I'm not saying our NHL team sucks. I'm saying our prospects aren't as good as he's making them out to be. In fact, a large reason our farm system is so weak is because of the Tkachuk's and Bennett's and Monahan's.

We have a lot of "good" players, but I'm having a hard time imagining any of them turning into real NHL players. We'll start to really feel the effects of this in around 2020, 2021, 2022, where the only player in the pipeline over those 3 years with a shot at making it is Valimaki.
- BobHartley

So you're saying is the Flames have weak prospects. Gotcha !

I'm not saying our NHL team sucks. I'm saying our prospects aren't as good as he's making them out to be. In fact, a large reason our farm system is so weak is because of the Tkachuk's and Bennett's and Monahan's.

We have a lot of "good" players, but I'm having a hard time imagining any of them turning into real NHL players. We'll start to really feel the effects of this in around 2020, 2021, 2022, where the only player in the pipeline over those 3 years with a shot at making it is Valimaki.
- BobHartley

So despite several well-established sources saying that Calgary's prospect pool is quite good, I'm supposed to take the word of a guy on HockeyBuzz that our prospect pool is actually quite shallow. Sure.

Our top tier defense prospects are among the best in the League. I doubt there are many teams who would pass on that group. Our forward group isn't nearly as bad as you make it out to be, either. And I won't even bring up our goaltending pipeline.

No one's saying we'll eventually ice the entire Stockton Heat lineup in the NHL one day, but we're doing fine with our prospect pool.

I'm a Flames fan, but don't get too ahead of yourself on our prospects.

Of Kylington Andersson Fox Valimaki, I would only expect 1 to make it permanently, and maybe 2 if we're lucky.


- BobHartley

While most people on here definitely overrate the Flames' defensive prospects, it's only that they're probably not top pairing guys. At least 3 of the 4 you named will be solid NHL defencemen, and Valimaki could very well be a stud.

I'm not saying our NHL team sucks. I'm saying our prospects aren't as good as he's making them out to be. In fact, a large reason our farm system is so weak is because of the Tkachuk's and Bennett's and Monahan's.

We have a lot of "good" players, but I'm having a hard time imagining any of them turning into real NHL players. We'll start to really feel the effects of this in around 2020, 2021, 2022, where the only player in the pipeline over those 3 years with a shot at making it is Valimaki.
- BobHartley

Interesting that the Hockey News projects 8 current Calgary Flames prospects on the Flames roster by 2020. Perhaps a bit optimistic but saying only 1 with a shot is ridiculously pessimistic.

So you're saying is the Flames have weak prospects. Gotcha !
- tincup

IDK, I am more optimistic. If Poirier can find his groove could be good top 6 material. Also there are a couple other forwards that could surprise.

Looking at how well we drafted kinda sucks that we traded away a bunch of pics, but in the end as someone said you have to give to get and a guy like Hamonic. Exactly what we need on paper.

Flames have done a good job. There will be some busts but there will always be some surprises.

I think JG is gone after this contract. He will fetch a boatload. Lots will happen between now and 2022.

IDK, I am more optimistic. If Poirier can find his groove could be good top 6 material. Also there are a couple other forwards that could surprise.

Looking at how well we drafted kinda sucks that we traded away a bunch of pics, but in the end as someone said you have to give to get and a guy like Hamonic. Exactly what we need on paper.

Flames have done a good job. There will be some busts but there will always be some surprises.

I think JG is gone after this contract. He will fetch a boatload. Lots will happen between now and 2022.
- DuranDuran

I guess what i'm hoping for is for a few of the prospects to come in and be more than depth players. Would love to see Parsons or Gillies etc.. become a no. 1, Valimaki as a top 4, Janitor as a decent no 3 Centre, Foo as a decent top 6 winger and if anyone else can come in and make a difference. I think there are a number of players who are good enough to be depth players but those types are always available through FA.

If Calgary can beat Anaheim in Anaheim this year, it'd obviously go a long way to those standings coming to fruition.

As long as 97 is playing for Edmonton, I think they're the favorites to win the division.
- Ol_Boy_Wop

For (frank)s sakes. He's one damn player. When did you become an Oilers fan?

For (frank)s sakes. He's one damn player. When did you become an Oilers fan?
- TandA4Flames

I think all the pressure on McJ is great for us. Less expectations and less media hype.

