Brett Sutter / JD Watt

[Alter Haudegen]

Rumor is that the Flames will send Brett Sutter back to Red Deer. There is some talk about this on the Rebels message board. While I'm not sure how reliable this rumor is, fact is the Rebels just traded Flames prospect JD Watt to Regina, opening up an OA spot.

[604flames]

... And Regina's chances of coming out of the East just went out the window.

[Reggie Dunlop]

Doesn't seem an unlikely scenario. Sutter Jr. has had his moments with Quad City, but over all, has lacked consistency. McGill has praised him as best player in particular games, and at other times, scratched him.

Going back to Junior did a world of good for Cam Cunning, and in retrospect was a preferable place for him than the ECHL.

Watt hasn't exactly flourished with the Rebels, which is a little disconcerting considering its Sutter-style training school. But hey, it's being run these days by the crankiest Sutter of them all. Maybe Watt gets back on track in Regina.

As of now, though, it sounds like so much fanboard clatter. I'll give it a bit of credence simply because Junior teams seem a little more connected with the fans

[Canada 02]

I recall hearing Sutter say that Cunning and Watt were returned to junior specifically due to lack of conditioning. This wouldn't apply to Sutter Jr. IIRC, he was the best conditioned Flames prospect.

[Reggie Dunlop]

I recall hearing Sutter say that Cunning and Watt were returned to junior specifically due to lack of conditioning. This wouldn't apply to Sutter Jr. IIRC, he was the best conditioned Flames prospect.

You make a good point.

Guess we'll just have to wait and see as to how it all shakes out.

[Drunk Skunk]

Sutter seems over his head at some points. He has had a couple very good games. Aside from those two or three games though, he doesn't stand out at all and rarely gets much ice time. I was talking with someone last week about him getting sent down to the ECHL, but I think going back to juniors might even be better for him.

[Resolute 14]

And if he goes back down, look for the Rebels to trade him too. Red Deer isn't going to the playoffs, so no reason at all to keep him there.

[Resolute 14]

... And Regina's chances of coming out of the East just went out the window.


Was thinking the same. Talk about subtraction by addition.

[Reggie Dunlop]

Was thinking the same. Talk about subtraction by addition.

Any particular reason other than he's apparently a "punk?"

A leading scorer on a Memorial Cup team --- why wouldn't the Pats want a guy like that?

Not that I'm defending Watt -- he's a longshot for the NHL along with others of his designated agitator ilk. There's a number of them in the Flames system at varying stages of development.

Just kind of curious as to where all this anti-Watt sentiment is coming from, that's all.

[604flames]

Any particular reason other than he's apparently a "punk?" ... Just kind of curious as to where all this anti-Watt sentiment is coming from, that's all.
Last year he might have led the Giants in scoring during the regular season, but he was invisible after the Chilliwack series (one gorgeous pass to open the scoring in Game 5 and a scrap at the handshake-less conclusion were his only meaningful contributions as well). I watched him for 4 years and while he was able to find his scoring touch as a 19 y.o. against WHL goaltending, his propensity to take dumb penalties defied even his most staunch supporters in this town.

Now he gets to go and finish out his 'Dub career with his buddy Tim Kraus, who the Giants healthy-scratched from the Memorial Cup final if I recall.

EDIT: not to forget Sutter, but I agree Resolute if he comes back he'll be on his way elsewhere (perhaps here, Vancouver has an overage spot open). I don't know nearly as much about him even though he spent a couple years playing for the Ice.

[Reggie Dunlop]

Last year he might have led the Giants in scoring during the regular season, but he was invisible after the Chilliwack series (one gorgeous pass to open the scoring in Game 5 and a scrap at the handshake-less conclusion were his only meaningful contributions as well). I watched him for 4 years and while he was able to find his scoring touch as a 19 y.o. against WHL goaltending, his propensity to take dumb penalties defied even his most staunch supporters in this town.

So basically it's just because he's a punk then? (Of which there's no shortage of at all levels of the game).

His junior scoring prowness aside, that aspect is really not going to be his meal ticket. Certainly not why he was drafted.

[604flames]

^^ Indeed

[Reggie Dunlop]

I'm also curious as to whether this deal is simply a case of the Pats and Rebels addressing their respective team needs as opposed to a Flames development directive.

[604flames]

I would guess so, the Rebels picked up a 16 and an 18 year-old and got rid of two guys who probably wouldn't be back next year. The deal for Watt (or another 20, on another board I heard they had a deal with Swift Current nixed at the 11th hour a few weeks ago) was probably going to happen regardless, but if Sutter is getting sent back it would only hasten it. I think the trade deadline is next week too.

[Resolute 14]

His ability to agitate is completely undone by his ability to take stupid, selfish penalties at the worst possible time. His attitude problems don't help the dressing room environment either.

His scoring last year is meaningless. Carson McMillan is scoring up a storm in the dub this year as a 19 year old. It happens a lot with guys who have no future as offensive threats in the professional game.

[Reggie Dunlop]

Well, with Watt going pro next season (he's got a contract already) I guess it boils down to either Quad City or Las Vegas (or other possible destinations via trade I suppose). At some point when he's 22/23 he's either moderated his worst excesses and matured into a useful player or he's kicked curbside. Some kids stay punks, some grow up. Taking "stupid penalties" in junior isn't any more a detriment than inflated scoring stats, really.

[Alter Haudegen]

I'm also curious as to whether this deal is simply a case of the Pats and Rebels addressing their respective team needs as opposed to a Flames development directive.

Personally I think it's the best for both sides. It's a good business decision for the Rebels and I'd say it's a good thing for Watt. He goes from the (second) worst team in the league to one of the best. He will play in the Play-offs and most likely with far better linemates than in RD (he rarely played on a line with Brandon Sutter and more often on a line with some rookies).

In the case of Brett Sutter, while strictly from a business side the Rebels should/would deal him to contender if send down, we all know there is more to it. First, the Flames will probably only send him down if he either plays for Brian in Red Deer or if he is traded to a team the Flames are comfortable with. Second, the Rebels would have to believe a trade is positive for the future of the Rebels AND in the best interests for Brett's development. The bloodlines result in just a little bit more emphasis being placed on the interest in Brett's development than would be the case in the absence of bloodlines.

[Vulcan]

I'd like to see Irving moved to a contender. Everett doesn't seem to be going anywhere this season. Maybe to the Hitmen.