Calgarypuck Forums - The Unofficial Calgary Flames Fan Community - View Single Post - Value of Oliver Ekman-Larsson to Calgary

Calgary4LIfe · 09-12-2020, 01:46 AM

I personally really like OEL.

I don't think he is as bad defensively as his recent reputation - every defencemen has embarrassing gaffes at times. I actually quite like his 2-way play, and he is noticeable. Plus, he has that snarl to his game - he is physical and he chirps quite a lot it seems and gets under the skin of the opposing players at times. He is definitely noticeable out there.

However, he seems to be regressing. He seems to be regressing AND his contract is 7 years @ 8.25 million. He SHOULD be at his absolute prime right now. Was it injury? Is it the system?

As I stated before, a change of scenery might really do him wonders and get him back on top of his game. However, he just really may be regressing due to nagging injuries or other issues, and he just continues to slowly regress over the duration of his deal. Even worse - just as likely that a change of scenery can actually be worse for him than beneficial. Playing in a 'hockey market' is something he is not used to. How will he mentally deal with that pressure? People will talk about his contract and him being the highest paid player on the team (plus the assets used to acquire him, whatever those may be). Maybe that starts getting to him after years of toiling in an organization where you can live with relative anonymity and nobody is putting you under the microscope.

I just see that the Flames overall are really set on the left side - both forwards and defence - for the foreseeable future. It isn't a hole that needs to be filled. Whatever assets that would be moved for OEL would probably be better spent elsewhere to patch some holes on the roster - Right Defence, Goalie, etc.

I guess if it goes down, we may not hate it depending on what moves in that direction and what else comes from Arizona. Like I said, there is lots to like about OEL, but I also think his contract with his recent play is a huge risk.

You can say the same about Gaudreau, but if the Flames trade him and he ends up stinking it up on the new team, it is less dollars and only a 2 year mistake, not a 7 year mistake. 7 year mistakes are really difficult to fix. 2 year mistakes are much easier to move, buyout or just wait out. Those two players and contracts are incomparable.

Hopefully it doesn't happen... but it will be interesting to see what moves both ways if it does.

09-12-2020, 01:46 AM	#237
Calgary4LIfe Franchise Player Join Date: Jun 2010 Exp:	I personally really like OEL. I don't think he is as bad defensively as his recent reputation - every defencemen has embarrassing gaffes at times. I actually quite like his 2-way play, and he is noticeable. Plus, he has that snarl to his game - he is physical and he chirps quite a lot it seems and gets under the skin of the opposing players at times. He is definitely noticeable out there. However, he seems to be regressing. He seems to be regressing AND his contract is 7 years @ 8.25 million. He SHOULD be at his absolute prime right now. Was it injury? Is it the system? As I stated before, a change of scenery might really do him wonders and get him back on top of his game. However, he just really may be regressing due to nagging injuries or other issues, and he just continues to slowly regress over the duration of his deal. Even worse - just as likely that a change of scenery can actually be worse for him than beneficial. Playing in a 'hockey market' is something he is not used to. How will he mentally deal with that pressure? People will talk about his contract and him being the highest paid player on the team (plus the assets used to acquire him, whatever those may be). Maybe that starts getting to him after years of toiling in an organization where you can live with relative anonymity and nobody is putting you under the microscope. I just see that the Flames overall are really set on the left side - both forwards and defence - for the foreseeable future. It isn't a hole that needs to be filled. Whatever assets that would be moved for OEL would probably be better spent elsewhere to patch some holes on the roster - Right Defence, Goalie, etc. I guess if it goes down, we may not hate it depending on what moves in that direction and what else comes from Arizona. Like I said, there is lots to like about OEL, but I also think his contract with his recent play is a huge risk. You can say the same about Gaudreau, but if the Flames trade him and he ends up stinking it up on the new team, it is less dollars and only a 2 year mistake, not a 7 year mistake. 7 year mistakes are really difficult to fix. 2 year mistakes are much easier to move, buyout or just wait out. Those two players and contracts are incomparable. Hopefully it doesn't happen... but it will be interesting to see what moves both ways if it does.