Quote:
Originally Posted by 868904
The Flames success last year, next year, and in the future was always dependent on Bennett and Jankowski becoming legit top six forwards.
If Derek Ryan does not score 38 points next year, that will be a good thing because it means that one or both of Bennett or Jankowski have taken the next step.
Ryan is an insurance policy, and contingency. If our young guys don't develop we think they will, we will need a guy who can play up the lineup. At $3 million per year, the salary is not unmovable not a big risk nor is the term.
Derek Ryan will not hold back Bennett or Jankwoski, at that cap hit and term, the flames will not be forced to play Ryan over anyone. If they had signed JVR or Neal or Perron to the bigger terms and cap hits, then they would have been forced to play them over the young kids.
I see this as signing as the Flames having faith in Jankowski and Bennett and anticipating them becoming the top six threats we expect. Ryan is a signing to insulate their growth. He very well could play with them and help them start off with possession more frequently as opposed to spending most of the shift defending.
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I agree this is about fine for the younger players, but think it’s more compliment than insurance.
Bennett and Jankowski aren’t going to take a step playing with Brouwer or lazar or Foo. Now they will likely have one of Ryan, Frolik, or maybe Lindholm on occasion. They’ll take draws in the strong side more often so can be less sheltered, and have a guy who can keep up and score.