We have too many players now, who are we trading this summer?

[Cali Panthers Fan]

We may only be a playoff team with Hudler this year, but that's the first goal of any team, isn't it? Take him out of the picture and I doubt we make the playoffs.

Unless you're trading Hudler for Stamkos, it's a bad idea right now. Do not forget that Hudler was 8th in scoring in the entire NHL this year. 2 points behind Nick Backstrom in fewer games and 1 behind Seguin with a few more games. Again, unless you're trading him for one of those other names in the top ten, it's unwise to do so.

People are quick to assume that Hudler can't come close to this season again, but whenever people have doubted him he's risen to a higher level than expected. Not to mention he's still on a fantastic value contract that many hated when he signed it.

Again, trading him at this point is simply foolish unless you're getting a comparable player 7-8 years younger in return.

[Cali Panthers Fan]

Originally Posted by Finger Cookin

Well, should that happen, I hope you have the strength and courage to make it through such TERRIBLE times. I'll be sleeping soundly.

It's terrible because by all accounts he's a sought after commodity. A 7th round pick would be far under his value. No need to get snarky.

[Finger Cookin]

Originally Posted by Cali Flames Fan

It's terrible because by all accounts he's a sought after commodity. A 7th round pick would be far under his value. No need to get snarky.

The seventh was just an example. Because he has been a sought after commodity, there's no reason to think that Treliving won't get a better return that that. When I quoted the original reply that sparked this chain of replies, I was pointing out that getting a fifth for something we obtained for a fourth (that was originally acquired by a fifth) is not "terrible". It might be mildly disappointing. It's not the end of the world.

[Cleveland Steam Whistle]

Originally Posted by Cali Flames Fan

We may only be a playoff team with Hudler this year, but that's the first goal of any team, isn't it? Take him out of the picture and I doubt we make the playoffs.

Unless you're trading Hudler for Stamkos, it's a bad idea right now. Do not forget that Hudler was 8th in scoring in the entire NHL this year. 2 points behind Nick Backstrom in fewer games and 1 behind Seguin with a few more games. Again, unless you're trading him for one of those other names in the top ten, it's unwise to do so.

People are quick to assume that Hudler can't come close to this season again, but whenever people have doubted him he's risen to a higher level than expected. Not to mention he's still on a fantastic value contract that many hated when he signed it.

Again, trading him at this point is simply foolish unless you're getting a comparable player 7-8 years younger in return.

I think Hudler will equal this past season coming up, that's not the issue. I also think the Flames are a better team with Hudler this year, no question.

My problem is, I don't think they will be a contender this year with him, but I do think with the subtraction of Hudler, the addition of Frolik, the addition of Hamilton and the progress of the young guys, that we have a real good shot at the playoffs again, in fact I still think we are better than last year (and we will need to be just to make it).

For me the problem is Hudler has good value, and he won't fit long term as we won't be able to afford his dollars or term after this year, even with a hometown discount. So unless you really think we have a good shot at the cup this year, the better move is getting some assets that will contribute in a few years when this young team is hitting its prime.

You say you should never trade your best player, but both Iginla and Bouwmeester were our best players in their respective positions when we traded them, and I doubt anyone would say we aren't better off after those deals. In fact most would say we waited too long and failed to maximize value, and that's what we want to avoid with another very good player in Hudler.

[Da_Chief]

If I was Shore, I'd train with a faceoff specialist on my own all summer everyday. This team has a huge need for that. That likely alone gets him in the playing 12.

[jeffman]

Originally Posted by Cleveland Steam Whistle

You say you should never trade your best player, but both Iginla and Bouwmeester were our best players in their respective positions when we traded them, and I doubt anyone would say we aren't better off after those deals. In fact most would say we waited too long and failed to maximize value, and that's what we want to avoid with another very good player in Hudler.

That only applies if your team is out of the playoffs. Don't think well see Detroit Chicago and Anaheim trading their best players anytime soon. We should only make trades that benefit our team, we have plenty of young assets so we arent desperate to collect prospects

[Cleveland Steam Whistle]

Originally Posted by jeffman

That only applies if your team is out of the playoffs. Don't think well see Detroit Chicago and Anaheim trading their best players anytime soon. We should only make trades that benefit our team, we have plenty of young assets so we arent desperate to collect prospects

So are we done rebuilding then? That's the question right that divides. If you think we are a contender next year with Hudler.......like Chicago and Anahiem certainly ARE, then I'm with you, Hudler stays and you risk losing him for nada.

If you don't think we are, I think you risk a bit of a down turn next year, especially with the other great moves the team has made and you look a couple of years down the road.

I don't believe the Flames are Chicago or Anahiem next year, even with Hudler, thus my stance on this issue.

[Justin]

Originally Posted by Cleveland Steam Whistle

I don't believe the Flames are Chicago or Anahiem next year, even with Hudler, thus my stance on this issue.

From top to bottom, no the Flames aren't Chicago or Anaheim.

However keeping Hudler on the team (like previously mentioned) for this season, gives the young guys that much more leadership to follow, and his point totals can help Calgary reach the post season again where the young guys (once again) will learn invaluable playoff experience.

If the budget on Hudler doesn't coincide with the Monohan, Gaudreau, Bennetts pay outs, then by all means trade him then. But at this point they have to ride Hudler's recent success to further their post season push in order to gain that valuable experience in the playoffs.

