Should the Flames trade up or trade down once they get healthy?

[gvitaly]

The Flames' current injury bug has proven that they have more than 23 NHLers on contracts. It gives the Flames' managment both a position of strength and a possible headache when it comes to reducing the roster. The simplest solution would (of course) be to return to the roster we had on opening night. However, it simply doesn't fit the policy of "Always earned, never given", which is key to the Flames' identity. This situation will most likely create an interesting opportunity for roster moves. The common* scenarios are either to trade a veteran player for future gain or to package a few players to upgrade the roster. As a result, I was wondering how do you think the Flames will(or should) proceed?

It seems like a simple enough question, but the beginning of the season makes this team into a huge question mark. Why? because the team seems more than the sum of its parts. Many players are exceeding expectations made at the beginning of the year. Unfortunately, here it becomes an argument of what came first the chicken or the egg-- is this team over performing because of the individual players getting hot, or are they playing well because of the team as a whole? If its the former we could trade a player whose value is at an all time high compared to last season, but can we do it without disrupting chemistry? (Also, there is always the cap floor to consider and be careful of).

On the other hand if we start trading veterans will the kids be able to sustain their play without being somewhat sheltered? Moreover would bringing in an established skilled player benefit the team more despite the cost?

The Flames really find themselves in a unique situation**, somewhat of a crossroad if you will. I was wondering which path do you think the Flames will take?

My personal opinion is that the Flames can wait and see for now, wait for the right deal. A deal where they come up on top simply because of their flexibility. The Flames will become less and less flexible the closer the season gets to the trade deadline. I just hope that the management won't miss this golden opportunity by indecisiveness.

Please let me know what you think. Seems like an interesting discussion to have especially on a 2 day break from (Flames') hockey.

Salary Cap Chart

*I know they are quite black and white for simplicity's sake. I agree there is a lot of grey in between.

**The Flames currently have 19 forwards, that once healthy will need to be reduced to 12 forwards + 2 bench warmers. On defense Wideman's offense probably increased his value from last year by leaps and bounds. However the most interesting situation stays at center with Backlund, Monahan, Colborne, Stajan, and Granlund all playing like top 9 centers.

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EDIT:
Great discussion guys! I just wanted to thank everyone for all the answers. I wanted to take it one step further so...

Many of you mentioned who we should consider trading, in particular various players that will not be a part of the 'future'. Meanwhile, not many posts touchup on improving the performance of this team during this season. As a result, I was wondering what returns do you think the Flames should be looking for? Should the Flames concentrate on picks and prospects(especially on defense)? Or perhaps maybe look for an upgrade over one of our top 6 forwards that can be the triggerman on the PP?

Also, this team indeed shows flickers of hope for the first time in a while. It has been a while since the word playoffs was more than a remote whisper in Calgary. So would it be considered a losing mentality trading our top veterans despite that success?

A good GM will know exactly how and when sacrifice and upgrade pieces that are a part of our team. Lucky for me is that I am not such thing, so I don't have to deal with all those difficult decisions. Instead I ask everyone here

[Caged Great]

I think Setoguchi is gone for sure either way. Jooris has significantly out played him in pretty much every way, so you would have to figure that he'll take his spot for sure.

Outside of that though, there are no obvious immediate solutions. If you're wanting to deal Glencross, it's too soon to sell him. It's difficult to waive Jones as he's been healthy and playing well recently.

[Locke]

Seto should already be checking out real estate in Siberia.

I wasnt expecting much from Setoguchi, but I was certainly expecting more than hes delivered.

[dammage79]

I think the Flames play the hand they're dealt this season. In my mind the Flames won't really be active in hitting up other teams for trades but they'll certainly listen and if a good one comes along, they'll do it. But I think Treliving may be perfectly content to sit on this years roster and watch how the chips fall.

It's a good balance of depth as most of the youth are among the forward ranks and it's never a bad thing as Treliving states time and time again to have the kids over ripen in the AHL. Once the Vet FWD's get healthy the kids will go down and so it will go on for the season.

[Poe969]

I agree that Seto needs to leave, waivers, demotion or lent to the KHL. I think that there are a few teams that are stumbling right now that could benefit from a bit of a shakeup so maybe dealing someone like Stajan or Glencross when they're healthy might bring us back a good return.

I have no idea what they're going to do, I'm just happy that I'm not the guy who has to make those decisions. Our management team has been pretty good so all I know is that they'll do what is best for the team and we'll be in even better shape after all is said and done.

