Quote:
Originally Posted by Flames Draft Watcher
Surprised so many still value that HF poster's analysis enough to read it and quote him. What a derail. Wish more people would put him on ignore, he's unbearable this year.
Back to Russell.
He's our best skating defenseman, our best puck moving defensemen right up there with Brodie, and one of our best powerplay defensemen. I actually didn't like the trade this summer as I'm with Burke and have a bit of a size obsession. That said Russell has been the biggest surprise this season and is definitely worth re-signing long term. We are watching his break out year IMO. I don't see this as an abberation. Defensemen take longer to mature and he's just heading into his prime right now. Great person to lock up.
As for the composition of the defense, obviously we are still too average in size. Wideman has the best shot on the team and is our only rightie but I wouldn't hesistate to move him to a contender if Burke can get good value. I'd be looking to move him first. If Brodie has to be packaged up to get our next superstar then so be it but hopefully Burke is demanding a lot for him. Butler I think we trade at the deadline. Ideally you keep all of Gio, Brodie and Russell but you'd have to surround them with some beef. Ekblad would look really nice in that mix.
Love that we're hearing extension, I was a tad worried Burke might underrate Russell due to his size but I think he's seen what most of us have seen, that Russell is a real driving player for us in the puck transition game and on offense. Don't understand at all those who didn't want us to re-sign him.
|
I agree on most points. I think the Flames are set on the left side with Gio, Russell and Brodie, a good mix of age in that grouping as well. Flames clearly need RH D bad. Wideman is a decent filler but I think he can be moved to a contender as well. If hes moved the Flames need a big shot D back somehow, whether through trade or drafting.
Giordano - Girardi
Brodie - Ekblad
Russell - Smid
Change the pairing however you want but I think that's a quality top 6.