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Originally Posted by puckluck2
Because those 30 minutes a night have really been a positive more than they've been a negative for his 4 seasons here...
I think what you're arguing is exactly why we should be getting rid of him. He plays 30 minutes a night and rarely makes a positive difference. Someone who plays that much should be a bigger difference maker, and not for the other team.
I'm just glad his trade value is as high as it's ever been with the Flames. Because of the no defence approach by Hartley he's been able to get his points and looks like someone another team would want. I think we'd be much better without him. 27 other teams don't have a Bouwmeester and are doing just fine.
Get rid of him before people realize he's been a huge part of the losing attitude this team has had over the last 4 years. I don't want him anywhere near our prospects or younger players. Figure skaters show more emotion than Bouwmeester. I can't wait until this bum is off the team.
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Originally Posted by PeteLFan
If you play 30 minutes you need to be making a impact on both ends if not dominating the defensive end. He got torched last game. Jay is not a difference maker.
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Originally Posted by FlamesAllTheWay
It could be argued, as puckluck2 said, that he has a negative impact on the team playing all these quality minutes and not really being a difference maker. However, the fact he continues to get these minutes is indicative we have no better options regardless of how you feel about his play. So I agree that moving him would leave a huge void on D that would eventually need to be filled.
I still think we should trade him though, but the asking price needs to be high as once he's gone we open up the need for a new number 1 D. So we better have ourselves a good draft and/or develop ourselves some quality D prospects as we certainly run the risk of not finding a capable replacement anytime soon.
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Originally Posted by Badger Bob
Says more about the Flames lack of depth than his ability to handle a heavy workload against elite scorers. It clears massive payroll, brings in a (potential) future asset and helps to begin altering the culture of losing.
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It can be argued that he's a negative and not a difference maker. That is fine.
But who will play his minutes and how can you trade him for a difference maker? You'll get a decent prospect and a mid-first round draft choice at best.
The cap issue shouldn't matter now that Iginla is gone. A Bouwmeester trade frees up money for who? Are we going to be going after more free agents? Are we going after a 33-year old Simon Gagne-type 4million player? We're rebuilding so we'll be way under the cap anyways.
Rebuilding is one thing, but you still need an anchor on defense. I can't see the Flames getting any better #1 D than him over the next 3 years. Are we really going to draft one that will make an immediate impact? Is the new captain Giordano really a #1 D? Are there any defensive studs in the system?