[Locke]

Originally Posted by dammage79

I think the Flames play the hand they're dealt this season. In my mind the Flames won't really be active in hitting up other teams for trades but they'll certainly listen and if a good one comes along, they'll do it. But I think Treliving may be perfectly content to sit on this years roster and watch how the chips fall.

It's a good balance of depth as most of the youth are among the forward ranks and it's never a bad thing as Treliving states time and time again to have the kids over ripen in the AHL. Once the Vet FWD's get healthy the kids will go down and so it will go on for the season.

100% this.

I've said it in other threads, this season is pure gravy and theres no sense in making some moves because they've got to keep their eye on the long-game.

[GioforPM]

Originally Posted by Poe969

I agree that Seto needs to leave, waivers, demotion or lent to the KHL. I think that there are a few teams that are stumbling right now that could benefit from a bit of a shakeup so maybe dealing someone like Stajan or Glencross when they're healthy might bring us back a good return.

I have no idea what they're going to do, I'm just happy that I'm not the guy who has to make those decisions. Our management team has been pretty good so all I know is that they'll do what is best for the team and we'll be in even better shape after all is said and done.

Glencross' both easier and harder to deal. I think he's generally better thought of across the league (not by me) but he has a NMC (I think Stajan has a limited NMC at best). And he's a pure rental.

[dammage79]

Originally Posted by Locke

100% this.

I've said it in other threads, this season is pure gravy and theres no sense in making some moves because they've got to keep their eye on the long-game.

It's a perfect storm in terms of development this year for sure. If you asked me if I would like the Flames to make some moves I'd say yeah for sure.

I don't see a long term fit for some players like Glencross, Stajan or Jones.

The others, like Setoguchi or McGratton won't get you much of anything on the trade market so I haven't even bothered bringing them up. Mostly because I foresee them riding off into the UFA sunset at the end of the season.

Then there's the question of youth that may not fit in CGY. Sven comes to the front of my mind. The Flames could very well be discussing this at this very moment and I for one am pretty indifferent if he stays or goes. As long as he has a fair shake at showing improvement over the course of this season. He's going to be an interesting case for the Flames to decide on as he is RFA.

Then there's Ortio and the Goalie circle. He's on a one way for next season and there again the Flames will need to decide if Ramo/Hiller are the way to go or Hiller/Ortio next season.

I just do not see Hiller being moved for the duration of his contract.

But as I posted prior, I just do not see them doing much if anything at all and will see how the entire season plays out. Th only real player I see being moved out of necessity is Glencross at or before the deadline.

[Where ru Chris O'Sullivan]

Originally Posted by Poe969

I agree that Seto needs to leave, waivers, demotion or lent to the KHL.

How about Backs? A point in his last 5 played and he's unequivocally earned the label of oft-injured. For all the talk of what he brings, how valuable he is from Team-Dream (Corsi-ians) the team sure hasn't missed him?

[JJ1532]

Trade when we get healthy? We don't need to trade. We have enough options to get the roster in check. If we had all 4 injured forwards back for tomorrows game, my forward roster would be:

Colborne-Monahan-Raymond
Gaudreau-Backlund-Hudler
Glencross-Stajan-Jooris
Jones-Bouma-Byron

McGrattan and Bollig as scratches. Use them when we need a bit more physicality and grit.

Reinhart, Ferland and Sven go back down to Addy easily. Reluctantly, Granlund does too, but is the first call up when injuries hit, which they will. Setoguchi gets waived and when he likely doesn't get claimed, joins them.

[Cleveland Steam Whistle]

Player I expect (not necessarily want) to be dealt at some point this year, Paul Byron. REalize that will be un-popular, but he likely has some value given what he brings in smarts, speed and energy.

I think he's expendable though to the Flames because as the OP points out, lots of depth and young depth that can fill his role. In fact, I think Jooris has kind of replaced him. He brings similar elements to Byron, but is bigger and has show more ability to finish. Given Byron's size and that he doesn't have the skill or finish of a JG, I could see him being a piece the Flames might use, maybe as a package to try and imitate some of the forward depth and youth they seem to have on the back end.

[Huntingwhale]

Originally Posted by Locke

Seto should already be checking out real estate in Siberia.

I wasnt expecting much from Setoguchi, but I was certainly expecting more than hes delivered.

I wasn't expecting much either. Maybe a couple goals here and there. I was kind of hoping for a Stempniak-like usefulness. Not hte best player on the team, but at least some production. Instead, other then him winning a couple board battles, he's done nothing. I think he's had 1 quality scoring chance his entire time here. He's dead weight and has got to go.

