Friedman: Flames have begun extension talks with Gaudreau & Eichel speculation

[Chingas]

Originally Posted by djsFlames

"75% of the time it works, every time."

Pretty much. Seems like an upgrade on 30% of the time it works 75% of the time lol.

[DeluxeMoustache]

Originally Posted by djsFlames

I'll be able to forgive them for trying if it doesn't work out.

Going and getting that covered centerpiece of a contending team shows the fanbase that they cared enough to try.

What creates a bitter fanbase is sitting on a core whose best parts don't cut it and trying to sell us on this bs idea that the answers are in the room, and watching it slowly degrade over time.

At the same time, how much does coaching matter?

[djsFlames]

Originally Posted by DeluxeMoustache

At the same time, how much does coaching matter?

As far as I see it, a few ingredients are common prerequisites to competing for a championship.

You need a goalie that can play elite. You need a bench boss that can push all the right buttons. And you need to be strong at the center position.

I'd say we have two of those, even though one had a tough year complicated with health issues.

Of course depth, big minute defenders etc are important. But those three ingredients seem to be shared among most winning clubs.

So Sutter coaching an Eichel-led team playing in front of Markstrom in his prime is very ideal for a team looking to shoot its shot here.

[Enoch Root]

Originally Posted by dino7c

Eichel is #1 overall almost any draft and is 24...you could tank for a decade and not get an Eichel

Current Eichel is not the same guy that was a budding generational talent in 2015. And possibly, not even remotely close

[_Q_]

I think if Eichel can be a decent 1st line centre and not the generational talent he was supposed to be, then you pull the trigger on the move, even if it costs the team a few key pieces.

[Roof-Daddy]

Originally Posted by Enoch Root

Current Eichel is not the same guy that was a budding generational talent in 2015. And possibly, not even remotely close

Agreed.

He's not a generational talent, not even close.

If he comes back healthy though, he's a top 15 or even 10 center in the league IMO.

That's probably why the Sabres haven't traded him yet. They're asking for a return that a generational player should get, and other GMs aren't biting. Especially with his injury question marks.

[DJones]

Originally Posted by Roof-Daddy

Agreed.

He's not a generational talent, not even close.

If he comes back healthy though, he's a top 15 or even 10 center in the league IMO.

That's probably why the Sabres haven't traded him yet. They're asking for a return that a generational player should get, and other GMs aren't biting. Especially with his injury question marks.

Ya I never viewed him as generational. A young top 10-15 center in the league is still amazing though.

Really I just don't want to give up Valimaki, but Buffalo is probably looking for forwards anyways with their recent drafting.

Tkachuk + 2022 First + one of our forward prospects.

Probably as high as I'd go.

[868904]

Reading some posts on that other site, so take it with a grain of salt, but there is some speculation that Eichel's injury is fabricated and he just wants to get the hell out of Buffalo.

[dammage79]

Even if that were the case, there's no way the Sabers are getting the premium they're asking. It never works that way with disgruntled players asking a trade.

[1qqaaz]

Originally Posted by DJones

Ya I never viewed him as generational. A young top 10-15 center in the league is still amazing though.

Really I just don't want to give up Valimaki, but Buffalo is probably looking for forwards anyways with their recent drafting.

Tkachuk + 2022 First + one of our forward prospects.

Probably as high as I'd go.

If Buffalo countered with Tkachuk + 2022 1st + Pelletier + Dube, you'd say no?

Because I would still do it, although it would be painful.
Since Tkachuk is UFA in 2 years, and Buffalo knows that, the Flames would probably have to add a fair amount.

[flamesgod]

Originally Posted by dammage79

Even if that were the case, there's no way the Sabers are getting the premium they're asking. It never works that way with disgruntled players asking a trade.

I would’ve believed that until they got what they did in the Risto trade.

[VladtheImpaler]

How sure are y'all that Eichel will be thrilled to be here, and this won't just be a replay of Jeff Carter to CLB?

[Strange Brew]

Originally Posted by dammage79

Even if that were the case, there's no way the Sabers are getting the premium they're asking. It never works that way with disgruntled players asking a trade.

i don't know about that. This seems to be one way to generate the biggest return vs. quietly shopping someone. It may require patience from the seller.

[MrMike]

Originally Posted by VladtheImpaler

How sure are y'all that Eichel will be thrilled to be here, and this won't just be a replay of Jeff Carter to CLB?

Playing with Gaudreau, coached by Sutter with Markstrom in net. 3 things the guy has never had before.

[868904]

Originally Posted by dammage79

Even if that were the case, there's no way the Sabers are getting the premium they're asking. It never works that way with disgruntled players asking a trade.

I think the point is, the Eichel team purposely devaluing his value to make him easier to acquire, but Buffalo is not buying it and still demanding full value.

However, I don't think what Buffalo is asking for is full value, I think they've factored in some health risk into the asking price already.

[dino7c]

Originally Posted by Enoch Root

Current Eichel is not the same guy that was a budding generational talent in 2015. And possibly, not even remotely close

He was ranked #6 for NHL centers on the top 100 players list last summer despite playing for a clown show organization.

Sure he got hurt and had a "terrible" ppg start to the season. Eichel with Gaudreau and Sutter coaching would be great IMO.

[Vinny01]

Originally Posted by VladtheImpaler

How sure are y'all that Eichel will be thrilled to be here, and this won't just be a replay of Jeff Carter to CLB?

Completely different situation

Carter had literally just signed an 11 year deal to stay in Philly vs Eichel requesting a trade.

I don’t think Eichel would choose Calgary as one of his top choices but I don’t think he would come here to force a trade right away again

[dammage79]

Originally Posted by flamesgod

I would’ve believed that until they got what they did in the Risto trade.

Different cases breed different scenarios IMO. They've been trying to move Risto for years. As evidenced in the continued rumors of him and the Flames going on 3 years now. Burke was still here when he was talking about them potentially acquiring Risto.

Eichel on the other hand is just a pure toxic situation right now. If it's so bad he is even faking an injury, there's a much deeper rift there.
He's not a player a team just normally ups and moves.

At any rate. I'm thinking if a trade happens with CGY, the one player I see involved in any deal is Mangiapane.

[868904]

Originally Posted by VladtheImpaler

How sure are y'all that Eichel will be thrilled to be here, and this won't just be a replay of Jeff Carter to CLB?

I think that's the beauty of it and an advantage to the Flames. Is that you hope the relationship is so toxic that the Sabres send him to Calgary out of spite!

Eichel has no say.

[Bingo]

No way any team makes this move without getting their own sourced doctors involved as well as discussion about medical procedures planned this summer.

If he moves it's to a team that has the lay of the land and acted accordinly.