Quote:
Originally Posted by Hakan and the Loobs
If the mandate is to make the playoffs next year then why would you trade JBo? His trade leaves a glaring hole on the blue line that can't be replaced with any of our current prospects. Unless you believe Brodie can step up and take his place or you can find someone on the UFA, trade market, or draft, the trade doesn't make much sense.
They try to find every synonym possible other than rebuild just so they can tell everyone "No, we're not rebuilding" and here's the proof.....we only traded away 2 of our core players when it really should have included at least 1 more.
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A few things here. Firstly, if the mandate is to make the playoffs, why would you keep JBo? He has never, ever, ever made the playoffs. Or proved to be a difference maker, or game breaker. And north of 6M, he should. There are few roster spots available for difference maker dollars. Getting a first and not taking back salary is admirable.
Sadly the majority of people are dazzled by what Bouw does and don't apparently notice what he doesn't do. Preventing GA. Consistently top 1-5 in the league in GA.
Management granted Iginla his wish. He recognized that playoffs this year were not happening and he wants to win. They never got him a center. Still fumbling here, so he is ok to go to Pitt.
So they have 7 M in cap hit that goes away and they get a first rounder.
Then they have Bouw. He too really wants to make the playoffs (but can't see the obvious chicken/egg situation in which he plays the leading role). He won't re-sign here, wants to hitch his cart to a contender. Of which he has never been a part. So if he sees Iggy gone, he won't re-sign. He does not bring the confidence, he piggybacks off of his leadership at best. Which is why 6.68 is a bad contract.
Fast forward. Next year is very, very unique with the new CBA. The cap goes down. By several million. (!)
Management makes a strategic decision. Moving from cap jail to a situation where there are millions (almost 10s of millions!) to spare, within the space of a year!
So they have 3 draft picks in the first round. Which could be taken as they sit. or used as assets... Not only that... Could re-sign Iggy if it made sense. But can also put together an analysis of cap situation of every team. This means identifying teams exposed by 800 K ELCS guys that can't afford the 2-3 M second contract and exploiting that situation.
This is a very unusual off season and given that they are out of the playoffs, Bouw's albatross contract, particulars of why he is overpaid aside, is worth way more in terms of optionality this unique cap-dropping year than his on ice play shows value.
This game against the Oil stunk. McDonald showed why he is a backup named after a fast food franchise and comparing to the last game, you could draw the conclusion that the Flames really miss Comeau's 2 way game. You can look at this any number of ways.
But at this point every little move has to be looked at in terms of the big picture. Dumping Bouw and getting a first while not taking back salary is almost a double win.
Kudos Feaster, don't mind the emotional bitching. Rock solid.