Quote:
Originally Posted by Erick Estrada
Because the probability of a player in his 30's suddenly hitting career numbers year over year are very low. I don't think it's negative at all as the probability is high that he settles back closer to career norms which is fine but I don't think he should be paid $8 million for his career normal numbers. Best case scenario is that he becomes like Dan Boyle and can play to his late 30's but the fact is that Boyle's numbers have been on the decline since he turned 33 years old and he was a more consistent producer over his career than Giordano.
I personally don't see the rush to get him signed as the Flame have him under contract for next season which will possibly be his last major productive season. I really don't have an issue if he walks next summer because he wants 5 years at an average of $6 million or more. I cheer for the jersey and don't get overly attached or sentimental about players as I was one of the first posters here that wanted Iginla traded as there's an expiry date on all players and you have to know when to move on.
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Losing Giordano to free agency in one year's time would be utterly devastating to this team, given the amount of relative inexperience throughout the roster. He is the best player on the team, the captain, the team's heart and soul... and there is no replacement in the offing. He is the captain we all wanted Iginla to be and he is a star in this league... you don't just let that walk away over a difference of $1m-2m per year. There are other ways to make that up, like getting rid of a guys like Raymond and Engelland.
You also have to consider Wideman getting older, the effect of losing a player like Gio could leave our D in shambles if Wideman declines over the next two years or leaves. There is no way that will be allowed to happen, unless the Flames are confident they will have an internal replacement ready (they don't). Even if the Flames have to overpay, it will happen because the they will not want to take a huge step back after this season's success. No Giordano in 14/15 and we would have been a bottom 5 team. I would argue the strong finish without him would not have been possible without the foundation that Gio helped build all year long. His influence behind the scenes seem nearly as instrumental to the team's success as his ability as a hockey player.
EDIT: Even trading him before he hits UFA would not help because we'd get picks and prospects, it would still be a step back for a few years. Plus, it would send a bad message to the rest of the team and the fans. This team is nearly ready now IMO, and it's built around Giordano as the captain, for better or worse.