Schlemko, Diaz, Potter; Who do we want to keep?

[J79]

Okay guys, I've never started a thread before so hopefully I'm not talking nonsense

While I'm still loving and enjoying every single minute of this incredible season, I'm also excited for next season.
It might be a bit early to talk about next years roster but I was wondering what your thoughts are on our 3 veteran 6/7 D-men who all become UFA's at the end of this season.

Do we try to re-sign them?

DAVID SCHLEMKO
Didn't had any expectations of him. Picked up to fill in a roster spot after Gio got injured. He made an unforgetable debut with his shootout winner against Boston. After that he had some bad bounces going against him but the last 15+ games he looks quite steady and reliable to me.
The way I see it he plays a low risk game. With so many of our d-men joining the rush, I don't mind a guy like Schlemko on the team and I wouldn't mind keeping him as a 7th D next season.

RAPHAEL DIAZ
Started the season as the 7th D, but still played 56 games.
During the season he settled in quite well, but his plays sometimes scare the hell out of me.
Still, I think he can be useful as the 7th D, but I would prefer Schlemko.

COREY POTTER
Played only 6 games and not a lot of minutes.
I don't think we should try to sign him. I rather give his spot to Tyler Wotherspoon.

I have to admit; I'm loving every guy on this TEAM so much, that I want to keep them all. However, I think our standard for d-men on our team should be higher then Schlemko, Diaz, Potter.

Eventhough I'm a Flames fan for 21 years, this was my first season that I've watched 75+ games, so maybe my view of these guys is totally off

[JiriHrdina]

Very little near-term depth coming. Wotherspoon may be able to compete for a spot next season and Morrison may be half a season out. Not much else is close.
So I think you try to bring both Schlemko and Diaz back.

[GioforPM]

I'd even keep Potter - the only risk is losing him on waivers. He hasn't been horrible.

Schlemko is a keeper IMO. Much better than waiver-bait.

Diaz - I'm a bit indifferent. He has wheels and a shot. Needs to up his D game.

[Coach]

Schlemko
Diaz
Potter

In that order. Not a fan of Potter in his limited time. I prefer Schlemko over Diaz, but like Diaz and wouldn't mind keeping him.

[devo22]

definitely want to keep Schlemko, he's been a nice addition. Also would bring back Diaz as a depth option.

[Nammer403]

Diaz and Schlemko

[ScorchyScorch]

Schlemmer hands down. I like Diaz as a 7th man. he has hustle out there and loves to shoot the puck at every opportunity, which I like.

[Dion]

I'd keep Schlemko and Diaz. We need both these players to give our prospects time to develop.

[GoinAllTheWay]

There is something about Diaz I like. Dood has some foot speed and good shot. But sometimes he makes some pretty bad plays.

He's like a diamond in the rough of sorts. Intriguing player but has some work to do on the D side of the game.

[Five-hole]

I think we'd like to have Diaz and Schlemko. The question is whether there's a fit for term. They both put together decent seasons that should earn them a 2-3 year deal somewhere. Do we want to give them that much term?

Can never have enough defencemen ...

[Caged Great]

Schlemko for sure as the new Derek Smith #7 D-man.

I don't think Diaz will be back because he could likely get more ice time elsewhere.

[foshizzle11]

I think Schlemko is a great 5/6 guy to have and very well could improve if he gets the opportunity to play more. Diaz is the next pick for me. I think they should let Potter walk or keep him down in the AHL to provide some veteran experience for the young guys. He is 31, so he won't be getting any better at this point IMO.

There isn't much coming for dmen next year. I agree that Ty Wotherspoon will be competing for a spot. I hope he cracks the line up and we have a decent NHLer on our hands for the future.

[Bandwagon In Flames]

Let Potter walk, the guy is old and replaceable by a guy like Wotherspoon.

Schlemko seems to be a great fit on the bottom pairing so I wouldn't mind keeping him.

I think it would be a waste to let Diaz walk after how much time the Flames put into training him to play NHL caliber defense. I'd like to see him on another 1 year deal. Hopefully in two years Hickey can ease into the bottom pairing, much the same way Brodie did at 20-21.

[TSXCman]

As per usual for threads like this in the middle of a playoff run:
FIRE THEM ALL, THEY ARE ALL REDUNDANT!


p.s. Get rid of Mason Raymond today.

[getbak]

My guess is that only Schlemko will be back of those three.

It also depends on what happens with Smid. Smid still has two years left on his contract, and he isn't even 30 yet, so I don't see him retiring unless his injury is severe.

If Smid does retire, or the Flames are able to move him, Diaz returning isn't a bad option.

Wotherspoon is still waiver-exempt for next season, so I could see him being the 8th man again. I don't think the Flames will be lucky enough to avoid major injuries to the blueline for most of next season again, so Spoon will likely get his shots even if he starts the year in Stockton.



Gio - Brodie
Russell - Wideman
Smid/Schlemko - Engelland

Diaz/Wotherspoon

[Benched]

what a waiver pickup Schlemko has been. Didn't expect much but he's been solid down the stretch.

And that beard. My god the glory of it!

[GranteedEV]

Schlemko and Diaz should return. Wotherspoon could use the extra year in Stockton IMO getting big minutes and leading that team as the #1 guy. It's nice to have a stable 7-man rotation (plus Smid if he's feeling good.). Come injuries, guys like Morrison and Wotherspoon can hopefully earn Hartley's trust.

[Huntingwhale]

I'd like to see Schlemko stay. He's earned another shot. Having said that, I hope the Flames try and acquire another solid top 4-5 guy this offseason. Could definitely use a lot more depth on the backend.

[Roof-Daddy]

Giordano - Brodie
Russell - Wideman
Schlemko - Engelland
Diaz

Let Potter go

Have Wotherspoon, Morrisson, etc, battle with Diaz and Schlemko for a roster spot.

All of this is assuming that Smid may be done due to injury unfortunately.

[cannon7]

Really depends on who we can add to the blueline in the offseason. Have been pleased with Schlemko and Diaz in a third pairing role, though. Realistically we should have 8 d-men, so if Schlemko and Diaz are 2/3rds of the #6-8 then I'm OK with that. Would like to see Engelland as a part of that trio and instead sign a Green off the UFA market.

Giordano
Brodie
Russell
Wideman
UFA
Engelland
Schlemko
Diaz

That'd look good to me. If Wotherspoon or another prospect make a push then we could move one of the vets.