With the hiring of Geoff Ward back as the head coach, the Flames are signalling they do not want to put the moola into a coach. I will be honest: I wanted Laviolette, who took his act to Washington. With this hiring of Geoff Ward, it is thought that the Flames may not part with Gaudreau. Some people think that maybe the Flames Management thinks they are closer to winning the championship than most of us.
I will say this; Ward brings with him a familiarity with the players. This move also gives the players confidence that the ownership is behind them. I mean, it might provide them with the chance to finish what they started—Management is showing that they liked what they saw in Ward. As I said earlier, the cynic in me thinks the Flames did not want to put the bucks into coaching.
Then there are the rumours the Flames are going after the Coyote goalie, Darcy Kuemper. Then Flames' goaltending troubles are well-known, as the meltdown in game six against the Stars exhibited. That might have ended the talks between Talbot and the Flames.
Speaking of Gaudreau, there is some chatter that the Flames could go with all offence. Could the Flames fit Hall and Gaudreau? If that happens, Brodie and Hammer will be departing. I question the logic of keeping Monahan, Gaudreau, and Hall.
Last word
The Flames would love Connor Mackey and Juuso Valimaki to step in now. They might just bring in a new goalie and sign a big name forward. They also have Kylington and Yelesin if they chose to use them. The point is, they may want to give the young legs a chance to run with the puck. Or should I say, skate with it.
Randy
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