Quote:
Originally Posted by GranteedEV
I would much rather keep Giordano and let Russell walk. Russell's a good player but too flawed to compromise cap situation form. Even a 38 year old Giordano will have better on ice performance than a 33 year old Russell. Realistically an aging Gio should decline into a solid #3 Defenseman on a cup team. Russell will stay a tweener #5/#4 and while I love some aspects of his game, he is the kind of player you can adequately replace with a Culkin or a Wotherspoon if you just can't afford him. There's a reason the "most important thing in the offseason" isn't getting Kris Russell or Jiri Hudler signed to extensions.
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While i'm with the group that does not want Gio signed to a 7-8 year deal, I agree with everything your saying about not re-signing "non-core pieces". I know some posters get got up in the "love" for some players on the team, but they should not be a priority. Would i like a Hudler and Russel to re-sign with the flames? Damn rights i would , but its not realistic. There is not enough money and term to go around for everybody.
As much as i would like to see a bridge contract for Monny , Johnny and Bennet , i dont think it will happen. The Oilers started this stupid no bridge contract, and players and agents are following it.
One of the small draw backs of having a up and coming team is that some guys have to be let go. Now its going to be up to management to decide if getting an asset for them is more valuable than making playoffs or trying to get to 3rd round of playoffs. Hudler is the question for this year. Part of me thinks that they will end up letting him walk after season for nothing just to give youngsters a chance to compete a little more in the playoffs this year. I think Wideman will be traded after this season. Depending on what some of the youngsters on D can show, this could be Russels last season as a flame. Also upfront i dont see Jones being re-signed. I think he could be somebody they trade at the deadline even if they are in a playoff spot.