Will the Flames re-sign Nakladal?

[Coach]

Originally Posted by Poe969

If they trade Wideman (or another D) at the draft then yes, if not then there just isn't room.

I have to say, if they want to keep him, they have to find a way to make room. We can;t let decent players walk because of past mistakes if possible. If they have to do a buy out or two, that would be preferable (IMO) to letting Nakladal walk.

[Mister Yamoto]

Gawd that Smid trade looks terrible right now.

[Major Happy]

Originally Posted by polak

No way Wotherspoon or Smid or Wideman are above Nak.

Wotherspoon is looking like a career bubble guy and the other two are on their way out. All 3 play worse than him.

Wotherspoon was better then Nak some games, so I don't know about that.

Wideman is a year removed from 50+ points.

Nak had a nice stretch, but hasn't really proven anything to me.

[Toonage]

A lot of trades/signings look bad right now in retrospect. Its the price they paid for overachieving during a rebuild.

[Poe969]

Sure Nak is good and all but he isn't a top 4 guy IMO and the team may not want to use buyouts. I think the Flames need to make some tough choices when it comes to guys like this, the top 4 look to be Gio, Brodie, Hamilton, Wideman, Jokipakka and Engelland. That leaves Smid, Nak and any rookie who might make the team to fill the #7 spot so even if they can get out from under Smid's contract it would put Nak in competition with any prospect. The Flames are in a tough situationi when it comes to Nak, just like Schlemko last year.

[Envitro]

Wideman is as good as gone at the draft IMHO. The Flames will retain a small portion of his salary, but Nak is a direct replacement for Wideman's minutes and his spot on the PP, and for much less $$

[thymebalm]

Slow it down guys.

5 points in 27 games and a -5.

27 career NHL games played.

Wideman is a stronger NHLer even given his combo of injury and suspension this season.

Wideman in an off year -> 51 GP, 19 points, -9.

Those are much better stats than Nakladal while facing tougher competition.


Smid brought some defensive acumen and physicality to the team when he played healthy this year, probably his best stretch as a Flame to date. Wotherspoon is in the exact age range of the players you want to start bringing up full time.

When I look at the depth chart, it's like this:

Brodie
Giordano
Hamilton
Wideman
Engelland
Jokkipakka

Then it's take your pick, Wotherspoon / Nakladal / Smid all bringing different elements at different ages but require playing softer competition in the 7 slot.

In my most humble opinion, it would be an immediate downgrade if Nakladal replaced Wideman on the roster. He played admirably given his experience in the league, but everyone dumping all over Wideman as if Nakladal is an immediate upgrade are in some kind of fantasy land.

Nothing to date has proven that to be true.

Do I hope Nakladal improves over the summer and is re-signed? Sure. But I wouldn't push Wideman off the team just to give him a roster spot.

[Erick Estrada]

Originally Posted by Major Happy

Wotherspoon was better then Nak some games, so I don't know about that.

Wideman is a year removed from 50+ points.

Nak had a nice stretch, but hasn't really proven anything to me.

Nakladal looked decent but I feel some are getting a little carried away as he's still work in progress and at his current age it's no sure thing that he ever becomes more than a bottom pairing guy. I would like the Flames to keep him but I don't feel he's the next Anton Stralman where he's going to blossom into a solid top four guy. Stralman always looked good but Sutter didn't like him for some reason and when he got a chance to finally play a regular shift for a team he showed his worth.

[Fan in Exile]

Originally Posted by SuperMatt18

I am sure the Flames want to - the scouting staff did a good job finding him in the first place.

Issue is unless we move a d-man then it's probably unlikely that he wants to re-sign here, would probably look at a team with less depth.

He's a great fit for the Canucks or Oilers if we drop the ball.

[Mister Yamoto]

Ya I know that stats don't tell the whole story but 2 goals in four KHL seasons doesn't exactly scream powerplay specialist.

And what are they doing in Stockton? The Flames AHL team hasn't graduated a Dman since Brodie. That was five years ago. I'm starting to think that the problem isn't so much the drafting as much as the development aspect. These players seem great when they are drafted. Usually have a great year or two in junior and then when the Flames take over their development they hit a brick wall. Wotherspoon was better two years ago than he is now.

[oldschoolcalgary]

He is a work in progress, but he's a decent bottom pairing guy at probably a low price.... Has a bomb for a shot too...and it's his first year in the NHL.

I think he still has some upside

[puckedoff]

^ Plus its not like all top 6 d-men are going to be healthy at the same time, you need 7-8 guys and even then your rookies are seeing some NHL time.

[Strange Brew]

Originally Posted by Major Happy

Joki essentially replaces Russell's roster spot and everything else is the same. + Wotherspoon needs to make the team or face waivers. Id rather keep Wotherspoon then Nak, so I am not sure if there is more room this year.

I would argue there is more room because Wideman, Smid and Engelland will all be going into last year of their deals. I suspect none (except maybe Engelland) will be here after trade deadline.

Good point on the Wotherspoon waiver issue which they didn't face last year. I'm not sold on how important he is going forward.

[polak]

Originally Posted by Strange Brew

I would argue there is more room because Wideman, Smid and Engelland will all be going into last year of their deals. I suspect none (except maybe Engelland) will be here after trade deadline

Smid and Wideman will most likely have negative trade value. I'd be shocked if someone trades for them.

[Roof-Daddy]

Your sure fire top 4 Dmen:

1. (32) Giordano
2. (25) Brodie
3. (23) Hamilton

Your bottom pairing guys battling for the last top 4 spot:

4. (33) Engelland
5. (24) Jokipakka
6. (28) Nakladal (UFA)

Your depth guys pushing to be #7 or eventually maybe more:

7. (23) Wotherspoon (RFA)
8. (22) Kulak

Your catapult ammo for taking aim at the sun with:

(32) Wideman
(30) Smid

[CroFlames]

I think Nakladal is a late bloomer.

He looked smart with and without the puck and I think he has room to improve. His skating is adequate and he is somewhat physical. He has a legitimate canon of a shot too, and has the ability (at least this season) to get puck through, instead of bouncing it off guys' shin pads.

[The Fonz]

<1.5 = Yes
>1.5<2.0 = what is the term?
>2.0 = bye

[GranteedEV]

Personally, the top 7 I would prefer would be


Brodie-Demers
Giordano-Hamilton
Jokipakka-Nakladal
Wotherspoon

Get rid of Engelland, Smid, Wideman to make some cap space.

[Enoch Root]

Originally Posted by dissentowner

I would rather have Nak on the roster than Spoon.

This year, sure. But even then, it's close.

But going forward, I think Wotherspoon is much more valuable. He's 5 years younger, is already pretty much as good, and has significantly more upside.

Having said that, I do want Nakladal signed.

[polak]

I don't see the upside with Wotherspoon. Just cause you're young doesn't guarantee you're going to get better.