[Caged Great]

Would you rather?

1. Trade Andersson in the off season or sign him for something reasonable like 7x7 or 6x6?

Andersson is my favourite person on the Flames team. His attitude and demeanour is exactly what a winning team needs. Normally I would be all for keeping him. However, the Flames where they are at and where Andersson is in his career, it makes 100% sense to trade him. Especially when you consider that Parekh and Brzustewicz are basically NHL ready and needing spots.

For me, I'd see what you can get from any of the contending teams out there and see if you can move him for a good return. Ideally you would get a 1st and a prospect of some sort ala the Carlo trade to Toronto.


2. Trade Coleman or have him be a staple on the 3rd4th line?

The acquistion of Joel Farabee put the writing on the wall for Coleman and this team. You can't really have two of the same player playing the same role. Go with the younger guy, and trade Coleman for a 2nd + as there will be a number of teams looking for a defensively responsible two way player.

3. Trade Backlund or have him be a staple on the 3rd/4th line?

I think you keep Backlund unless he asks to be moved. He should not relied on to be a 2nd line C moving forward. The Flames need to move Backs down the lineup due to getting better players ahead of him. His leadership is helping the young players on the team.

4. Keep Rooney or replace him with someone from the farm?

Rooney is an adequate 4th line C. If the Flames can get another vet that's an upgrade to the 4th line C, that would be great. If Morton forces his way onto the roster, that is also good.

5. Stay quiet or go after a UFA?

I think the Flames should get a veteran D-man that's an upgrade on Bean/Hanley/Pachal. Assuming that Andersson gets dealt, and Parekh makes the team with Brz in the conversation, then they will need another short term top 4 D. Bahl and Parekh will probably stay together long term, so having a quality partner for Weegar is necessary. I would not go more than 3 years on a D-man right now. Too many up and comers.

6. Keep Pachal or trade him?

If someone wants Pachal and is willing to give up a 3rd +, sure. If not, he's a good 6/7.

7. Keep Bean or trade him?

Next's year's #7

8. Keep Hanley or trade him?

Not necessary despite his great season. Hope he gets paid this off season.

9. Keep Miromanov or trade him?

No chance he's back.

10. Keep Parekh in the NHL or send back to junior?

NHL.