Quote:
Originally Posted by Cali Panthers Fan
Why? Wideman's a 3rd pairing guy at best 5 on 5, but he's still an asset on the power play. Bolland won't be playing any time soon (failed his physical), and he might not ever play again. Plus, his contract goes on for another 3 years. At least for Wideman's very comparable salary, you can get a contributing player for one year and be done with him if he sucks.
I'm not a huge Russell fan necessarily, but I don't hate him either. He's definitely tough as nails even if he's undersized. He fits well in the Flames culture and would be considered a veteran leader at this point. He can play 2nd pairing decently enough, he can move the puck effectively, and he can give the team a little more speed and mobility on the back end compared to guys like Wideman and Engelland.
If he wanted a 2 year deal at $2.5 million, at this point I'd do it. Contingent on Wideman finding a new home of course.
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Maybe you are right and I am underrating Wideman's perceived market value. I'm just not too high on him, especially after the run-in he had with that official.
Pun very much intended