Quote:
Originally Posted by gvitaly
I'd rather have/keep Kuzmenko than Debrusk, but that's me. That's because we only have a couple of players that have shown the ability to consistently generate offense. As you said, we still have to make a bunch of moves before bringing in a DeBrusk. Moreover, this type of player is pretty easy to find in free agency, and isn't much different than Coleman/Mangiapane.
IMO, we shouldn't be going after players that won't result in getting more picks an /or prospects in the near future. The exception to that are players that are likely to improve the development of our prospects.
That's the point I was trying to make with stars post their prime. The stars all have/had an elite skill. Moreover, those stars usually have a very high compete level, and put a ton of work into their bodies to maintain a certain level of play. I thought that Pavelski had a huge impact on how Robertson and Hintz have developed. I'm sure MacKinnon learned a ton from having Iginla around. D. Keith helped the Oilers D improve significantly in his short stint there. It's an ingredient that always seems to be a part of creating the new generation of stars. I'm not suggesting signing a guy like Stamkos to anything more than 2 years, but I would be more than okay with a short term overpay.
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Well, Kuzmenko will be interesting. Remember, Calgary was on his NTC list and he had to be convinced to waive. Is he interested in staying and for how much? On the other hand, apparently, Debrusk
wants to come here. I alluded to it but that’s not so common among NHLers, unfortunately. A not insignificant amount probably view western Canada and Calgary as a less preferred location to play/live.
I’m not even sure all those spots would need to be opened up before signing Debrusk. Maybe there’s opportunity to move one this offseason but Mang and Kuzmenko, specifically, look like TDL deals to me. I think the Flames can thread the needle here by bringing young players along while pumping and dumping a couple pending UFA’s.
I still think signing Stamkos is not a realistic option for the Flames. I think a more realistic example would be Cale Makar in 2027. But that could be a pipe dream too. I’m sure Colorado will do everything in its power to keep him.