Quote:
Originally Posted by Sandman
Lundell would be amazing. Eetu Luostarinen was tied for the third-most even-strength points in the NHL playoffs, with 19- while playing against the other team’s top players every night, doing alot of the dirty work for his line, and dominating possession. He’s a 6’3” center who could be a good candidate to replace Backlund when and if he departs.
Obviously, I would still prefer Lundell, as Luostarinen is turning 27 in September, and Lundell is only 23.
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I thought Luostarinen would be a good fit on the Flames, even before he blew up these playoffs. The fact he can play centre is key. Slot him in at #3C and you’ve got a big, physical two-way matchup guy for the long term.
I don’t think there’s any chance FLA move Lundell. An elite two-way shutdown C, just starting to enter his prime, who has shows he’s more than capable of playing #2C, signed long-term at $5m, is just too valuable to let go.
The Panthers are looking to take more runs at the Cup over the next couple seasons. They’re not going to make moves that make their roster worse. And Luostarinen has a very manageable $3 mil cap hit for the next two seasons.
Andersson would be a good fit with FLA if they let Ekblad walk. So there’s the basis of a deal there in the short term. But can FLA fit in Andersson’s next deal after this season? Maybe Luostarinen at $3 mil is more valuable to them than Andersson at $7.5.