[EldrickOnIce]

Originally Posted by jeffman

That only applies if your team is out of the playoffs. Don't think well see Detroit Chicago and Anaheim trading their best players anytime soon. We should only make trades that benefit our team, we have plenty of young assets so we arent desperate to collect prospects

No, but they understand who is part of the future and who isn't.
Chicago traded a 22 year old budding 'star' for assets. It's the reality of maintaining the cap while always being in the hunt.
I'm not saying Hudler couldn't or shouldn't be part of the future, but if he's not - you have to deal him for the best return.

[Rick M.]

Originally Posted by Da_Chief

If I was Shore, I'd train with a faceoff specialist on my own all summer everyday. This team has a huge need for that. That likely alone gets him in the playing 12.

I don't know why the Flames don't get Joe Nieuwendyk to teach all the Flames' centres to take faceoffs. He was one of the greats.

[Poe969]

So what free agents are still available? I don't know if it's worth its own thread but maybe it is. What free agents are still out there and do you think any would help the flames?

If we could get a 1x1 deal done for semin, I think it'd be worth it. He'd be the best reclimation project ever if he worked out.

[Fighting Banana Slug]

Originally Posted by Finger Cookin

Well, should that happen in Shore's case, I hope you have the strength and courage to make it through such TERRIBLE times. I'll be sleeping soundly.

A little late in responding, but my point in mentioning Shore is that we could be in a Colborne situation with him. Even the most deluded leafs fan (I am looking at you big tuna) would agree that the leafs screwed that one up. Let's not make the same mistake.

[The Original FFIV]

Originally Posted by Poe969

So what free agents are still available? I don't know if it's worth its own thread but maybe it is. What free agents are still out there and do you think any would help the flames?

If we could get a 1x1 deal done for semin, I think it'd be worth it. He'd be the best reclimation project ever if he worked out.

.
IMHO we are in a holding pattern waiting for teams like Chicago to make a deal in order to clear cap space so they can sign Oduya. It's interesting that he hasn't signed yet despite lots of talk of interest. Believe Oduya wants to return to Chicago and wants to give Bowman a chance to move Sharp/Bickell/Versteeg in order to come back.

As for the Flames, only guy I can see interest in is Franson, but Treliving may be wanting to move a d out before he brings on another one. Believe Millions said we still want to tinker with the blueline before all is said and done. Can't see us adding any more up front as we need to subtract a few bodies before we would even consider adding. If anything maybe a quantity for quality trade. For all we know Treliving is in on Sharp and has offered a couple of young players (Granlund/Shore) in exchange for taking that contract back.

[theoforever]

Originally Posted by The Original FFIV

.
IMHO we are in a holding pattern waiting for teams like Chicago to make a deal in order to clear cap space so they can sign Oduya. It's interesting that he hasn't signed yet despite lots of talk of interest. Believe Oduya wants to return to Chicago and wants to give Bowman a chance to move Sharp/Bickell/Versteeg in order to come back.

As for the Flames, only guy I can see interest in is Franson, but Treliving may be wanting to move a d out before he brings on another one. Believe Millions said we still want to tinker with the blueline before all is said and done. Can't see us adding any more up front as we need to subtract a few bodies before we would even consider adding. If anything maybe a quantity for quality trade. For all we know Treliving is in on Sharp and has offered a couple of young players (Granlund/Shore) in exchange for taking that contract back.

Why would we offer Granlund/Shore for Sharp? We have Hudler, Frolik, adding an old player way past prime looks like abandonment of the rebuild.

[Da_Chief]

Originally Posted by Rick M.

I don't know why the Flames don't get Joe Nieuwendyk to teach all the Flames' centres to take faceoffs. He was one of the greats.

I agree. Even a 2 week crash course will be massively beneficial.

[SebC]

This upcoming season is arguably our best shot in this rebuild cycle - Monahan and Gaudreau will never be better value than the final year of their ELCs. Going into it without Hudler would be insane.

[Finger Cookin]

Originally Posted by theoforever

Why would we offer Granlund/Shore for Sharp? We have Hudler, Frolik, adding an old player way past prime looks like abandonment of the rebuild.

1) Logjam up front. A 2-for-1 reduces the number of bodies.
2) Frolik can play either wing. Maybe Sharp can too for all I know.

Having said that, I don't see a fit with Sharp either. Just from a cap point of view.

[heep223]

Originally Posted by Poe969

If we could get a 1x1 deal done for semin, I think it'd be worth it. He'd be the best reclimation project ever if he worked out.

He's the opposite of a fit for this team. And I believe he's going to Russia.

[oldschoolcalgary]

I think BT will just stay in a holding pattern for now...

IMO it makes sense to let the season play out, 1) see where this team is in terms of being a contender 2) See what Jiri is looking for, money and term.

Trade deadline day would be the best time to trade him anyways - if Glencross can net you a 2nd and a 3rd, Hudler could get us a heck of a return if we go that route

[kyuss275]

Originally Posted by heep223

He's the opposite of a fit for this team. And I believe he's going to Russia.

From what i have read he does not want to go to Russia. He wants another chance to prove himself in the NHL. That said i dont see a fit for Semin on the flames. I don't think he will change his non defensive issues under Hartley. Also as others have said, we have to many bodies right now and some are not tradeable. I dont think the flames are looking for anything in the UFA market when it comes to forwards.