Calgarypuck Forums - The Unofficial Calgary Flames Fan Community - View Single Post - McKenzie: Is there any doubt Russell would at least get 5 yrs x $5.5 million as UFA?

schmaaadm · 02-13-2016, 07:17 AM

Long time lurker, maybe 4th? time posting. Just thought I'd add my 2 cents haha
I was pretty pumped when we got Russell. Good hardworking local guy. But I've really flip flopped back and forth all year about re-signing him.
Lately I've been watching him more closely and I feel that you have to bring him back. Not at 5.5 obviously, but he passes my eye test with flying colors. (Like that means anything haha) He's on the smaller side sure, but plays like a big guy. He fights hard in the corners. Doesn't back down from anyone. Is obviously a leader in the room. He is a smart hockey player (prone to blunders, as anyone is). I mean, he's great for what he is- a #4 defense man. Not to mention he fits our system so well.
I feel like because gio and Brodie are so, so good, and play with top 2 lines more, they generate more offense. Brodie and gio playing our system where the d is so active, IMO, really covers up the flaws in our offense. I really don't think the defense is our problem this year and we should do what we can to keep Russell.
Hartley may be losing the room, but he's not stupid. To lean so heavily on a player in all situations like he does with Russell tells you something. Although I would prefer not to give him more than 4mil a year, and If he signs here it will be around 4 years @ 4mil. I also see him as the guy that would take that ' hometown discount'. I get the impression he really wants to stay, good ol farm kid playing with pride in his home province. You could even give him more term 4,5,6 years to knock it down to 3 or 3.5mil - ya might be a stretch. But if he's gonna go for 5.5 mil as a free agent Im sure Brad can get a decent return for him.

02-13-2016, 07:17 AM	#161
schmaaadm Draft Pick Join Date: Mar 2013	Long time lurker, maybe 4th? time posting. Just thought I'd add my 2 cents haha I was pretty pumped when we got Russell. Good hardworking local guy. But I've really flip flopped back and forth all year about re-signing him. Lately I've been watching him more closely and I feel that you have to bring him back. Not at 5.5 obviously, but he passes my eye test with flying colors. (Like that means anything haha) He's on the smaller side sure, but plays like a big guy. He fights hard in the corners. Doesn't back down from anyone. Is obviously a leader in the room. He is a smart hockey player (prone to blunders, as anyone is). I mean, he's great for what he is- a #4 defense man. Not to mention he fits our system so well. I feel like because gio and Brodie are so, so good, and play with top 2 lines more, they generate more offense. Brodie and gio playing our system where the d is so active, IMO, really covers up the flaws in our offense. I really don't think the defense is our problem this year and we should do what we can to keep Russell. Hartley may be losing the room, but he's not stupid. To lean so heavily on a player in all situations like he does with Russell tells you something. Although I would prefer not to give him more than 4mil a year, and If he signs here it will be around 4 years @ 4mil. I also see him as the guy that would take that ' hometown discount'. I get the impression he really wants to stay, good ol farm kid playing with pride in his home province. You could even give him more term 4,5,6 years to knock it down to 3 or 3.5mil - ya might be a stretch. But if he's gonna go for 5.5 mil as a free agent Im sure Brad can get a decent return for him.