Calgarypuck Forums - The Unofficial Calgary Flames Fan Community - View Single Post - [Signing] Flames sign Joakim Nordstrom (1 year, $700k AAV)

Calgary4LIfe · 05-05-2021, 11:35 AM

I really like Nordstrom - he never mails it in. He works hard every single shift and competes hard, and he finishes his checks regularly (often with a fair bit of gusto too). Excels on the PK. IMO, he really helps on the forecheck as well - definitely a guy in the Frolik-Reider vein. Just absolutely no offensive ability.

I want him back next season because he is so good at everything else, but his (almost) complete lack of production makes me want an upgrade.

I mean, generally when you have a team at the bottom of the divisional standings, you want to see an upgrade in as many areas as possible, period. Nordstrom is just a weird case - he does a LOT to move the needle for this team, but weirdly, also doesn't.

The same goes for Ritchie. I don't see him take a 'shift off' much at all. Always finishes his checks (and he is punishing), and is fantastic on the forecheck. Great skater and it is someone that the other team really needs to be aware of when he is on the ice, plus he is tough which adds something to this team. Just no offensive ability (well, very little anyway). I really dislike him playing in the top 6 because he will throw the puck away too often either with dumps that he can make a better play on, or with simply poor passes or poor shots. I like virtually everything else about his game. Again, I thin he moves the needle on this team, but like Nordstrom, he also doesn't.

Absolutely Simon doesn't move the needle. I think Simon is really strong along the boards and on the cycle, and he is a decent skater, but there is nothing else to really love his game and he doesn't move the needle at all for this team in any direction.

Pospisil is my bet for replacing someone on the 4th line next season. Decent skater, gritty, and can put the puck in the net a bit better. Definitely growing pains in doing so - not sure if he is ready for it, but defence can be taught but offensive ability is a much more difficult thing to teach.

I doubt Tuulola will be an NHL'er, but he is definitely sized for it (really thick player).

I don't think Hathaway priced himself out of Calgary - 1.5 million for a GOOD 4th liner is ok. However, people should also remember how 'forgettable' and inconsistent he was in his first 3 seasons here in Calgary. His 4th looked good, and good on him for learning to be consistent in his game and being a good NHL'er. I don't blame Treliving for thinking that he was just pushing himself on his contract year, as he was inconsistent with his effort the prior 3 seasons.

Gawdin and Ruzicka should both be rotating here next year probably. At some point the organization has to try them out here or just scratch them off the list. I would prefer to try Phillips on the third line (or higher) and see how he gels - let's not give him the St. Louis treatment and decide he is not a 4th line player, and thus not an NHL'er.

05-05-2021, 11:35 AM	#264
Calgary4LIfe Franchise Player Join Date: Jun 2010 Exp:	I really like Nordstrom - he never mails it in. He works hard every single shift and competes hard, and he finishes his checks regularly (often with a fair bit of gusto too). Excels on the PK. IMO, he really helps on the forecheck as well - definitely a guy in the Frolik-Reider vein. Just absolutely no offensive ability. I want him back next season because he is so good at everything else, but his (almost) complete lack of production makes me want an upgrade. I mean, generally when you have a team at the bottom of the divisional standings, you want to see an upgrade in as many areas as possible, period. Nordstrom is just a weird case - he does a LOT to move the needle for this team, but weirdly, also doesn't. The same goes for Ritchie. I don't see him take a 'shift off' much at all. Always finishes his checks (and he is punishing), and is fantastic on the forecheck. Great skater and it is someone that the other team really needs to be aware of when he is on the ice, plus he is tough which adds something to this team. Just no offensive ability (well, very little anyway). I really dislike him playing in the top 6 because he will throw the puck away too often either with dumps that he can make a better play on, or with simply poor passes or poor shots. I like virtually everything else about his game. Again, I thin he moves the needle on this team, but like Nordstrom, he also doesn't. Absolutely Simon doesn't move the needle. I think Simon is really strong along the boards and on the cycle, and he is a decent skater, but there is nothing else to really love his game and he doesn't move the needle at all for this team in any direction. Pospisil is my bet for replacing someone on the 4th line next season. Decent skater, gritty, and can put the puck in the net a bit better. Definitely growing pains in doing so - not sure if he is ready for it, but defence can be taught but offensive ability is a much more difficult thing to teach. I doubt Tuulola will be an NHL'er, but he is definitely sized for it (really thick player). I don't think Hathaway priced himself out of Calgary - 1.5 million for a GOOD 4th liner is ok. However, people should also remember how 'forgettable' and inconsistent he was in his first 3 seasons here in Calgary. His 4th looked good, and good on him for learning to be consistent in his game and being a good NHL'er. I don't blame Treliving for thinking that he was just pushing himself on his contract year, as he was inconsistent with his effort the prior 3 seasons. Gawdin and Ruzicka should both be rotating here next year probably. At some point the organization has to try them out here or just scratch them off the list. I would prefer to try Phillips on the third line (or higher) and see how he gels - let's not give him the St. Louis treatment and decide he is not a 4th line player, and thus not an NHL'er.