UFA Poll: Should the Flames resign Chris Butler

[Bingo]

Easier to do one by one I think

[ben voyonsdonc]

Yay! I was the first vote! Looks like it's unanimous.

[Itse]

Where is "I have no strong feelings one way or the other"?

[ben voyonsdonc]

I think Butler is a relatively effective 5-6 Defenseman. He looks bad when he gets played on either the 1st or 2nd pairing but that is just because he isn't a 1st or 2nd pairing defenseman. As long as we pay him like a 5-6 defenseman, I say we should keep him.

[FlamesAddiction]

I'd like to see us add some size on the blue line. I have nothing against Butler, but I don't see him as part of the solution either.

[Flames_F.T.W]

I said "Yes" based solely on his shot blocking. I think that kind of commitment to the team's success can be infectious and inspiring. Look how pumped the fans and team got after some of those shifts Bouma took where he blocked 3-4 shots in a row. I know lots around here aren't fans of Butler, but he's a good bottom pairing guy who can step up when needed. If we re-sign him and he gets beaten for a spot by someone younger, so be it. Good to have that kind of competition

[ForeverFlameFan]

I said yes, but only because it said third pairing. Plus, he was looking pretty decent at the end of the summer. He's a 5/6/7 defenseman at best.

[nik-]

voted yes even though I wished I didn't need to. If they keep him on a low pairing he'll be fine. Because, besides Wotherspoon, things are looking pretty bleak in the short term D-man pipeline.

[Gaskal]

Flip flopped between 3rd pairing and new blood but chose new blood, would prefer a more physical d-man but wouldn't be against keeping Butler.

[Dion]

His ability to block shots on a consistant basis makes him an asset we need to resign.

[Vulcan]

Re-sign. If he gets beat out in camp, he can be moved. No reason to throw away an asset.

[puckedoff]

Hes not as bad as we joke that he is. I would resign him.
njuries happen and though he is best on the third pair or press box, he can still eat minutes when required.

[Huntingwhale]

Yes, but only because we have no one to take his place immediately. Butler is the perfect measuring stick on the back end. If you can't outplay him for a spot, you don't deserve to be on the team. If you surpass him and bump him off the depth chart, then that's a good thing.

[Enoch Root]

I said make room for new blood. However, if they can't acquire a decent UFA, I would be totally fine with bringing him back

[Ashasx]

For $2.5M or less at 1-2 years, yes.

[Erick Estrada]

I'm personally not all that high on the Flames defensive prospects making any immediate NHL inroads so I lean to resigning him but that could change based on the following factors;

1. Draft. Flames draft Ekblad then probably let him go to highest bidder in free agency. Flames don't draft Ekblad then try and keep him in the fold on a fair contract.
2. Free Agency. If they bring in one of the higher profile free agents then the writing is probably on the wall. If the Flames can't attract any of the better UFA defensemen then maybe best to stick wit the devil you know.
3. Wideman situation. If they can trade him in the offseason then keep Butler regardless of other moves just to keep some veteran depth and continuity. If he isn't moved then the team can afford to possibly let him go if his asking price becomes unreasonable.

[mile]

Yes - if he gets outplayed by a younger guy or becomes replaceable during the season move him at the deadline next year. Otherwise, you get a solid team guy who has familiarity with the direction this team is going in.

[_Q_]

I said re-sign. I think he's effective if used properly.

Seeing all the Butler hate over the last couple of seasons, I'm kind of surprised most of CP agrees with me.

[Ozy_Flame]

God will do terrible, nasty things to us if we re-sign Butler.

[Bingo]

I voted re-sign him.

I just think they have to keep many of the veterans that seem to be leading be example and building a culture that is working.

Clearly Giordano is the driver, but guys like Butler blocking shots are a big part of the team first make up that has this team developing faster than most expected.

His unloading the hockey bags at the end of the season is a huge example of why things weren't as gloomy as expected last season.