Calgarypuck Forums - The Unofficial Calgary Flames Fan Community - View Single Post - Offseason - strategy of exploiting teams in cap trouble

Alberta_Beef · 04-11-2013, 05:31 AM

I would be cautious in trying to capitalize on having more cap space than other clubs, unfortunately none of the guys available will not be key players for much longer when our rebuild is complete. For now I would look at bringing in guys that are chalk full of character and leadership as well as players that are known to be good teachers in hopes it really helps the youngsters.

I would target 1 of 2 former Flame defensemen to be honest. Roman Hamrlik or Andrew Ference. I know both are "post apex" players and neither will contribute a ton on the ice, but I think both would contribute significantly to the development of our young defensemen.

Hamrlik proved himself to be a good teacher when he was here in the past and I think he would be a good player to work with Brodie and Butler especially. Ference I think is just a good guy to have around the team, he plays the game hard, is a great teammate and those are very good things to have around young players of all positions.

I'm not sure of the logistics since we should have 6 returning defensemen (Giordano, Wideman, Brodie, Butler, Sarich & Smith) and 2 newcomers knocking on the door (Breen & Cundari), but I would think someone would have to go (Smith could be dumped in the minors and would probably clear waivers at the end of camp IMO). I think there is also a possibility of Sarich retiring, but I think he fits in with Hamrlik & Ference as a great guy to have around young players and will bring more in what he teaches than he does on the ice (he has worked with Giordano & Brodie in recent years).

For forwards I would look for toughness & leadership, even if it is just in the bottom 6. I would definitely want players that exude the same qualities I want in a defenseman. But since I believe we should bring Cervenka back I think another forward needs to go (either Cammy, Tangs or both).

In either position (forward or defense) we may be able to find a player with a bad contract that a team might let go for cheap that while they may not be what they once were they could be an asset to our young talent.

04-11-2013, 05:31 AM	#61
Alberta_Beef Franchise Player Join Date: Jun 2012 Exp:	I would be cautious in trying to capitalize on having more cap space than other clubs, unfortunately none of the guys available will not be key players for much longer when our rebuild is complete. For now I would look at bringing in guys that are chalk full of character and leadership as well as players that are known to be good teachers in hopes it really helps the youngsters. I would target 1 of 2 former Flame defensemen to be honest. Roman Hamrlik or Andrew Ference. I know both are "post apex" players and neither will contribute a ton on the ice, but I think both would contribute significantly to the development of our young defensemen. Hamrlik proved himself to be a good teacher when he was here in the past and I think he would be a good player to work with Brodie and Butler especially. Ference I think is just a good guy to have around the team, he plays the game hard, is a great teammate and those are very good things to have around young players of all positions. I'm not sure of the logistics since we should have 6 returning defensemen (Giordano, Wideman, Brodie, Butler, Sarich & Smith) and 2 newcomers knocking on the door (Breen & Cundari), but I would think someone would have to go (Smith could be dumped in the minors and would probably clear waivers at the end of camp IMO). I think there is also a possibility of Sarich retiring, but I think he fits in with Hamrlik & Ference as a great guy to have around young players and will bring more in what he teaches than he does on the ice (he has worked with Giordano & Brodie in recent years). For forwards I would look for toughness & leadership, even if it is just in the bottom 6. I would definitely want players that exude the same qualities I want in a defenseman. But since I believe we should bring Cervenka back I think another forward needs to go (either Cammy, Tangs or both). In either position (forward or defense) we may be able to find a player with a bad contract that a team might let go for cheap that while they may not be what they once were they could be an asset to our young talent.