Quote:
Originally Posted by gvitaly
I actually think it's a good idea to wait 20 games before signing Lindholm. We signed Huberdeau before he played a game in his contract year, now many regret it. The Flames should have an idea what Lindholm is, but chemistry plays a huge role here.
It would help gauge if we're getting a 65P Lindholm, or a PPG Lindholm that built chemistry with say Huberdeau. I personally want to see more of a difference maker offensively and on the PP to start the year, before committing to an 8 x $8M+ contract.
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My personal take on the situation is that Lindholm will want to get something done before the beginning of the season if he is interested in staying a Flame. Last year was an off year production wise and there are a lot of variables that him and his agent can use to justify this. For example there was the coach/player toxicity between Darryl and others as well as low morale indicated by several players. Also, there is the argument that the system Sutter demanded stifled offensive production as it was a defensive first responsibility (which in a lot of ways suits Lindholm’s strengths).
However, if scoring is a problem again this year then questions start to be asked about the players production without Johnny and Tkachuk. Speculation will grow that the numbers he wants to be paid for are in the past and that it really was the creativity of the other two who drove that line. I’m not saying he doesn’t have the potential to have a bounce back year and his production should certainly increase but it could be a gamble on his part not to sign when there is obvious demand from the organization. I would bet that his agent is driving the delay trying to secure as much money as possible based on Calgary’s comments about wanting to keep the player.
Where Conroy and company need to be careful is assessing the player and what he brings moving forward. Age is certainly a factor and they need to be realistic about his point totals. Also the question needs to be asked about how much of a factor his previous linemates were. There is certainly a lucrative market for a player like Lindholm but the Flames need to be careful not to overpay. What that value is has become a bit clearer with some recent signings of top threshold players as well as those with similar production numbers.
I’ll still think this gets done before the season starts (that is if he’s interested in Calgary) and this is probably his best chance to cash in. I hope the Flames have a walkaway number if the demands are un-realistic based on the factors mentioned above.