Like this contract but I would have preferred more term, even if the AAV went up a fair amount. We have space and should for 2-3 years, I would have preferred the higher risk higher reward type deal.
4 years, the upside could have been huge and worth the risk IMO
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Like this contract but I would have preferred more term, even if the AAV went up a fair amount. We have space and should for 2-3 years, I would have preferred the higher risk higher reward type deal.
4 years, the upside could have been huge and worth the risk IMO
My guess would have been around $2 to 2.5 mil. 2 years is good as he is an RFA in 2 and buying UFA years is expensive, but I can't see Klapka turning down around $2.25 for an extra 2 years and being 28 and a UFA.
After reviewing though, I don't think 4 makes a ton of sense. It would need to be 5 or 6 years before it makes sense at his age and the risk would have been too high.
And at that stage it doesn’t make sense for him
He gets some security but if he believes he’s a good player his next contract is his chance to get the bag
And at that stage it doesn’t make sense for him
He gets some security but if he believes he’s a good player his next contract is his chance to get the bag
Fully agree here. If Klapla can earn consistent time in the top 6, he will get paid well in his next contract and it makes all the sense in the world to sign a shorter term deal now to get established as an impact player. If he spends the majority of the next 2 seasons on the top line, 50-60 points in his contract year is not out of the question, and he will get the bag on the next contract, and thankfully he will be an RFA after this contract still so it works in the Flames favor too if he breaks out
Kirkland will be brought back I'm pretty confident.
Bahl and Wolf will get long term extensions, and it sounded like Zary will probably be bridged given his recent injury history.
Frost will be interesting, I would be happy seeing him locked up for longer as he seems like a candidate to pop off next season.
Klapka is a nice graduation for sure but the team needs room for a 1-2 more youngsters of Morton, Stromgren, Suniev, Honzek, Kerins etc. I don't like the idea of bringing back a career AHLer like Kirkland because he had a nice run for a couple weeks when this franchise is searching for itself and trying to grow.
As the rebuild is still on, I'd like to see at least Kirkland and Rooney's spots open up next season for the next wave of players. We can talk about earning it all we want, but as we saw last year, actually having a spot or two available changes a lot in camp.
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Iginla is probably telling him to be meaner. Given Klapka's affable nature it's probably something he needs to prodded for.
I remember a game last year where Klapka was dominant all over the ice and Huska was asked what got into him after the game and he gave a two word answer:
Klapka at two years is risky enough, 4+ years is wild for a couple dozen games of work. He could fall off completely, which is probably more likely than turning into a top 6 forward (have to keep in mind that this happens all the time with rebuilding teams, mid-players show flashes but get pushed down the lineup and out of the league as higher skill, higher potential players take premium ice time).
For Kirkland, he’s fine to keep around. Wranglers need some help and it helps to have a guy that can stay above water in the NHL in case of injuries.
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From what I’ve seen of his play, Klapka doesn’t need to be prodded into playing physically. He engages, finishes his checks, and plays with emotion.
PIM per game:
Pospisil 1.0
Kadri 0.9
Klapka 0.9
Lomberg 0.7
Include Klapka’s AHL numbers and he’s at 1.2. He’s plenty mean already.
I definitely noticed Klapka was less shy to engage physically as the season went on and he was gaining confidence. Although at times I think he is a target by other teams tough guys simply because he is big, but he doesn't go looking for trouble himself.
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Like this contract but I would have preferred more term, even if the AAV went up a fair amount. We have space and should for 2-3 years, I would have preferred the higher risk higher reward type deal.
4 years, the upside could have been huge and worth the risk IMO
To Klapka this is a show me contract. The only way he was signing for more term was if the Flames were giving him $3.5+ million/year. With less than a half season of play in total, I can't see either side coming to an agreement that makes sense.
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To Klapka this is a show me contract. The only way he was signing for more term was if the Flames were giving him $3.5+ million/year. With less than a half season of play in total, I can't see either side coming to an agreement that makes sense.
Yeah, and he's still an RFA at the end (albeit with arb rights).
Absolutely no need to go longer, as there is just too much risk with players like this. I am as excited about Klapka's potential as anyone, but players like him are extremely unpredictable. Look at Pospisil - everyone would have been happy to lock him up for years after last season, now no one knows what he is.
No-brainer signing I think. He could very well end up becoming a unicorn - the Calgary Flames version of someone like Tom WIlson who is scary to play against, but is also a very good player and one that can be on the top line. Hopefully he continues to evolve his game in that direction. It was a small sample size, but he did exceptionally well playing on the top line. He also had a very good season in the AHL the season prior leading the team in points. He has skill, and it seems to be translating. Hopefully it continues. Players like him are so important to playoff runs.
Damn - hopefully he'll still be useful for the Flames. Kidding! (kind of)
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Klapka at two years is risky enough, 4+ years is wild for a couple dozen games of work. He could fall off completely, which is probably more likely than turning into a top 6 forward (have to keep in mind that this happens all the time with rebuilding teams, mid-players show flashes but get pushed down the lineup and out of the league as higher skill, higher potential players take premium ice time).
For Kirkland, he’s fine to keep around. Wranglers need some help and it helps to have a guy that can stay above water in the NHL in case of injuries.
Yeah remember how good Miromanov looked beside Weegar in 20 games to conclude the 23/24 season.
Got a two year deal, and now he's bury in the minors likely.
But I hope we wish it was four. Glad to be wrong on Klapka if that's the case.
His tools are very evident and in the softer current nhl it's undeniable that his size provides an advantage. I'd go as far as to call him a bit of a unicorn as long as his compete level stays high.
He showed that his game elevates with increased opportunity and skilled linemates and that's a great sign for us.
I don't think this will be a miromanov up front.
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I remember a game last year where Klapka was dominant all over the ice and Huska was asked what got into him after the game and he gave a two word answer:
"Jarome Iginla"
Huska should've said "Mr. Igina"
Wasn't it what Klapka said when he was asked after the game?
