Quote:
Originally Posted by Gaskal
Yes, but it sounds as though Hiller was shopped at the deadline and draft. And from the way the Flames are playing him in preseason, it sounds like they're trying to find a taker now.
Remember, they didn't have to re-sign Ramo. We had a pretty decent situation in Hiller/Ortio as a tandem going into free agency and I think a lot of fans wouldn't have minded starting the season that way. But then we re-sign Ramo. This is IMO very indicative of how little confidence Flames management have in Hiller.
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That is what I think too. If the Flames were merely looking to increase the competition level, they would have signed another goalie that was available for a cheaper contract, as there are always cheap backups/tweeners around that would fulfill that purpose.
With that being said, Hiller still could end up stealing back the net. In my mind, he has a recent history (starting in Anaheim) of inconsistent stretches and getting pushed out by incoming goalies.
I would like to add my thoughts on Jones as well. Coming from someone who absolutely detested him in the lineup (and the trade itself at first), I must say that Jones has really started turning his career around here. I don't think he will get near the same contract as he currently holds, but he definitely will remain an NHL player beyond this season by the looks of it. There is no way Jones isn't in anyone's lineup.
I wonder if the Flames are going to try to sneak Shore in through waivers. In my mind, it would suck to lose a promising player, but at the same time I can't really say it would be a huge loss either. I don't think Byron slips through waivers this year - cheap contract and solid 2-way play (few mistakes I find) who adds a tonne of speed to anyone's lineup - I think there is a good chance someone claims him.
Raymond is the easy guy to pass through waivers. Don't think there is much of an appetite for him, and I don't think the Flames would view it as much of a loss either. I can see Arizona perhaps claiming him to try and increase their scoring. Maybe Toronto. However, I would bet nobody does - not with that extra year he has.
Lastly, Colborne. I don't understand why some feel Colborne isn't very important. This guy is literally the only 'monster' we have along the boards now. Flames got seriously destroyed in the cycle on every shift Colborne was not on the ice for against Anaheim. He has put on more weight, and hopefully his wrist heals. I think at this point, he is the most underrated Flame at the moment, and I am betting he has a great season and becomes somewhat of a darling on these boards this year. Roughly 50 pts is what I am thinking he may provide this year, while also going up against some of the large sized possession monsters in the west.
Gaudreau - Monahan - Ferland
Bouma - Backlund - Frolik
Hudler - Bennett - Colborne
Bollig/Byron - Stajan - Jones
Bollig/Byron
Giordano - Hamilton
Russell - Wideman
Nakladal - Engelland
Wotherspoon
I am thinking Wilson isn't signed with Smid looking like he is coming back sooner rather than later, and Nakladal looking like he will be ready for opening night (as far as I know). Wotherspoon stays up until Smid or Brodie return, and it is a toss up between him and Nakladal to be there on opening night. I can see Hartley rotating the two of them as sort of a lengthier audition of sorts. Neither one will be used as a 7th defencemen - just a longer look as the 6/7th until one of the regulars come back.