Mark Giordano

[Nehkara]

With Mark Giordano signing a 3-year, one-way contract with the Flames, what are your expectations of him this season.

In his rookie season with the Flames he had 7 goals, 8 assists, 15 points in 48 games.

My expectations (assuming 82 games played): 9-10g, 10-20a, 20-30p

Obviously he is expected to make the team out of camp.

Also: Do you think Sutter saw something in his game when he was playing in Russia? Just changed his mind?

[Yeah_Baby]

My expectations? Within 20 games CP is calling for his head, because he isn't the second coming.

[HOOT]

Do we know the figures of that contract?

[Nehkara]

Originally Posted by Yeah_Baby

My expectations? Within 20 games CP is calling for his head, because he isn't the second coming.

I've been wondering about this too... hope the fans get their heads around the fact that he only has 55 NHL games played and hasn't played in the NHL in about 15 months.

[JiriHrdina]

I'm taking a real wait and see approach - the hope is that his game improved playing in a pretty good league in Russia. I think he can have a nice impact on the powerplay (perhaps playing on the 2nd unit instead of Regehr).

The question mark is whether his defensive game is good enough to play anymore than #6 minutes.

[Nehkara]

Originally Posted by HOOT

Do we know the figures of that contract?

Never anything official but apparently "just under $1 million per year".

[JiriHrdina]

According to hockeybuzz's cap chart (which even if you hate Eklund you have to admit is a handy little tool) the cap hit for Giordano is 891,667 per season.

[Nehkara]

Originally Posted by JiriHrdina

I'm taking a real wait and see approach - the hope is that his game improved playing in a pretty good league in Russia. I think he can have a nice impact on the powerplay (perhaps playing on the 2nd unit instead of Regehr).

The question mark is whether his defensive game is good enough to play anymore than #6 minutes.

I know it doesn't mean a lot necessarily but he is a +9 in 55 NHL games. +7 in his 48 game stint in 06-07, so hopefully that bodes well.

[JiriHrdina]

^I think the Flames managed his ice-time carefully, even scratching him against teams he would be over-matched against.

[Claeren]

He was prone to lapses in judgement last time he was here so I doubt it is much better now.

I see him as a #5-#7 guy with some good upside.

He could be one of those that starts strong but then fades as the opposition players sort out their offensive attack later in the season.



Claeren.

[JiriHrdina]

Originally Posted by Claeren

He was prone to lapses in judgement last time he was here so I doubt it is much better now.

I see him as a #5-#7 guy with some good upside.
.

Yeah - I think so. Basically this year's Anders Eriksson with more goals hopefully, and ideally less gaffes. But similar guys in that they give you a bit of skill on the blueline at the price of some defensive lapses.

So, if one believes Gio's fills that spot this year, the writing is on the wall for Eriksson. Can you have two guys like this on the team? Probably not.

[wingmaker]

How much of a leg up does Giordano have on guys like Pardy and Pelech? Obviously he has some NHl experience, but could he be overtaken by another young blue liner?

[Yeah_Baby]

Originally Posted by JiriHrdina

I'm taking a real wait and see approach - the hope is that his game improved playing in a pretty good league in Russia. I think he can have a nice impact on the powerplay (perhaps playing on the 2nd unit instead of Regehr).

The question mark is whether his defensive game is good enough to play anymore than #6 minutes.

I actually don't mind Regehr on the point, man's got a solid shot. But in principle Jiri I agree with you.

[Yeah_Baby]

Originally Posted by wingmaker

How much of a leg up does Giordano have on guys like Pardy and Pelech? Obviously he has some NHl experience, but could he be overtaken by another young blue liner?

To make an educated guess, I would wait to see how they fair in the pre season. However knowing how high the Organization is on Pardy, it's possible. If you end up moving two of the 'expensive' vets on the dcore I could defiantly see it.

[wingmaker]

If Giordano replaces Regehr, that second unit would be Aucoin plus Giordano. Is it just me or does this sound like a short handed goal waiting to happen.

[Yeah_Baby]

Originally Posted by wingmaker

If Giordano replaces Regehr, that second unit would be Aucoin plus Giordano. Is it just me or does this sound like a short handed goal waiting to happen.

No more then the epic paring of Eriksson and Hale.

[JiriHrdina]

Originally Posted by wingmaker

If Giordano replaces Regehr, that second unit would be Aucoin plus Giordano. Is it just me or does this sound like a short handed goal waiting to happen.

Cammalleri has also played point on the PP in the past and is an option though I suspect one way or another he'll be on the first PP.

First:
Bertuzzi-Langkow-Iginla
Cammalleri-Phaneuf

Second:
Bourque-Lombardi-???
Aucoin-Giordano

[wingmaker]

mmmm. I think I would rather rotate Aucoin and Giordano and leave Robyn as the mainstay. I guess I am a little bit cautious. Truth is, Robyn is the only defenceman I actually trust absolutely.

[JiriHrdina]

Originally Posted by Yeah_Baby

I actually don't mind Regehr on the point, man's got a solid shot. But in principle Jiri I agree with you.

I bet in a shot contest Regehr probably has a harder shot than Phaneuf - but it takes him 45 minutes to get it off. Phaneuf's shot actually isn't that hard but what makes it dangerous is the fact he can unload on the move, including even when skating backwards, and also gets it off incredibly quickly.

Regehr does have a hard shot but it's largely ineffective because he can't get it off.

[Nehkara]

Originally Posted by wingmaker

mmmm. I think I would rather rotate Aucoin and Giordano and leave Robyn as the mainstay. I guess I am a little bit cautious. Truth is, Robyn is the only defenceman I actually trust absolutely.

I like Robyn Regehr.