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Calgary4LIfe · 02-02-2017, 02:41 PM

I echo Bingo's post about Wideman.

I would also like to add that for the majority of games this season, he has been effective. He has mostly out-played Brodie on the 2nd pairing, and has had games where he has out-played Giordano and Hamilton. He has also had absolutely terrible games as well.

The only option available that isn't a downgrade (imo) is to switch him and Engelland. Jokipakka and Kulak are not capable of playing top 4 minutes outside of maybe a good game or two.

Wideman may indeed no longer be a top 4 defenceman, but he is the most competent by far out of Jokipakka, Kulak and Wotherspoon.

He becomes much more palatable when you realize that the alternatives being suggested can't consistently keep their heads above water on the bottom pairing vs easier match ups, lower minutes and more than likely easier zone starts.

Wideman is a stop-gap, and one that usually is 'fine' and sometimes 'poor'. Hopefully this off-season the Flames can find a way to obtain a clear upgrade and finally solidify their top 4.

02-02-2017, 02:41 PM	#154
Calgary4LIfe Franchise Player Join Date: Jun 2010 Exp:	I echo Bingo's post about Wideman. I would also like to add that for the majority of games this season, he has been effective. He has mostly out-played Brodie on the 2nd pairing, and has had games where he has out-played Giordano and Hamilton. He has also had absolutely terrible games as well. The only option available that isn't a downgrade (imo) is to switch him and Engelland. Jokipakka and Kulak are not capable of playing top 4 minutes outside of maybe a good game or two. Wideman may indeed no longer be a top 4 defenceman, but he is the most competent by far out of Jokipakka, Kulak and Wotherspoon. He becomes much more palatable when you realize that the alternatives being suggested can't consistently keep their heads above water on the bottom pairing vs easier match ups, lower minutes and more than likely easier zone starts. Wideman is a stop-gap, and one that usually is 'fine' and sometimes 'poor'. Hopefully this off-season the Flames can find a way to obtain a clear upgrade and finally solidify their top 4. Last edited by Calgary4LIfe; 02-02-2017 at 02:43 PM.