[Flames Draft Watcher]

Originally Posted by Cali Flames Fan

Players to keep: Brodie, Baertschi, Backlund, Giordano, Stajan, Stempniak, Glencross, Hudler. The last 5 guys will be our "veterans" for a rebuilding team. Still leaves us with a decent top 6 forwards and top D pairing going forward. I wouldn't be upset with trading Wideman, but I recognize we aren't trading a guy we just signed to a long term deal, so throw him in that mix too.

Players to deal:
Jay Bouwmeester- the return for him at the moment would be really good and he has a palatable contract for this year and next for some team (*cough* Detroit *cough*) to make a deal for him.

Miikka Kiprusoff- under contract for next year as well, he could take a bubble team over the hump (Toronto, St. Louis, Tampa Bay, Philadelphia). His actual dollars next year are an absolute steal. He's a proven playoff performer. This opens the door for Ramo, Taylor, Brossoit, etc. to get a shot on a rebuilding club.

Alex Tanguay- Puts up points and adds offensive skill to any club. He has a few years left on his contract, but it's only 3.5 mill. Is a veteran and could be helpful for a team short on skilled forwards (Ottawa-injuries/retiring Alfie, New Jersey, Columbus, Nashville, Minnesota).

Mike Cammalleri- Only one year left on his deal after this one, so somebody could bite on his big salary. He's been putting up good points again this year and has shown versatility in the lineup. He's a big PP guy so could be a good fit for a good team with a bad PP (Detroit, NYR, Minnesota, Boston?)

Blake Comeau- Could be an ok utility player for a team needing speed, PK ability, and checking for a small cap hit and playoff run.

Chris Butler- Not that I think he's terrible, but he isn't helping us win anytime soon. Trade him for whatever draft picks/prospects you can.

Derek Smith- See Chris Butler.

Anton Babchuk- You never know...we traded for him at one point.

Player I am on the fence about: Jarome Iginla. I only say this because in my heart I would like him to retire as a Flame. If they worked out a deal with Pittsburgh to have him as a rental for these playoffs and come back to a reduced contract in the off-season. I'd be ok with that. I just can't imagine this team without him while he's still an active player. His return might be diminished as well, so is it really worth it to trade him? Just not sure anymore. Think Alfredsson in Ottawa, and he isn't nearly as important to the city as Jarome is to Calgary. I guess we'll see what happens soon...

Players nobody will take: Sarich, Jackman, Begin, McGrattan, Cervenka.

Disagree somewhat. I think Stajan and Stempniak might be in the trade category. Stajan plays a position that teams will want to shore up on. He can play 2nd/3rd line centre. Stempniak is one of our few forwards who doesn't have a NTC/NMC and thus one of the only guys Feaster can move at will. And if you can re-sign Bouwmeester I'd actually consider moving Giordano.

Guys I'd keep: Backlund, Baertschi, Brodie, Glencross, Horak, Hudler, Wideman.

I'd consider trading pretty much everyone else. If Iggy is ready to move I'd deal him. I'd love to get rid of one of Cammalleri or Tanguay, two skilled guys but both aren't great two-way players and are very weak/soft at times. I think dealing one of Giordano or Bouwmeester would get us great value back. Stempniak should have good value and doesn't control his own destiny. Surely one of Smith, Sarich or Babchuk would net us something. I'd move Butler in the right deal despite his young age. Wouldn't hesitate to deal a Jackman/Comeau type.

I wouldn't dump everyone but I'd listen to offers for most.