Quote:
Originally Posted by The Fonz
You probably have a better idea than most in regards to Kulikov. I'm curious, do you think he'd be the best fit on the Flames out of:
Cody Franson
6'5'' - 225lbs - RS RD
2017/18 Age: 30
Est. 2017/18 AAV: $3.75M
Michael Stone
6'3'' - 210lbs - RS RD
2017/18 Age: 27
Est. 2017/18 AAV: $4.50M
Dmitry Kulikov
6'1'' - 205lbs - LS LD
2017/18 Age: 27
Est. 2017/18 AAV: $4.50M
Karl Alzner
6'3'' - 220lbs - LS LD
2017/18 Age: 29
Est. 2017/18 AAV: $5.00M
Kris Russell
5'10'' - 170lbs - LS LD
2017/18 Age: 30
Est. 2017/18 AAV: $3.25M
Brendan Smith
6'2'' - 210lbs - LS LD
2017/18 Age: 28
Est. 2017/18 AAV: $4.00M
Just for arguments sake, at the above estimated signing values, who does everyone think would be the best fit on our 2nd pairing w/Brodie? I feel pretty confident that Treliving will sign 1 of these guys.
I'll admit I know next to nothing in regards to Smith & Kulikov, and also haven't watched Franson since he left the Leafs, so my opinion wouldn't be very valuable here.
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To answer your question
without looking at salaries, here's my preference of the above players:
Alzner
Kulikov
Franson
Stone
Russell
Smith
I've never been impressed with Smith. I wouldn't sign him at all if I were a GM.
Alzner is by far the first choice, but he's going to be expensive. Kulikov is probably not going to get much of a raise, even in UFA since the cap is staying flat at the moment. Franson would be a decent choice as he has offensive talent and top 4 skills, but he's got flaws defensively...more so than others on this list. Stone is a little overrated by this board, especially since he lacks skill, but I'd be fine with him at no more than $4 million per year. Russell is actually a solid choice if we didn't already have so many smallish puck-moving d-men, so he's not really a fit.
We need a guy with size, defensive acumen, a little snarl, and consistency. I think your list has a few guys that fit the bill.
Now if we're talking possible contracts, I think Alzner is going to be out of our price range, although stranger things have happened.