I would add:

4) Ferland was dominant. Seemed to have some good chemistry with Chiasson who looks like a great pickup for the price. They created a lot of havoc down low.

5) He also had a post! I loved his game!

In the end the top line and Gio/Hamilton don't look that comfortable out there yet, it will come.

Loving that the 3 and 4th pitched in with some goals. If the D can start producing as well would go a long ways as well.


- DuranDuran

I'd also add
- Backland, going to have a big year. he's playing super solid and putting up points

Actually some real positives last night.

1. JH and Monahan combine for the winner. They needed something good to happen.
2. CJ looked good again. He might end up at least sharing the no. 1 with Elliott.
3. Kulak looks like an NHLer. A cheap 3rd pairing Dman with some upside. Perfect.
4. Ferland finally played well.
5. Tkachuk had an outstanding game with 2 massive hits and a goal. He stays IMO.
- tincup

I agree. So, if Kulak continues on this path and improves all season long, is he the guy LV claims at the expansion draft? How would people here feel about that?

I would add:

4) Ferland was dominant. Seemed to have some good chemistry with Chiasson who looks like a great pickup for the price. They created a lot of havoc down low.

5) He also had a post! I loved his game!

In the end the top line and Gio/Hamilton don't look that comfortable out there yet, it will come.

Loving that the 3 and 4th pitched in with some goals. If the D can start producing as well would go a long ways as well.


- DuranDuran

I thought Hamilton looked good ...Brodie on the other hand ...

I agree. So, if Kulak continues on this path and improves all season long, is he the guy LV claims at the expansion draft? How would people here feel about that?
- TandA4Flames

Unfortunately when it comes to the expansion draft it is that it is. Flames can only protect 3 defencemen unless that want to only protect 4 or less forwards. And personally I would rather keep Gaudreau, Monahan, Bennett, Backlund, Frolik, Brouwer, Girodano, Brodie, and Hamilton all over Kulak.

The reality is that the team is going to lose somebody in that draft for no return. There is no avoiding it. It appears at this stage that it will be a defenceman like Kulak or Jokipakka. Maybe Vegas will want some experienced leadership and take Stajan. They do have to meet a certain salary cap limit.

Unfortunately when it comes to the expansion draft it is that it is. Flames can only protect 3 defencemen unless that want to only protect 4 or less forwards. And personally I would rather keep Gaudreau, Monahan, Bennett, Backlund, Frolik, Brouwer, Girodano, Brodie, and Hamilton all over Kulak.

The reality is that the team is going to lose somebody in that draft for no return. There is no avoiding it. It appears at this stage that it will be a defenceman like Kulak or Jokipakka. Maybe Vegas will want some experienced leadership and take Stajan. They do have to meet a certain salary cap limit.
- dal_johnson

I think they would look at Ferland as well ash he is a bit of a crowd favorite. Probably not the easiest place for a guy like him to end up so hope for his sake they don't take him.

I'd also add
- Backland, going to have a big year. he's playing super solid and putting up points
- numbear

Backs and Frolik are a pretty stellar pair on that 3rd line. Thing is I think both those guys are going to be trade bait to get the missing pieces the team will need.

Not saying I want them traded but looking at the roster there is not going to be a lot more that would be useful to trade in the upcoming couple years.

Backs and Frolik are a pretty stellar pair on that 3rd line. Thing is I think both those guys are going to be trade bait to get the missing pieces the team will need.

Not saying I want them traded but looking at the roster there is not going to be a lot more that would be useful to trade in the upcoming couple years.
- DuranDuran

If you trade one of them you just create another missing piece!

If you trade one of them you just create another missing piece!
- Clyde334

IMO there should be enough depth in the system that they are replaceable. Not saying I want them traded this year.

Hoping guys like Janko and Polluck/Mange/Shink,/Poirier can step up and be the missing piece. Chances are they are going to have to in some capacity.

Backs and Frolik are a pretty stellar pair on that 3rd line. Thing is I think both those guys are going to be trade bait to get the missing pieces the team will need.

Not saying I want them traded but looking at the roster there is not going to be a lot more that would be useful to trade in the upcoming couple years.
- DuranDuran

not sure why they'd be traded, they fill voids. Frolik maybe is the more expendable with brouwer now there (although I think frolik is playing better now), and frolik having a longer contract.

Backs isnt a big enough salary either to cover a top line RW

IMO there should be enough depth in the system that they are replaceable. Not saying I want them traded this year.

Hoping guys like Janko and Polluck/Mange/Shink,/Poirier can step up and be the missing piece. Chances are they are going to have to in some capacity.
- DuranDuran

I think Janko is slowly replacing stajan next year. a 3rd line of backs/janko/frolik I think would be a great 3rd (backs did play rw with berglund on that strike year)

rest would be 3rd/4th line with shink/mange being a waste on the 4th.

big drop from backs/frolik.