[Signing] Flames sign Erik Gudbranson (1 yr, $1.95 mil)

[Mattman]

I haven't read the rest of the thread past the first 2 pages but I think there is a shared opinion.

I would rather the defensive spot go to Kylington, Mackey, or literally any defeseman we have in the pipeline vs. Gudbranson. This one sucks.

[DazzlinDino]

Originally Posted by Sandman

Sutter has a way of utilizing his D-men right, and making them look good. Look at how good guys like Phaneuf, Commodore, and Montador looked under him. I'm not a fan of how much was spent in this transaction, but Sutter knows what he's doing, and this is his team. One of the weaknesses of this team the last few years has been size and toughness, and at least THAT has been addressed. Sutter is the equalizer here-having him here from the start of the year will be huge for us, let's see what he can do with this group.

Not a popular opinion, I know, but I don't mind having EG on this team if Darryl is coaching.

Sutter has to work with what he has, at least he has a plan and it starts with developing an identity; Something this team has been lacking for a while. We have guys that can score we just need guys doing their jobs.

[1_Flames_Fan]

I don't understand the 2 million contract. Was there a bidding war for his services? I think if the Flames wanted him they should have offered the league minimum and if he said no, move on. This move is very perplexing to me.

[Poe969]

I just can't wait for him to destroy Nurse

[Samonadreau]

Originally Posted by Poe969

I just can't wait for him to destroy Nurse

Thats the thing, he better be bringing all the intangibles and not a afraid to mix it up..... and play about 10 min a night hopefully.

Punching a few Oilers faces alone may be worth an extra Schmil.

[ricardodw]

Is there some sort of chance that it is a case of mistaken identities?

Treliving just mistook Gudbrandson for Edmundson? Easy mistake to make both big players born in Canada with Viking-like names.

Edmundson at 2M is a really good deal.

[Ashasx]

Originally Posted by blender

The thing is, as fans we love it when a rookie flashes and makes a great play, but it isn't about making great plays every game or two. It is about being reliable and NOT making mistakes that cost the team games.

Terms like replacement level are borne of analytics, but they don't mean #### to an NHL coach who is trying to win games.

I assure you that Gudbranson will make more mistakes than any rookie given the same opportunity.

That's why it's a fallacy for coaches to give veterans a longer leash. Yeah, the rookie might make some mistakes, but overall he might be a good player. You already know the veteran is a bad player.

That's why adding analytics to remove some of these biases is a good thing.

[Moneyhands23]

Originally Posted by Ashasx

I assure you that Gudbranson will make more mistakes than any rookie given the same opportunity.

That's why it's a fallacy for coaches to give veterans a longer leash. Yeah, the rookie might make some mistakes, but overall he might be a good player. You already know the veteran is a bad player.

That's why adding analytics to remove some of these biases is a good thing.

I agree. At the end of the day Gudbranson has a history and a consistency of making regular gaffs. If he wasn't picked a 3rd OA he would be out of the league by now. A rookie at least can have the chance to improve and learn. This veteran is who he is and is not going to improve

[CsInMyBlood]

One of my best friends is a die hard Canucks fan. I would taunt him mercilessly after watching the player Gudbranson was. I got to do for that for a solid 4 years. The texts I got from him this morning about this signing were pretty epic. I still cant bring up the nerve to respond to him yet because really, what the fork can I say?

I cant say I've watched him since he left the Canucks but I'm fairly sure he hasn't suddenly gotten any better.

I laughed and laughed at him when Benning signed Hamonic and then again when Dim Jim re-signed Hamonic for another 2 years this off season. Little did I know Sutter and Treliving were going to be asking Benning to hold their beers.

Ugh. Karma really is a beeeeatch.

[ricardodw]

Stockton is in line for a big year.

Defense: Mackey 900k Welinski 375 k, Kylington 300k DeSimone 275 k, Gravel 250k

Flames are providing Wolf with a good chance for a successful 1st year as a pro.

