[Rumour] Flames are in on Czech UFA D Jan Rutta UPD: signs with Chicago

[savardandjokinen]

Originally Posted by TheScorpion

They both played more than just a few games for the Flames.

(whispers) I actually thought Cervenka was pretty good

Cervenka played in a shortened season, he was pretty much a regular. Nak played a 1/4 of the season.

[Freeway]

Cervenka was OKAY, but he was really set back by his leg laceration/infection.

[dammage79]

Originally Posted by Freeway

Cervenka was OKAY, but he was really set back by his leg laceration/infection.

Wasnt it blood clots and he was on blood thinning meds?

[vanisleflamesfan]

Edmonton is a legitimate cup contender for the next 6-8 years and Calgary will struggle to make the playoffs for ANOTHER 6-8 years. Where do you think that high profile free agents are going to sign?

[Pointman]

Originally Posted by vanisleflamesfan

Edmonton is a legitimate cup contender for the next 6-8 years and Calgary will struggle to make the playoffs for ANOTHER 6-8 years. Where do you think that high profile free agents are going to sign?

I guess, Edmonton is a cup contender and Flames are a bubble team in the same universe where Jan Rutta is a high profile free agent.

[djsFlames]

Originally Posted by Toonage

I look forward to the Treliving presser where he reminds us all that this player is not going to be a savior.

Ah. The declaration of anti-Oilerism.

[SuperMatt18]

Originally Posted by dammage79

Wasnt it blood clots and he was on blood thinning meds?

It was a horrible situation all around. No training camp because of the lockout, the issue with blood thinners because of the clot, then the other injury in there too.

I still wish he came back for one more year because I think with a full healthy offseason and training camp he could have succeeded.

[sureLoss]

Dreger apparently told a reporter for Sport Express that Rutta currently has 4 NHL offers in front of him.

[Calgary4LIfe]

I am just curious as to where the Flames feel he would slot in. Let's say that the Flames' top 4 are set (with the assumption that Stone is re-signed). That leaves the bottom pairing and the Heat.

Culkin (L)
Healey (L)
Kanzig (L)
Ollas-Mattsson (L)
Kulak (L)
Wotherspoon (L)
Morrison (R)
Kylington (L)
Andersson (R)
Falkovsky (L)

I didn't include an AHL vet (Aulie, Kostka, Doetzel), but I imagine that the Flames may be interested in bringing in one of the above or another vet off another team.

That's quite the logjam.

Some of these prospects are RFAs, and it is highly unlikely they will all get signed. I will guess that Morrison, Culkin and maybe Wotherspoon will be moving on. Ollas-Mattsson may or may not play next year in NA. Falkovsky and Kanzig both played quite a lot in the ECHL, and I am not sure another full season would be the smart move in their development (unless the Flames essentially feel that Kanzig is no longer a legitimate prospect).

I am going to assume that Kulak makes the NHL this year, or Andersson. I can't see both (that's a lot to ask from them to be paired together and fed to the wolves, and I don't think that the Flames want to rock the boat on their top 4, which looks to finally be stabilized).

Flames must really like him. I don't think he would count as the veteran presence for the AHL, and even less thought of as a veteran partner for one of the young defencemen that might make it this year.

I didn't feel that he was bland in that video (not that we can scout based off of a single video). He skates well, has an offensive nose, doesn't shy away from contact and I like his active stick. Definitely a guy that probably needs seasoning, but seems like a decent bullet in the chamber so to speak to have as a PMD. Obviously he has something more to offer than what that video suggests, as 'multiple' NHL teams are interested.

My bet is that the Flames are going to re-sign Stone, find a vet to anchor their bottom pairing (maybe bring back Engelland at a reduced hit - Treliving did state earlier in the season he wanted him back after all), and one of Kulak/Wotherspoon/Andersson graduate. I have a feeling that McIlrath is going to be brought in to be the 7th D to play against Edmonton and Anaheim (at least if Engelland is moved). I have no idea whom else the Flames will be targeting for the bottom pairing, but a good bet would be someone off a PTO.

I am going to guess that Wotherspoon will not be qualified in addition to the others if Treliving is looking at bringing someone in who isn't legitimately NHL caliber, and who is also not a veteran to help the Heat.

Maybe it is as simple as LHS vs RHS. Ruutta is a righty, and there are 8 lefties and 2 righties (including Morrison, which again I think doesn't get qualified). I thought there was a more balanced split in the organization (maybe there is, and HockeyDB is inaccurate?).

[Snuffleupagus]

Originally Posted by Calgary4LIfe

n't legitimately NHL caliber, and who is also not a veteran to help the Heat.

Maybe it is as simple as LHS vs RHS. Ruutta is a righty, and there are 8 lefties and 2 righties (including Morrison, which again I think doesn't get qualified). I thought there was a more balanced split in the organization (maybe there is, and HockeyDB is inaccurate?).

It's probably the Flames pitch to him and his agent would say he's most likely far ahead of Andersson because of experience and Morrison isn't in the same conversation.

I still think he'll sign where he has a decent chance to play in the NHL and get some time on the PP.

Edmonton or Vancouver is my guess.

[Demetric]

I think we can do better than stone for number 4. (Cough) franson (cough) but stone would be good 3rd pair but would need a big pay cut.

I See Rutta as a possible 6/7 with bart the 5th spot for a prospect. Right now that looks to be Kulak but spot could be taken by Anderson.

Sent from my SM-G930W8 using Tapatalk

[savardandjokinen]

Why not give Rutta a chance, if it doesn't work, he can go down to Stockton, but he could make the team, Bartkowski could become our AHL vet, and that still leaves room for prospects. Win, win, win.

[sureLoss]

Apparently Chicago is one of the teams in on Rutta:

https://theathletic.com/62247/2017/0...man-jan-rutta/

So far: Hawks, Oilers, and Flames connected to him.

And reportedly 4 teams have put offers in front of him.

[dino7c]

Originally Posted by vanisleflamesfan

Edmonton is a legitimate cup contender for the next 6-8 years and Calgary will struggle to make the playoffs for ANOTHER 6-8 years. Where do you think that high profile free agents are going to sign?

not to a team with ZERO cap space moving forward obviously

[Volica]

Originally Posted by sureLoss

Apparently Chicago is one of the teams in on Rutta:

https://theathletic.com/62247/2017/0...man-jan-rutta/

So far: Hawks, Oilers, and Flames connected to him.

And reportedly 4 teams have put offers in front of him.

Chicago or NYR in on a free agent? Welp, was fun while it lasted
Not sure where he'd slot on this team to be honest.

[MarkGio]

If Chicago wants him, then I now really want him to sign with the Flames.

[Flash Walken]

Chicago wants him because he's a warm body and will probably sign in the million dollar range.

Cheap option for a top heavy cap roster.

[Realistic]

Originally Posted by vanisleflamesfan

Edmonton is a legitimate cup contender for the next 6-8 Months and Calgary won't struggle to make the playoffs for ANOTHER 6-8 years. Where do you think that high profile free agents are going to sign?

I think you meant to say months for Edmonton, I fixed it for you!

[jayswin]

Originally Posted by Flash Walken

Chicago wants him because he's a warm body and will probably sign in the million dollar range.

Cheap option for a top heavy cap roster.

It's really an amazing circular routine that franchise has managed to build.

Top end heavy on stars who make role players jobs easier, ship out performing role players for draft picks, replace role positions with prospects from drafts and KHL players who will always choose the world class city, contender over others. Rinse, repeat.

[sureLoss]

News Update

Pierre LeBrun @PierreVLeBrun
Blackhawks have signed highly sought after Czech free agent defenseman Jan Rutta