Brad Treliving so far: an overview

[Enoch Root]

One thing I would like to add... I remember having a discussion with an Oiler fan about MacTavish. This person went to great lengths to evaluate each trade and each roster move individually, concluding that the moves were, on the whole, not too bad.

<cliché warning!>

But he completely missed the forest for the trees. In evaluating a GM, you can't just look at the moves they made, you have to look at the team and assess whether they made the right moves.

In the case of MacTavish, I argued that the shortcomings of the team were obvious: lack of Cs, lack of D, lack of leadership. And he addressed NONE of them! Whether the Perron for MPS trade was a good one or not, MacTavish completely failed at managing the Oilers.

Now, taking that to Treliving, I would argue that, where the team was when he took it over, being patient and waiting to see what we have with all these prospects is the prudent move. In this case, not doing much was a good thing. I also think that acquiring a goalie to solidify things in net was paramount.

So with that perspective - not just analyzing the actions, but assessing them within the given environment - I would give him pretty high marks.

But again, it's pretty early.

[wingmaker]

I would argue that his best move was to take the time to evaluate what was here and then put his confidence in the people already in the organization. Re-upping Hartley and co and trusting the momentum of the organization created a seamless transition. Feaster did a lot of good while he was here, but he was not a good captain to move forward with. Treliving kept all of the good that Feaster had done but provides a more steadying influence over the whole organization. Now the test will be how he does at transitioning this roster of young players into a team that can contend. On that front it is far too early to judge.

[dissentowner]

Too early to tell, will have a better idea when he has signed Backlund to a reasonable extension, and if he throws a boatload of cash at Glencross which would be a big mistake imo. See what happens at the deadline too, too early yet.

[Huntingwhale]

Way to early to give him any type of grade. But overall I'm very happy with what he has done. He's stayed the course and hasn't pulled any ''win now'' moves that our other past GMs might have been tempted to do given our success. Feaster really did do the dirty work for a guy like Brad to come in and do his thing. Had Treliving been tasked with taking out the garbage like Feaster was, we might have different opinions on how he's been so far.

The biggest thing for me is he didn't largely overpay during FA frenzy last summer. Raymond and Engelland, while underwhelming at times, are cheap contracts that will in no way impede the Flames from making a big move should the time come. Treliving went out and addressed the team's needs; he got a big RH dman and a top 6 winger. From that point on, it's up to the players to perform. Although other might, I don't hold Treliving responsible for their lack of success.

Keeping Hartley in the fold is also another great move. Finally, we've found our ''franchise coach'' ever since D. Sutter left the bench. This is his move that will pay off the most.

Also wanted to thank OP for formatting his tables nicely and posting images. Most people just copy and paste directly from excel and lose their formatting and it looks like a garbled mess. That post was really nice to look at and easy to follow. I can tell a lot of time went into it. We all appreciate it!

[GranteedEV]

Originally Posted by devo22

The 2011 draft is a thing of beauty.

If Sven pans out, that'll go down as one of the greatest drafts by one team in all of history. Shame we couldn't hang on to Brossoit, still our pick though

[edslunch]

As others have said he seems solid, level-headed and pragmatic and so far it's steady as she goes which is perfect for a rebuild. At the same time he has done nothing of consequence to put his mark on the team in his short tenure and it's too early to grade him.

[Flames Draft Watcher]

Originally Posted by polak

Whole lot of meh... He hasn't really done much cause he hasn't had the opportunity to. One thing I know is that we WILL miss Feasters drafting. No way Burke and co would have taken a risk on a player like Gaudreau.

Feaster didn't draft, his head scout did. And we still have that head scout. And there's no way you can say Burke/Treliving wouldn't have taken Gaudreau, you don't and can't possibly know that

[Fighting Banana Slug]

I don't know...no bold moves yet, no MBA, no first overalls, no rings... how will we ever compete? Does he know anything about winning?, as that is a concern

[darthma]

but... truculence. where is the truculence? (I'm so glad that CP has laid off that meme)

[Phanuthier]

best thing he's done? Not try to make his mark... only placeholders.

[The_Future]

Good read. As I am sure was mentioned his "High Dollar" signings helped us make the cap floor, created some competition, and put some guys in placeholder positions to develop our your player.

Nothing negative to say about him, and the team playing over everyone's expectations probably cloud the little bit of negative stigma around any moves he made.

So far he has been fine. I think Feaster needs a little bit of credit. A lot of his picks are really playing huge for us.

[jemjey]

completely agree with you devo. I think his extensions are a highlight (Brods, Hartley and Bouma stand out), while his UFA signings are... let's just say not great. Mayray has been a disappointment, and while I think Engelland has been improving, he's definitely over-paid, and will be a hard contract to move. Trades are a wash, maybe leaning towards the negative side. Bollig has been pretty bad save for the one game versus the Kings (I hoped that was the start of something but... alas), but picking up Shore for Knight was a good trade. We will see though.