[Moneyhands23]

Originally Posted by CsInMyBlood

One of my best friends is a die hard Canucks fan. I would taunt him mercilessly after watching the player Gudbranson was. I got to do for that for a solid 4 years. The texts I got from him this morning about this signing were pretty epic. I still cant bring up the nerve to respond to him yet because really, what the fork can I say?

I cant say I've watched him since he left the Canucks but I'm fairly sure he hasn't suddenly gotten any better.

I laughed and laughed at him when Benning signed Hamonic and then again when Dim Jim re-signed Hamonic for another 2 years this off season. Little did I know Sutter and Treliving were going to be asking Benning to hold their beers.

Ugh. Karma really is a beeeeatch.

At the end of the day you just gotta text back and admit how crap this is. No way around it.

Just hope he destroys Petterson or something this year

[ricardodw]

How is Hanifin's shoulder injury re-hab progressing?

Any news that he will be ready for training camp?

[blender]

Originally Posted by Ashasx

I assure you that Gudbranson will make more mistakes than any rookie given the same opportunity.

Thanks for the assurance. I'm confident you are correct in stating that Gudbranson will make more mistakes than ANY rookie. Did you watch Mackey last year? He was a tire fire.

Originally Posted by Moneyhands23

If he wasn't picked a 3rd OA he would be out of the league by now.

Another bold and certain statement.

Come on, guys. I know we aren't happy with this signing, myself included, but your emotions are showing. Hopefully you will be able to walk it back if he turns out to be a contributor on a winning team.

[Ashasx]

Originally Posted by blender

Thanks for the assurance. I'm confident you are correct in stating that Gudbranson will make more mistakes than ANY rookie. Did you watch Mackey last year? He was a tire fire.

Thank you, I am correct in my analysis.

[Moneyhands23]

Originally Posted by blender

Thanks for the assurance. I'm confident you are correct in stating that Gudbranson will make more mistakes than ANY rookie. Did you watch Mackey last year? He was a tire fire.



Another bold and certain statement.

Come on, guys. I know we aren't happy with this signing, myself included, but your emotions are showing. Hopefully you will be able to walk it back if he turns out to be a contributor on a winning team.

I made this comment while taking a poop this morning. The only emotion I was having at the time was relief and a sense of accomplishment lol

[Sofa GM]

Pretty disappointing signing, clearly was looking for someone to specifically drop the mits. Gudbranson is a horrific defenceman, almost $2MM for someone who should spend most nights in the press box is a pretty awful move for a GM. I’m a pretty loyal Flames fan, but moves like this make me question that a bit. It certainly isn’t this single move, but the inability to address this teams biggest holes, #1 center, scoring winger, and offensive dman. Pretty disappointing

[Burning Beard]

Originally Posted by Sofa GM

clearly was looking for someone to specifically drop the mits.

This is actually a pretty good assessment I think. No one in the league can go toe to toe with Lucic anymore and unless he chases someone down and attacks them no one is willing to drop the gloves with him. This almost renders him useless in this regard because he is forced to take a suspension to teach a lesson.

Someone like Kassian won't take a chance with Lucic but would with Gudbranson. Maybe this saves Tkachuk from having to be the fighter and drop the gloves several times a year as no one will fight Lucic. Play Gudbranson in games that you know are going to be rougher, but please let him sit out in games where he is not needed.

[Strange Brew]

Originally Posted by ricardodw

Stockton is in line for a big year.

Defense: Mackey 900k Welinski 375 k, Kylington 300k DeSimone 275 k, Gravel 250k

Flames are providing Wolf with a good chance for a successful 1st year as a pro.

Flames need to take some of that money they’re spending on AHL defense and invest in better pro scouting.

[Dajazz]

This is just such a weird (and stupid) signing.

Not filling a need with Zadorov and Stone signed, plus that cap hit. Wow.

Treliving really outdid himself here. Good thing it was one year only.

[Moneyhands23]

Originally Posted by Dajazz

This is just such a weird (and stupid) signing.

Not filling a need with Zadorov and Stone signed, plus that cap hit. Wow.

Treliving really outdid himself here. Good thing it was one year only.

I think league minimum would be the only exceptable aav here. But hey maybe we will all be pleasantly wrong