Quote:
Originally Posted by ForeverFlameFan
I can already sense the upcoming contention in this forum if Ryan were here to sign
Derek Ryan: The Future Whipping Boy
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I don't think people should really look at it that way.
For instance, it is all relative of his contract. If there was no salary cap, I don't think there would be any naysayers with regards to bringing him in - he would more than likely become an asset and add solid depth to the center position, and hopefully creates some chemistry with a guy like Lazar.
What is too much? That is also relative.
I think 3.5 is way too much for a 4th line center. If he were to sign for that, it would make me very apprehensive of it working out, especially if he got any significant term (over 2 years for me).
With that being said, I still wouldn't spam the boards with how bad he is, how big of a mistake it was, etc., at least until we actually saw him in games and seen what his utilization would be. Heck, at 3.5 million for a 4th line center IS extravagant, but if he hits numbers close to those he achieved in Carolina (that would be a significant feat coming off the 4th line), while adding a strong defensive element to the Flames and playing the PK, while also taking important draws, I don't think anyone here would complain. They would probably applaud the move and the player.
That's the crux of this argument - how much is too much for a 4th line center, and how well he performs from that spot. He may really surprise people (myself included). Until he is signed and gets into games, we will just have to wait and see, regardless of the contract.
It isn't always about adding the best players. It is adding the best players that you think can out-perform their relative cap hits that really matters. He does it, he will be loved, regardless of where he plays in the lineup. He doesn't, and well, he turns into Brouwer.
When Brouwer was first signed, there was a lot of apprehension, but overall I would say it was a relative feeling of 'neutral' to 'positive' mix of posts. It wasn't until Brouwer started under-performing that he became a whipping boy.
Likewise, players can elevate their play out of whipping boy status. There was no bigger whipping boy than Stajan on these boards for a season or two, but he one season he came in prepared, changed his game, and was more or less universally appreciated, though undeniably still over-paid.
It will be interesting to see how Ryan pans out. I just hope it doesn't involve term as the Flames will have some bigger RFAs to sort out next season.