The problem with keeping someone like Bouwmeester is that the Flames have too many defencemen that are similar in the system like him. Brodie is cut from that same cloth, as are Culkin and Kulak. Smith and Butler are the same. Ramage may or may not make it, though with his last half-season probably has made Weisbrod re-think the possibility of just not signing him. Wotherspoon isn't too physical (but slightly more than Bouwmeester) and I am not sure how to count Breen really - not sure he will make it, or if he does, will be anything more than a 6th/7th (though I hope he makes an excellent 5/6.
Flames have been drafting 'smooth skating, 2-way defenders' now. You would have to think a few good defensive prospects are on their radar in the upcoming moves, or drafting more defencemen with their picks this year.
I really hope the Flames don't burn it to the ground. Unloading both Bouwmeester and Giordano would be a way too big of a step in that direction. In my opinion, one of the most underrated and significant attributes you want in your remaining veterans is leadership. Leadership and some competence, of course. I don't think there is anyone else on the entire team that has as much as Giordano now, and perhaps Cammalleri.
Boston does still have some pretty good defensive prospects. They seem to be needing a good defencemen still, however. How close are they to the cap? What happens if we eat 3 million, would they be able to fit him in? Something like 2 of their prospects, or their top defensive prospect and a 1st for next year? They are 'all in' right now after all.
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