Quote:
Originally Posted by PepsiFree
Never miss an opportunity, eh?
You don’t have to call every player valuation or team direction you disagree with “laughable” or “stupid.” And while Zadorov might eventually price himself off the Flames, he is the type of player you need to compliment the Hedmans, and Eichels, and MacKinnons that you want to draft or acquire.
You “need” 18 skaters and 2 goalies, typically. There’s nothing laughable about it, that’s reality. And while it’d be nice to fill those 6 slots on defence with 6 Hedman, you couldn’t afford to. So, you think “what do we need from a guy playing the 4, 5, or 6 role.” And Zadorov, for pretty much every team, bring what you need to that role. That doesn’t mean you suddenly don’t need a Hedman, so relax.
|
100% agree with this that you need Zadorov types to fill out roles on the team. But when you combine his sheltered role + results + pending UFA, I just see a perfect storm of a player that you don't sign.
He's been sheltered, hiding his defensive weakness, but is big and hits. He has a reputation based on his physical game. He's a pending UFA and Calgary will have very little advantage once the season starts.
Pragmatically speaking that is likely too many factors against getting a decent contact signed for the player, if you could get one signed at all (no reason at all for him to sign in Calgary when he can test free agency). So at that point you have to consider him a rental. Are we happy with him as a rental vs what we could get for him? Not sure of the answer myself. But in no way do I see him in a Flames uniform next season. Just too many factors leading to a major payday that won't be justiied.