Quote:
Originally Posted by waner
I think with Russell, Gio and Brodie the Flames have plenty of offense from their defense so the loss of Wideman wouldn't be that big of a deal and Diaz isn't that bad of an offensive guy himself. I personally would prefer to have Wotherspoon in that second pairing than Diaz. It would be a big step up for him but I am fine if he has some slip ups this season as wins/losses not a big deal for me as much as getting an assessment on young guys like Wotherspoon is.
I agree Glencross of 3 years ago is more valuable than Glencross now but he isn't that same guy and doesn't have that same value. Now he has consistency/inury concerns that makes me think teams may not want to take the risk on him if he had 2 more years left on his deal. Now they get a guy with top 6 ability that can also contribute a gritty, play-off style game. They can see if he clicks with their guys and then decide if they want to offer him a long term deal. Plus there is always the issue with Glencross that with a long term deal he doesn't want to leave, maybe he is willing to waive his NTC for the last 3 months of the season.
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You still need a partner with Russell who can log on more minutes otherwise we will the Butler scenario over again. I am happy with our top 4 Ds. They can play lots of minutes and are mobile who can help offensively. The reason for the Flames success this early season is because their D can join the rush that confuses the opponent's defense. When Flames signed Wideman, we all know his defense is a suspect but he can play offensively. I don't think that change so I don't understand why suddenly everybody wants to trade the guy. None of Smid, Engelland, Diaz, Wotherspoon or Sieloff can log the same minutes as Wideman and be effective. Look at Chris Butler last few seasons, he played more minutes than he should and he ends up having a brain-farts most of the time.