He can't do it alone, be surprised if Talbot has the same type of season and they're betting on Broisant to back him up! There's no way they sweep us this year. If we had split last year we'd of finished tied with them. Suckera out to start, Russell's playing top 4, Looch is older and slower, Ebbs goals are gone, draisitle could get better provided he plays with Jesus. That would mean Flopkins is they're 2nd line centre, which isn't the best scenario.
Flames have a better defence and in my opinion a better top 9! Although mcDavid can swing the table just being himself. I see the battle of Alberta becoming relevant again! Which to me is good cause I hate everything Edmonton!
Bring it on oiler fans! Cue the comments!
- K-man25

Your defence is awesome but your goalie is old and washed up, and your top 9 is nowhere near as good as EDmontons.

Also, you failed to recognize Draisaitl as the 2nd best Oilers forward,who also happens to be better than the Flames best forward.

For (frank)s sakes. He's one damn player. When did you become an Oilers fan?
- TandA4Flames

McDavid>Gudreau
Draisaitl>Monohan
Lucic>Frolik
Nuge>Backlund
Maroon>Tkachuk
Jokinen>Brouwer
Kassian>Ferland

McDavid>Gudreau
Draisaitl>Monohan
Lucic>Frolik
Nuge>Backlund
Maroon>Tkachuk
Jokinen>Brouwer
Kassian>Ferland
- Larsson_fan

Jeros gonna Jero

Interesting that the Hockey News projects 8 current Calgary Flames prospects on the Flames roster by 2020. Perhaps a bit optimistic but saying only 1 with a shot is ridiculously pessimistic.
- tincup

That article was garbage. Three years with no signings or trades? Sounds like the Flames alright.

Re: the Oilers- They're only around the top of the div next year if Talbot stands on his head for 50 of his 70 games like last year. Even then, who knows where they are by the time Sek returns from injury?

McDavid>Gudreau
Draisaitl>Monohan
Lucic>Frolik
Nuge>Backlund
Maroon>Tkachuk
Jokinen>Brouwer
Kassian>Ferland
- Larsson_fan

Flames Defence >>> Oilers Defence

Better hope McDavid Doesn't get hurt. All those players on your list are lost without him.

[quote=Larsson_fan]McDavid>Gudreau
Draisaitl>Monohan- reality:no
Lucic>Frolik
Nuge>Backlund reality:no
Maroon>Tkachuk reality:no
Jokinen>Brouwer
Kassian>Ferland reality:no

McDavid>Gudreau
Draisaitl>Monohan
Lucic>Frolik
Nuge>Backlund
Maroon>Tkachuk
Jokinen>Brouwer
Kassian>Ferland
- Larsson_fan

If it wasn't for the idiotic biased opinions this would be a solid post

McDavid>Gudreau
Draisaitl>Monohan
Lucic>Frolik
Nuge>Backlund
Maroon>Tkachuk
Jokinen>Brouwer
Kassian>Ferland
- Larsson_fan

It statements like this that make you look like a complete dope, fo, come back when you want to talk hockey!
That's only 7 you mutt!
Besides they should be compared by position!

If it wasn't for the idiotic biased opinions this would be a solid post
- Redmile247

He just took a lazy swing at seeing if he can still troll and most of you reacted to it.

RNH better than Backlund.. Jesus Christ he was our mvp last year.

He just took a lazy swing at seeing if he can still troll and most of you reacted to it.

RNH better than Backlund.. Jesus Christ he was our mvp last year.
- fry

He loves his lazy swings ...more often than not I bite simply because I'm bored and there's not much going on during the summer

[quote=Larsson_fan]McDavid>Gudreau
Draisaitl>Monohan- reality:no
Lucic>Frolik
Nuge>Backlund reality:no
Maroon>Tkachuk reality:no
Jokinen>Brouwer
Kassian>Ferland reality:no



- Squilliam-

So let's hear how Monohan is better than Draisaitl.

He just took a lazy swing at seeing if he can still troll and most of you reacted to it.

RNH better than Backlund.. Jesus Christ he was our mvp last year.
- fry

100% right!

So let's hear how Monohan is better than Draisaitl.
- Larsson_fan

I'd love to see Monahan playing easier opposition or playing with Connor ...but then he would probably ask for over 10 million too

I'd love to see Monahan playing easier opposition or playing with Connor ...but then he would probably ask for over 10 million too
- Redmile247

Haha....so Draisaitl has to either play soft minutes or play with McDavid? Jeezus....you just cracked the code.LD sucks.

100% right!
- Larsson_fan

Man you need a camping trip or a montage or something before next season begins.

Haha....so Draisaitl has to either play soft minutes or play with McDavid? Jeezus....you just cracked the code.LD sucks.
- Larsson_fan

I like drai ...but he is overhyped and possibly about to be overpaid

Man you need a camping trip or a montage or something before next season begins.
- fry

Not much of a camper anymore. I work all summer. Not much else to do.