Calgarypuck Forums - The Unofficial Calgary Flames Fan Community - View Single Post - [News] Flames buyout Michael Stone's contract after clearing waivers

Calgary4LIfe · 08-01-2019, 06:24 PM

I didn't think that Stone contract was all that bad. Remember, the huge 'plus' of that deal was how Stone looked as a top 4 in Calgary next to Brodie. He looked good. It solidified that top 4.

So when the Flames acquired Hamonic, having Stone as the 5th guy made some sense as you knew it was only a matter of time before an injury struck the Flames. Having Stone made everyone feel better, and indeed when Hamonic got hurt and Stone stepped-up, it worked out.

The problem is that Stone simply got passed by the prospects - exactly what you wanted to see. The term on the contract was a hindrance - especially in hindsight as we saw Andersson and now Valimaki being able to play in the NHL and contribute, and Kylington seemingly at the NHL level as well now. You wouldn't be a smart man if you bet that at least 2 of your young defencemen would make the jump to the NHL level at this age.

Brouwer, Neal, Raymond (nobody mentioned him yet!), etc., those were the bad deals. Stone was 'ok'. But thanks to the above deals, as well as the kids jumping up, you suddenly have to buy out Stone.

I wish Stone the best. He played his best alongside Brodie, and for the most part, was a fairly effective in unspectacular defencemen. He didn't stand out most nights, and that is what you want from a defencemen with his skill-set. I would be shocked if he didn't get a couple of PTO's with contract offers after. He is NHL-level defencemen who CAN play top 4 minutes in a pinch as long as he has his health. Hope at least for that for him.

08-01-2019, 06:24 PM	#152
Calgary4LIfe Franchise Player Join Date: Jun 2010 Exp:	I didn't think that Stone contract was all that bad. Remember, the huge 'plus' of that deal was how Stone looked as a top 4 in Calgary next to Brodie. He looked good. It solidified that top 4. So when the Flames acquired Hamonic, having Stone as the 5th guy made some sense as you knew it was only a matter of time before an injury struck the Flames. Having Stone made everyone feel better, and indeed when Hamonic got hurt and Stone stepped-up, it worked out. The problem is that Stone simply got passed by the prospects - exactly what you wanted to see. The term on the contract was a hindrance - especially in hindsight as we saw Andersson and now Valimaki being able to play in the NHL and contribute, and Kylington seemingly at the NHL level as well now. You wouldn't be a smart man if you bet that at least 2 of your young defencemen would make the jump to the NHL level at this age. Brouwer, Neal, Raymond (nobody mentioned him yet!), etc., those were the bad deals. Stone was 'ok'. But thanks to the above deals, as well as the kids jumping up, you suddenly have to buy out Stone. I wish Stone the best. He played his best alongside Brodie, and for the most part, was a fairly effective in unspectacular defencemen. He didn't stand out most nights, and that is what you want from a defencemen with his skill-set. I would be shocked if he didn't get a couple of PTO's with contract offers after. He is NHL-level defencemen who CAN play top 4 minutes in a pinch as long as he has his health. Hope at least for that for him.