Quote:
Originally Posted by IgiTang
Exactly what is Brodie providing that Kulak, and or Jokipakka aren't ATM?
This has nothing to do with his last game, but the entire season.
Brodie does not leave a crater of a hole because there are replacements in the short term and we have an abundance of players who have the potential to as good as Brodie is playing now.
Brodie last season doesn't get traded. Completely agree. But Brodie this season is replaceable within the system. I strongly believe that. Perhaps the player isn't as flashy but honestly, that flash is what's getting Brodie in trouble. That and his refusal to continue skating while making an outlet pass.
I don't know what shifts you guys are seeing that make Brodie a player that you don't trade no matter what, but I don't see it.
As for Backlund, He's our best Center, he is not more of a tradeable asset as that leaves the Flames in rough shape down the middle with Bennett slowing in his progression the last few weeks.
Long term, Kylington, Andersson, Wotherspoon slide into 6/7 roles while Kulak and Jokipakka shore up the 2nd and 3rd LD.
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So Kulak and Wotherspoon 2 guys that are 6-7Dmen at 24 years old, Jokipakka who is a 5-7 Dman at 25 will somehow be able to fill in for our 26 year old legit top 3 Dman in Brodie.
Backlund who is 27 and having his best season to date and will command a 5-6 year deal north of $5M per just before his 29-30 year old season. The guys the Flames replace Backlund with are 22 year old Monahan, 20 year old Bennett and 22 year old Jankowski only one of whom hang played in the NHL.
Simply ludicrous to suggest that Brodie is an expendable asset at all. Kylington and Andersen are nice prospects but Mitch Wahl was also a nice prospect once upon a time. The Flames have 4 proven NHL centers right now and a 22 year old AHL rookie all-star in the pipeline. The Flames have 3 legit top 4 D on the team today with a couple players that look like they could be good in 2-4 years.
The Avs D is Johnson and Barrie with a bunch of crappy vets like Tyutin, Beauchiman and some younger kids. The Flames D without Brodie is very similar with just Gio and Hamilton with crappy vets like Wideman and Engellend and some younger fringe guys.
Brodie also has 3 years left on a very favorable deal for Calgary where Backlund is a year away from cashing in huge