Quote:
Originally Posted by TheScorpion
I think Forbort is alright as a Deryk Engelland-type but these Flames can't afford to give out another Deryk Engelland contract.
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At the end of the day the Engelland contract was actually okay as far as UFA deals go. The money was a bit high, but not completely unreasonable. He played the entire term of the detail and was always a player who when healthy was in the lineup. No need to buy the player out, or play him in the minors at the end of the deal...that's a win.
The way I view it, the Flames paid a premium salary to bring in a tough nosed leader type to be a third pairing defenceman. But that was all, and the term of the deal was reasonable and he played all three seasons.
When they had to replace Engelland they targeted an upgraded player in Hamonic who made what was more or less the same money once you apply the cap inflation, and had 3 more years of term. But to do so the Flames parted with some extremely valuable assets to do so.
So now that it's time to essentially replace Hamonic, I would rather look at a third pairing type who plays a similar style who can fit within a lighter salary, and not lose anymore assets to do so. So at this time the cost of keeping Forbort is going from a 4th round pick to a 3rd round pick plus the money. Or will there be an older player on the market that you can get for less money and term who can play a third pairing role and not lose the pick? If you can find that player, I'd rather go that way and save the money for a forward upgrade.