Kane is almost as bad defensively as Phil Kessel. Great scorer and it might not be an issue if the cost was lower, which it will not be. I also just don't think I want that guy on my team.
It wouldn't have to be Kane, but you get the idea. Not having some cap space going into the season could have an opportunity cost later down the road. It's nice to have some flexibility.
I came across one interesting stat about Rodrigues though. He had a shooting percentage of 7.8%. No player with a shooting percentage under 8.2% had more goals than him (Josi), and for forwards, you would have to go up to 8.4% (Trevor Moore). There were 3 or 4 players with similar goal totals and shooting percentages, but 19 goals with a 7.8% stands out a lot.
Rodrigues misses a lot (obviously his highlight reel doesn't show that), but Sutter teams also like to shoot, so it is conceivable that Rodrigues would break 20 goals under Sutter. His shooting percentage has been pretty low his whole career (ranging from about 5-10%), so 7.8% was pretty on the mark for him. I wouldn't expect that percentage to get better, but if it stays consistent, his totals likely go up just by increasing the shot volume.
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Last edited by FlamesAddiction; 08-25-2022 at 04:21 PM.
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Again, I'd rather sign someone now than give up a 2nd for the same player at the deadline.
My counter to this is to question whether Rodrigues brings up forward depth up to “championship quality” or are we better off to target a higher quality forward via trade (with salary retention) in-season?
I think the Flames need another impact winger, so I’d sooner focus in on that while giving some younger players a chance to run with a position as it seems we have a number of them knocking on the door (Phillips, Ruzicka, Pelletier).
Rodrigues had an arbitration deal worth $2 million once. Other than that, he's never earned more than $1 million in any season.
If you can sign him for $1 million or not much more, you're really not affecting your cap number much. Some other forward will be off the roster instead, and $250,000 over the league minimum is not a cap hit to worry about.
I think an experienced forward who can play centre, is good defensively, and has a certain amount of offensive skill is worth something over minimum salary. Having him wouldn't preclude adding an impact player at the deadline if there's a deal to be made.
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If you can get Evan Rodrigues to give you Derek Ryan-type impacts in the middle six for less than $2 million, you're laughing all the way to the bank.
I still think the Flames are missing what Ryan brought in terms of secondary scoring and defensive play during his tenure, particularly in his first two seasons.
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A good variety of goal scoring methods (battling in tight for rebounds, hard and accurate wrist shot both through traffic and in all alone, good hands in tight, and as mentioned his onetimer looks lethal).
Last edited by AC; 08-25-2022 at 07:32 PM.
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I think Rodrigues' production from last year is an anomaly. He got extra minutes because of injuries, and he was playing for a contract. He plays well defensively, but he has Dominik Simon written all over him, and he's small.
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Last Word on Hockey did a write-up about how Philly might trade C/LW Scott Laughton. I know that our most immediate need is a 2nd line RW, but I’ve been a fan of Laughton’s since junior. He’s 6’1”, defensively responsible, and plays the game HARD. He’s also a leader, and someone who could help come playoff time. He’s scrappy and hard-nosed. I know it won’t happen, but boy would he look good on a line with Backs and Coleman. He’s signed for the next 4 years at $3m/ per.
I think Rodrigues' production from last year is an anomaly. He got extra minutes because of injuries, and he was playing for a contract. He plays well defensively, but he has Dominik Simon written all over him, and he's small.
No offence ... but since when is 5'11", 184 small? I can understand having reservations against someone who's 5'7" or 5'8" but it seems like 5'11" is pretty average NHL height these days.
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No offence ... but since when is 5'11", 184 small? I can understand having reservations against someone who's 5'7" or 5'8" but it seems like 5'11" is pretty average NHL height these days.
The average NHL player last year was just over 6'1".
