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GioforPM · 12-23-2014, 10:41 AM

You have 6 regular fwds who are vets: Stajan, Raymond, Glencross, Jones, Hudler and Bollig. Three of those play minimal minutes, though Stajan takes important d-zone faceoffs, and Raymond gets the odd upper line tryout (then is returned during the game). You also have McGrattan who makes little and plays little.

I don't think Glencross will take the contract the Flames will offer, so he's probably gone at the end of the year, if not by the trade deadline. McGrattan is also a UFA and I doubt he will be renewed. That's two roster spots at fwd.

Bollig doesn't make a huge salary but he has, and I don't care if he plays 4th line or gets waived. Stajan's contract is lengthy - I don't see him being traded, so live with him folks. He could be bought out in a couple years - no need to do so now. Hudler is obviously fine and I like Jones when he's not injured - he's a big body that drives the net, which this team doesn't really have yet.

Raymond is a bit of an issue. He plays wing, is not terrific defensively, and is not a PK specialist, a fighter or agitator. or a set-up man. So unless he scores he's not as useful (unlike a Stajan, Byron or Bouma or even Bollig who have a few other uses). And he's only scored in three games that I can recall. I hope he plays better and improves his value. He looked somewhat better last game. His term is through 2017. He's a buyout candidate IMO if he can't be traded at the deadline or the draft.

Backlund you qualify. He had a great year last year, is a good 2-way guy and because of his injury I don't think his next contract price will be huge. If you can sign him for term at a good price, you have a valuable keep or trade asset.

So I would see 3 forward roster spots open next year, depending on whether they re-sign Byron and Bouma. They will undoubtedly re-sign Jooris and at least one of the two Bs.

3 roster spots = Bennett, Ferland and Poirier.

You'd look like this up front

Ferland, Monahan, Jones
Johnny, Bennett, Hudler (maybe switch Ferland with Johnny to even out the muscle)
Granlund, Backlund, Poirier (this line has potential)
Bouma, Stajan, Jooris (not crazy about this line, but I wouldn't be very worried in their own zone).

Bollig sits, plus Byron platoons in.

12-23-2014, 10:41 AM	#231
GioforPM Franchise Player Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: Springbank Exp:	You have 6 regular fwds who are vets: Stajan, Raymond, Glencross, Jones, Hudler and Bollig. Three of those play minimal minutes, though Stajan takes important d-zone faceoffs, and Raymond gets the odd upper line tryout (then is returned during the game). You also have McGrattan who makes little and plays little. I don't think Glencross will take the contract the Flames will offer, so he's probably gone at the end of the year, if not by the trade deadline. McGrattan is also a UFA and I doubt he will be renewed. That's two roster spots at fwd. Bollig doesn't make a huge salary but he has, and I don't care if he plays 4th line or gets waived. Stajan's contract is lengthy - I don't see him being traded, so live with him folks. He could be bought out in a couple years - no need to do so now. Hudler is obviously fine and I like Jones when he's not injured - he's a big body that drives the net, which this team doesn't really have yet. Raymond is a bit of an issue. He plays wing, is not terrific defensively, and is not a PK specialist, a fighter or agitator. or a set-up man. So unless he scores he's not as useful (unlike a Stajan, Byron or Bouma or even Bollig who have a few other uses). And he's only scored in three games that I can recall. I hope he plays better and improves his value. He looked somewhat better last game. His term is through 2017. He's a buyout candidate IMO if he can't be traded at the deadline or the draft. Backlund you qualify. He had a great year last year, is a good 2-way guy and because of his injury I don't think his next contract price will be huge. If you can sign him for term at a good price, you have a valuable keep or trade asset. So I would see 3 forward roster spots open next year, depending on whether they re-sign Byron and Bouma. They will undoubtedly re-sign Jooris and at least one of the two Bs. 3 roster spots = Bennett, Ferland and Poirier. You'd look like this up front Ferland, Monahan, Jones Johnny, Bennett, Hudler (maybe switch Ferland with Johnny to even out the muscle) Granlund, Backlund, Poirier (this line has potential) Bouma, Stajan, Jooris (not crazy about this line, but I wouldn't be very worried in their own zone). Bollig sits, plus Byron platoons in.