Quote:
Originally Posted by Jiri Hrdina
He's been terrific no doubt. Probably the Flames' MVP for this season.
But he still has a 4.5M hit for the next 3 years with no guarantee that he doesn't suffer some sort of fall off particularly given how he plays.
But my basic premise is that, if Gio plays as well as he had for the last stretch next season, that he would be a premium trade chip next TDL for a franchise that needs those badly.
I just think protecting Tanev over Gio isn't a slam dunk if you look at it from an asset POV.
|
But that isnt some exorbitant amount for what he provides.
And if things arent going well next season, at the deadline isnt Tanev a bigger trading chip than a month of Giordano?
So the asset thing is really not in play.
I think it much wiser to leave Gio unprotected, and if Gio doesn't want to move his family to the US for 1 year ( a real probability) and would rather retire, let Francis know that via his agent. Then you keep your defense in order pretty much, allow both Valimaki and/or Mackey to get another year of mentorship and experience in the league, and still have both guys to deal at the deadline.
I think exposing Tanev 1 year after you sign him and after the way he has played is not going to sit well with future UFAs either. And Im not sure thats how this organization wants to be perceived either.
Is the "drop off" a worry? I guess it is a bit. But he is only 30 years old and has the equivalent of 7 seasons on his chassis. He certainly showed no signs of it this year.