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Originally Posted by transplant99

Engelland possesses an element in his game that no one else on the blueline has and one the Flames are already lacking in throughout the lineup.

If you are truly thinking that the Flames can compete for a cup anytime soon, then you have to remember how they got bounced last year by Anaheim. They were dominated physically. Calgary needs guys like DE on the ice, not sitting in the press box if they want to push back against a team like the Ducks, Blues or Kings.

Sure a guy like Franson has size as well, but he doesn't use it in the way it needs to be used. Now, if you think that can be coached up in CF, then sure I guess his acquisition makes sense. Trouble is though is that Franson is going to get at least 5 years and im guessing 5.5-6 million per. That will then limit you in the extensions for the young guys coming in the next couple years, regardless if Wideman is shipped out or not.

Every team needs to carry inexpensive Dmen in the cap world and Calgary is no different. Though 3 million sounds like a lot, in this day and age it really isn't for anyone not on an ELC. A guy like Schlemko is also going to be needed....1 million or so for a bottom pairing guy with experience.

My thoughts anyhow.

You are wasting your time my friend trying to explain the importance of Engelland. There are a few posters here who hate him and think he sucks and will not accept any other view, despite what the majority of fans, his actual coaches, hockey observers say.