Calgarypuck Forums - The Unofficial Calgary Flames Fan Community - View Single Post - [Signing] Flames re-sign both Klapka and Kuznetsov (one year, $775k)

Calgary4LIfe · 08-12-2024, 10:15 PM

I don't see this as a make it or break it year for either of them.

The book was out on Klapka when he was signed - really great tools (and size), but extremely raw. He was considered a longer term project. This was only his second year in the organization. I thought he had a much better than expected season on the Wranglers last year, and he had great moments in the NHL as well as terrible moments (especially defensively). I would say, however, that he is developing a bit faster than expected. He is only 23 too, not a 26 or 27 year old UFA. I also don't see anyone blocking him from making the team (other than shrewd asset management). He isn't really competing with anyone else for a 4th line wing spot. Lomberg as one, the centre is unknown (Conroy wants to try Pospisil at centre, Rooney is an option Schwindt if he is signed), and the other wing spot is completely wide-open, and there are no other legitimate 4th line types that are ready.

Kuznetsov has a much more difficult path. Solovyov was taken in the same draft, but has developed faster, and requires waivers. He makes the team at least as the 7th. I see the injury call-up line (based on last season) as something like 1-Poirier, 2-Grushnikov, 3-Kuznetsov. I don't think we will see a lot of Kuznetsov in the NHL unless he really starts showing a lot more. I think he was a bit stagnant last season.

However, I don't think it is a make-it or break-it year for either of them. They will both likely be re-signed next year as well. It isn't like the Flames won't have the room organizationally. Next year will be tougher with more competition, especially on D with Parekh most likely joining the Flames (assuming he gets sent back this year, and if he doesn't, it will be one more body in front of Kuznetsov).

Conroy has already stated that he doesn't feel sticking prospects on the 4th line is good development. Huska seems to agree with him, as outside of a handful of games, Pelletier and Coronato don't typically see much of the 4th line. They either get promoted after a couple of games, or they get demoted to the AHL. Now, this year changes things a little with Pelletier requiring waivers, so even though Klapka is the better choice for that 4th line spot, he is ineligible for waivers, and will likely not make the opening night roster. I agree that a position should be earned and not given, but it is also pretty stupid asset management to have that written in stone and never be flexible with it. I don't think the Flames will expose Pelletier on waivers. Yes, his development hasn't gone all that great, but this is a rebuilding club right now, and it is stupidly absurd asset management to cut bait on prospects so quickly.

There are too many forwards right now, but it should clear up at the deadline as I expect there will be some movement. I also think Honzek sees some games at the NHL level this year too as part of his development, but that will probably happen after the trade deadline unless this team experiences a bit of an injury bug.

The focus is on development, so I really doubt the Flames will be exposing young players unnecessarily to waivers, or putting them in positions to fail. There isn't that pressure to win.

08-12-2024, 10:15 PM	#18
Calgary4LIfe Franchise Player Join Date: Jun 2010 Exp:	I don't see this as a make it or break it year for either of them. The book was out on Klapka when he was signed - really great tools (and size), but extremely raw. He was considered a longer term project. This was only his second year in the organization. I thought he had a much better than expected season on the Wranglers last year, and he had great moments in the NHL as well as terrible moments (especially defensively). I would say, however, that he is developing a bit faster than expected. He is only 23 too, not a 26 or 27 year old UFA. I also don't see anyone blocking him from making the team (other than shrewd asset management). He isn't really competing with anyone else for a 4th line wing spot. Lomberg as one, the centre is unknown (Conroy wants to try Pospisil at centre, Rooney is an option Schwindt if he is signed), and the other wing spot is completely wide-open, and there are no other legitimate 4th line types that are ready. Kuznetsov has a much more difficult path. Solovyov was taken in the same draft, but has developed faster, and requires waivers. He makes the team at least as the 7th. I see the injury call-up line (based on last season) as something like 1-Poirier, 2-Grushnikov, 3-Kuznetsov. I don't think we will see a lot of Kuznetsov in the NHL unless he really starts showing a lot more. I think he was a bit stagnant last season. However, I don't think it is a make-it or break-it year for either of them. They will both likely be re-signed next year as well. It isn't like the Flames won't have the room organizationally. Next year will be tougher with more competition, especially on D with Parekh most likely joining the Flames (assuming he gets sent back this year, and if he doesn't, it will be one more body in front of Kuznetsov). Conroy has already stated that he doesn't feel sticking prospects on the 4th line is good development. Huska seems to agree with him, as outside of a handful of games, Pelletier and Coronato don't typically see much of the 4th line. They either get promoted after a couple of games, or they get demoted to the AHL. Now, this year changes things a little with Pelletier requiring waivers, so even though Klapka is the better choice for that 4th line spot, he is ineligible for waivers, and will likely not make the opening night roster. I agree that a position should be earned and not given, but it is also pretty stupid asset management to have that written in stone and never be flexible with it. I don't think the Flames will expose Pelletier on waivers. Yes, his development hasn't gone all that great, but this is a rebuilding club right now, and it is stupidly absurd asset management to cut bait on prospects so quickly. There are too many forwards right now, but it should clear up at the deadline as I expect there will be some movement. I also think Honzek sees some games at the NHL level this year too as part of his development, but that will probably happen after the trade deadline unless this team experiences a bit of an injury bug. The focus is on development, so I really doubt the Flames will be exposing young players unnecessarily to waivers, or putting them in positions to fail. There isn't that pressure to win.