Quote:
Originally Posted by #-3
If you think they need 3 who would you get rid of?
I know the Flames have a size issue on D.
But they are adding a Norris level Dman to their playoff roster.
They have 4 defencemen who effectively play a first line role at times this season, on a second round playoff team playoff team.
I also think Engelland was great in the second half of the season and why wouldn't you want him to stay in a roster spot?
Wotherspoon & Schlemko are young enough with allot of upside left, and slot in perfectly as a 7/8, and they both play different games depending on what your needs are.
I'm not sure what the status of Smid is, or if he will even be back.
To say they are 3 defencemen away is asinine.
At most you could say the Flames need a good physical 3rd pairing Dman, and could stand to trade Russel or Wideman in for more of a pyshical threat like Gelinas (just a name that has been out there).
That's 2 Dmen at most, and to add those guys the would pretty much need to get rid of Smid & Wideman or Russell.
I think they could also stand to add a vary good young 8/9 to their organization, to push Schlemko or Wotherspoon to earn their chances, I don't think that guy is in our organization but he could be (see Josh Jooris). |
The 3 that get replaced are Schlemko Wootherspoon and Smid.
Schlemko is not even Flames property as he is a UFA. If he really is an NHL level d-man why would you expect that he would be a lock to sign with the Flames? He is exactly as much Flames Property as Mike Green and Paul Martin.
There is also the glaring fact that he was waived by 2 non-playoff teams in 2015... The Flames went with 4 d-men in the playoffs and #4 Engelland got over 20 minutes a game and Schlemko 14 minutes...... not exactly a glowing endorsement form Hartley who basically was down to 5 d-men.
Smid is coming off a severe neck injury... Prior to that he was the Flames #6 d-man -12 on a positive team with 14 minutes of ice time.
You do understand that Wootherspoon is definitely not a lock to make the NHL team next year.... He will not be a deciding factor in the Flames not adding 3 D-men above him on the depth chart.