Dubas seems to be overpaying again as usual.
I love Rittich, and I actually hope that he re-signs here next season. I still think he has starter ability in him if he gets more consistent, but he is one heck of a backup right now IMO, and is part of the reason why the Flames SHOULD have the best (or one of the best) tandems in the league.
However, trading him away right now is the right call to make. Maybe he comes back in the off-season, maybe he re-signs with Toronto, or maybe he goes elsewhere. I would think that the Flames are still going to need a backup for next year unless they want to go with Domingue (doubtful), Zagidulin (maybe, but doubtful - let's see how he does if he gets games), or Parsons (I am really high on Parsons, but he needs to get back to where he used to be 2 seasons ago, and is not NHL ready right now).
I hope Treliving has another more or three to make. The Flames' UFAs aren't very enticing, but they can fill very specific roles that a team may have.
Team needs a centre? Ryan is one of the NHL's best faceoff centres, is good on the PK, and is a general utility guy. Not physical or exceptionally fast, but few warts in his game. Dependable depth centre for a team weak on the draw or down the middle.
PK sucking? Nordstrom is your man. Elite-level PK'er. Doesn't hurt you (anymore - seems ok now after a terrible start under Ward) 5on5, but isn't productive either. However, if you need your PK fixed, there aren't too many guys in the NHL that are better.
Team is small and weak? Maybe a team needs someone like Ritchie who can hit, fight, and is generally an all-round decent depth guy. Can score too, though not much to offer offensively. Works hard, finishes hits regularly, good on the forecheck... just some physical depth.
I would be surprised if Leivo gets picked up - if he was going to be traded, I would imagine that it would have been Toronto and he would have moved with Rittich. Maybe an eastern team remembers Simon from playing with Crosby and wants that utility, but I would be surprised. Nesterov started off well, and I argue that he does move the puck well and is defending better now, but he doesn't have much offence to contribute, and if I am looking for a depth defencemen, I would a solid physical defensive guy, or a guy with some offensive ability that I can use for my 2nd unit PP in case of injuries. Stone is more likely to go, IMO, but neither of them are very likely.
Hopefully the Flames can still sell a couple of more, but this seems like a buyer's market this year for sure. Not expecting much. However, I will be a little bit surprised if Ryan doesn't move - that's solid utility, and with the Flames willing to eat half, that's an easy guy to insert into your lineup.
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