backlund gets moved for a young top 6 winger.
It's been great that Backs and Frolik have mentored Tkachuk awesomely but best thing for this team will be for Tkachuk and Bennett to form our next super duo along with Monohan and Johnny. Backlund and Frolik can then be the third duo.
How about we worry about the logjam at C if it ever becomes a concern instead of offloading one of our best players because we want another player to be better than him?
I think Mangiapane would be a better fit next to Bennett because of his speed and playmaking style (Dube would actually be pretty good too) but think of it less as Mangiapane specifically and more that I just hope they keep the spot available for any prospect (whether it's Klimchuk, Dube, Mangiapane or even Poirier) to grab.
Not sure about Klimchuk's speed but I've always seen him as Frolik's replacement, given the swiss army comparisons. So long term, I've always had him next to Backlund or Jankowski. Mangipane will also need to be placed in an offensive role to succeed while Klimchuk could play anywhere in the lineup, even the fourth line given his defensive abilities.
Kinda hoping Jankowski and Bennett wind up on a line together next season.
Gaudreau - Monahan - ???
Tkachuk - Backlund - ???
Bennett - Jankowski - ??? (or flip Bennett to C and Janks on the wing)
or move Tkachuk to the RW and go with;
Gaudreau - Monahan - Tkachuk
??? - Backlund - Frolik
Bennett - Jankowski - ???
Pretty sure Bennett will be with Tkachuk next year. While Backs had a half an amazing year, the other half was pretty average. Fan boys say Backs is the most consistent Flame, which he is defensively, but in all actuality, the top line was only poor for a quarter and a half. Something that can be expected when rewarding 23-24 year olds millions of dollars
I think there is going to be a natural progression to Bennett being top 6 and Backlund either being the best 3rd line center in the NHL who is compensated like a #2 OR Backlund gets moved for a young top 6 winger.
It's been great that Backs and Frolik have mentored Tkachuk awesomely but best thing for this team will be for Tkachuk and Bennett to form our next super duo along with Monohan and Johnny. Backlund and Frolik can then be the third duo.
And I think that's all the salary cap will allow. Then like Chicago you move guys in and out with the three duos like Panik until they become too expensive.
If Bennett has a monster playoffs, I really hope we can get Arvidsson for Backlund.