Quote:
Originally Posted by New Era
I've been thinking about this since the off season and I think its worthwhile having a discussion about it. Is it time to think about moving Johnny Hockey? Last night's game was another example of what happens when the games get physical and more like playoff hockey, and Gaudreau tends to disappear into the woodwork. I love the guy and tune in just to watch him, but thinking long term, and with the hopes of making noise in the post season, should we take advantage of his good contract and consider maximizing a return. I'm not talking about giving him away. I'm talking about getting a good package in return of assets that will help now, and in the future, but fit better with the team that is being built. I'm talking about going after players like Sean Coutuier or Nolan Patrick in Philadelphia, or a Taylor Hall or Nico Hischier in New Jersey type of deal. A major return for a major player.
I think the Flames have to make a decision of he is the guy that going to be able to be a major player for them in big games. I equate this to when Cliff Fletcher dealt Mike Bullard for Doug Gilmour. Bullard was coming off of a 103 point season and seemed like an immovable player for the Flames, but Fletcher read the tea leaves and saw more in Gilmour than he did in Bullard and made the deal. Johnny is my favorite Flame by a good margin, but thinking about winning the cup, I'm not sure the Flames do it with him as the straw that stirs the drink. Is it time to think about the bigger picture?
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11 pts in 15 career playoff games.
Not sure that can be classified as "disappearing".