I like Treliving. As others have said, he just... seems intelligent. I think those bad UFA signings were mainly a product of him trying to fill holes that maybe, weren't necessarily there. At least he didn't sign them to term. Now that he knows our assets better I don't think he'll make such hasty moves.

[ForeverFlameFan]

Sure, we have Bollig, Engelland and Diaz, but these moves were made to create competition.

That's what makes us different from Edmonton, you need to earn your spot on the roster.

[GioforPM]

Originally Posted by GranteedEV

If Sven pans out, that'll go down as one of the greatest drafts by one team in all of history. Shame we couldn't hang on to Brossoit, still our pick though

1984 was pretty good for the Flames. 2013 was darn good, but I guess 3 first rounders is cheating a bit.

[Jacks]

Originally Posted by Flames Draft Watcher

Feaster didn't draft, his head scout did. And we still have that head scout. And there's no way you can say Burke/Treliving wouldn't have taken Gaudreau, you don't and can't possibly know that

Obviously there is no way to know now but I'd bet that there is no way in hell Burke would draft a player that is 5'6" and 137lbs.

As for Treliving hard to say since he hasn't got much of a track record but the smallest player he drafted this year was Bennett at 6' 181lbs who was a no brainer pick. All of the other picks were big boys, 6'2" to 6'7".

[Vinny01]

I think he walked into the most ideal situation for a GM and he had to get a feel for what he had. I like that he didn't want to commit to term with Cammalleri and it makes sense he signed Raymond for less term and less money. Treliving said it himself he was very surprised with how good Johnny has been this year. Raymond has disappointed but that hasn't been a big deal because young players have stepped up. Engellend was a questionable signing from day 1 and has been what everyone expected. Way too much money but not long term. Hiller was a very solid signing term and cap hit. The Brodie and Hartley extensions were well deserved.

I am glad Feaster is not driving the bus anymore but he sure did a great job of setting the table for Brad. The Flames have done a better job of drafting since 2008. From the Sutter era you have Backlund, Brodie. And Gio that we're all developed by the organization. Ferland, Ortio, Arnold, Reinhart are all decent prospects. The. Feaster leaves a very solid group of prospects with 3 that are full time NHLers and 3-4 that are knocking on the door immediately. Then the #1 skater from Central Scouting falls in your lap at #4. This organization is positioned very nicely moving forward.

[bob-loblaw]

Thanks for the well thought out post, and I agree with the B rating. There's no doubt he's pragmatic and I like that in management. If after nine months there isn't a lot of talk about him I think that's a very good sign - he hasn't done anything brilliant nor completely terrible.

I think there is no doubt he underestimated the quality of the team and prospects he inherited hence the more expensive FA signings. I think he now knows who the placeholders are on the team, who isn't, and who can be ready for the NHL. We'll also have a better idea about him once he has to deal with Glencross and the goalie situation later this year.

I also like the fact that he hasn't messed with the scouting department. Over the past three years the quality of our young players has improved tremendously so it's good that he recognized that. We were perennially near the bottom of prospect barrel and I'd say we're near the top with one of the best and younger groups now.

[Enoch Root]

Originally Posted by Jacks

Obviously there is no way to know now but I'd bet that there is no way in hell Burke would draft a player that is 5'6" and 137lbs.

As for Treliving hard to say since he hasn't got much of a track record but the smallest player he drafted this year was Bennett at 6' 181lbs who was a no brainer pick. All of the other picks were big boys, 6'2" to 6'7".

Yes, but context is important. The Flames were tiny, both on the roster, and throughout their prospects, going into the draft. As a result, one of their goals was to get bigger. So...

[#-3]

So far I'm going to go with.

Extensions - Great TJ Brodie alone, but also every guy he has re-signed has gotten better, year over year.

Let go - Great don't miss a single player.

UFA's - Sub Par Hiller has been strong and lived up to his contract but not better. There is not another signing that has made the big team better or really has the potential to make it better. Some have been important to the minor team, but I suspect they will not earn another NHL deal (maybe AHL deals)

Draft - Looks good too early to tell

Trades - Looks good small body of work.

It would probably be unfair to grade him before mid July next year. But I would say so far his moves have been vary safe. It will be interesting to see what happens when he needs to start making riskier moves.

I think he will have 3 opportunities coming up,

Dumping an important player at the deadline.
Trading for a Big Player at the draft.
Or signing one of the top free agents in July.

I'm not going to say what is right for the team because I don't know what is available, and I am not advocating making moves for the sake of moves, but we have allot of NHL centers, we are vary thin on D, and we have allot cap space, there has to be something that can make the team better for a sustained period of time.

But if the Flames don't make a move in one of these areas, I suspect I might start to think Treliving is not willing to pull the trigger on big moves, and that is not a great sign for a pro sports GM.

[Calgary4LIfe]

Originally Posted by Enoch Root

Yes, but context is important. The Flames were tiny, both on the roster, and throughout their prospects, going into the draft. As a result, one of their goals was to get bigger. So...

Just to add to that, Feaster himself stated the above before Burke was ever hired.