[CsInMyBlood]

To me, I see no point in keeping Matt Stajan. I know some people think he is some valuable piece but watching him in a Flames uniform for the last 5+ seasons nobody can convince me of that. It has been nice not seeing him kill the offense on any line lately.

Before anybody tries to say that he "shelters" our other centers, know that this year he has faced the weakest competition among Backlund, Monahan, Colbourne and Byron.

The four year extension he was given by Burke last year was a mistake (as many of us instantly knew), even moreso if Bennett is able to make the team next year.

Not sure if anyone would want to take on his contract at $3.175 over the next 4 years. I just know I don't want to watch him in a Flames uniform till 2018. Sad that he is our player with the longest contract other than the extension that TJ Brodie just signed.

[nik-]

Originally Posted by Where ru Chris O'Sullivan

How about Backs? A point in his last 5 played and he's unequivocally earned the label of oft-injured. For all the talk of what he brings, how valuable he is from Team-Dream (Corsi-ians) the team sure hasn't missed him?

*yawn*

[saillias]

In after a WrCO'S post about Backlund.

[Parallex]

When folk are healthy you find spaces for the folk you want to keep and trade/demote the ones you don't.

In my mind as of now that means waiving and then demoting Setoguchi, trade Glencross (if he'll waive), keep Granlund and move him to LW, keep Jooris, Send Reinhart/Ferland/Baertschi back to Addy.

[dino7c]

the team will never be 100% healthy...well its highly unlikely

[GioforPM]

Originally Posted by CsInMyBlood

To me, I see no point in keeping Matt Stajan. I know some people think he is some valuable piece but watching him in a Flames uniform for the last 5+ seasons nobody can convince me of that. It has been nice not seeing him kill the offense on any line lately.

Before anybody tries to say that he "shelters" our other centers, know that this year he has faced the weakest competition among Backlund, Monahan, Colbourne and Byron.

The four year extension he was given by Burke last year was a mistake (as many of us instantly knew), even moreso if Bennett is able to make the team next year.

Not sure if anyone would want to take on his contract at $3.175 over the next 4 years. I just know I don't want to watch him in a Flames uniform till 2018. Sad that he is our player with the longest contract other than the extension that TJ Brodie just signed.

I don't say he shelters anyone. I say he's a character guy you can slot in anywhere if someone gets hurt/plays poorly. He's not a defensive liability, he can skate and he's a decent faceoff guy.

Of all the vets over 25 I like him the best (among fwds obviously). I liked his signing - we can afford it. We will, in fact need it if Glencross goes elsewhere next year.

[Fire]

Originally Posted by CsInMyBlood

To me, I see no point in keeping Matt Stajan. I know some people think he is some valuable piece but watching him in a Flames uniform for the last 5+ seasons nobody can convince me of that. It has been nice not seeing him kill the offense on any line lately.

Before anybody tries to say that he "shelters" our other centers, know that this year he has faced the weakest competition among Backlund, Monahan, Colbourne and Byron.

The four year extension he was given by Burke last year was a mistake (as many of us instantly knew), even moreso if Bennett is able to make the team next year.

Not sure if anyone would want to take on his contract at $3.175 over the next 4 years. I just know I don't want to watch him in a Flames uniform till 2018. Sad that he is our player with the longest contract other than the extension that TJ Brodie just signed.

Yeah, Stajan needs to go after this season, but with 3 years left on his contract the Flames might have to eat some of his salary. Bennett, Backlund, Monahan and Colborne are all better options at the center spot. Granlund isn't a step down from Stajan either. Jooris and Bouma fit better as 4th line centers as well.

Treliving must be shaking his head wondering what he's going to do with Stajan next season.

[Locke]

Originally Posted by Fire

Yeah, Stajan needs to go after this season, but with 3 years left on his contract the Flames might have to eat some of his salary. Bennett, Backlund, Monahan and Colborne are all better options at the center spot. Granlund isn't a step down from Stajan either. Jooris and Bouma fit better as 4th line centers as well.

Treliving must be shaking his head wondering what he's going to do with Stajan next season.

I disagree, I think Stajan and maybe Glencross are likely going to become the old guard/steadying influence on this team for the foreseeable future.

You cant get rid of all of the vets, even when their production doesnt merit their wages, the Oilers have shown us this.

Until the Flames are in cap trouble we need some of the old guard to help the kids through the lean patches.

Because realistically, you're going to get more value out of keeping a guy like Stajan than you're ever going to get back in a trade.