Calgary Flames: No Post Apex Plan (N-PAP)

[taxbuster]

I'm not sure that Cammi and Tangs will get any activity via trade. Might be best as compliance buyouts if not.....sadly, both are, well.....unenthusiastic?

[Geeoff]

Originally Posted by Roof-Daddy

Three players I'd like to see the Flames aim for via trades, that are possibly avalilable and IMO are young enough to help next season and beyond are:

Paul Stastny - 27 year old center, his big cap hit doesn't matter anymore, and next year is his contract year. If he fits in, he could probably be resigned to a more cap friendly deal moving forward.

Tyler Myers - 23 year old former Calder winner who has struggled for two seasons now. Don't know if he could be had, or for what but a change of scenery might be what he needs for a turn around. He's huge, mobile, capable of logging big minutes and definitely "pre-apex". Also a right handed shot, which is something our system sorely lacks going forward.

Jamie McBain - 25 year old D-man who was rumoured to be available. IMO he is a very similar player to Giordano, but has more offensive upside. Also a right handed shot, and just reaching his prime.

I don't know how things would/will shake out on the wings, but I'd be pretty happy if the Flames went into next season looking like this down the middle....

Stastny (27)
Backlund (24)
MacKinnon (18)

...and maybe snag a veteran, two way, good sized, physical 3rd/4th line center who is strong in the face off dot. (Eg. Boyd Gordon, Jerrod Smithson)

Then on D.....

Giordano (30) - Myers (23)
Brodie (23) - Wideman (29)
Breen (23) - McBain (25)

...Breen would be pretty much the only one really battling for his spot, as the rest are already proven NHL D-men.

I don't think you would be very happy with the price it would take to acquire any of those players. Maaaaybe McBain would be feasible.

[Beatle17]

Target a guy like Karl Alzner on defence. He is a RFA and maybe the Flames could trade for his rights and take a crappy contract like Joel Ward. I think this is the type of deal the Flames are talking about, but I have no idea who the Flames would have to offer.

[MrMastodonFarm]

Originally Posted by dying4acup

I'm ok with what's been said in theory, but if Feasters plan is to put all his eggs in this 1 draft (or god forbid trade some picks that he's just acquired), and then use 2014 picks for offer sheet or trade, this plan is flawed.

No team can bank on one draft to fix everything wrong with their team, let alone the flames team at this point in time. It's going to take at least 2-3 drafts to re-tool. And that's with average to above-average evaluation and drafting.

I highly doubt the Flames are focusing on just one draft, they are probably focusing on them all. They need to continually be a well-drafting team, that's the bottom line. To get on top, and stay on top.

Easier said then done but I doubt they're just thinking "This draft or bust!"

[Roof-Daddy]

Originally Posted by Geeoff

I don't think you would be very happy with the price it would take to acquire any of those players. Maaaaybe McBain would be feasible.

That may absolutely be the case, and if so I am just fine with the Flames drafting and developing from scratch. If those type players can be had for decent prices however, it would potentially accelerate the rebuild IMO

[Textcritic]

Originally Posted by dying4acup

I'm ok with what's been said in theory, but if Feasters plan is to put all his eggs in this 1 draft (or god forbid trade some picks that he's just acquired), and then use 2014 picks for offer sheet or trade, this plan is flawed.

No team can bank on one draft to fix everything wrong with their team, let alone the flames team at this point in time. It's going to take at least 2-3 drafts to re-tool. And that's with average to above-average evaluation and drafting.

Why would we suddenly assume that this is part of "the plan"? I understand that people are angry and sceptical, but this doesn't entitle anyone to jump to ridiculous conclusions.

[dying4acup]

Originally Posted by MrMastodonFarm

I highly doubt the Flames are focusing on just one draft, they are probably focusing on them all. They need to continually be a well-drafting team, that's the bottom line. To get on top, and stay on top.

Easier said then done but I doubt they're just thinking "This draft or bust!"

Originally Posted by Textcritic

Why would we suddenly assume that this is part of "the plan"? I understand that people are angry and sceptical, but this doesn't entitle anyone to jump to ridiculous conclusions.

If the plan is to make the playoffs in 2014 and the focus is on restricted free agents, then I am concerned. I get the plan, but I'm not sure about the urgency. If the ownership is in an arena struggle, the mandate might become "sign the best guys available," and, "win now". Again. Probably not the best plan. I'm not in the know, but I'm not a fan of this idea.
Now if u want to bring Jarome back after winning a cup, I understand. But if u r planning to trade away draft picks and prospects, well, slow your roll. That's all I am saying.

[Textcritic]

Originally Posted by JayP

I would agree with you completely except Feaster outright said they weren't interested in taking on other team's dead weight in one of his interviews yesterday (either the press conference or the Fan960 interview).

I agree that cap space can be very valuable to a rebuild and actually suggested to some friends that this is what they should look at doing. Acquire some guys like Briere that help a team free up some cap space, take a 2nd rounder back, and have decent NHL veteran to fill out the roster. But Feaster outright said that he isn't looking to do this so until it happens I'm assuming the Flames won't.

Well, Feaster says a lot of things, and I think we can all agree that much of his rhetoric is space-filler or propaganda. Both supporters and critics of Feaster's will cite his statements in the media to support their own conclusions, but will also point to inconsistencies between his words and actions as evidence of either his disingenuousness or savvy misdirection. Public statements made by the franchise function only to show what the Flames hope to achieve in their public perception, and are a poor barometer for gauging the direction of the franchise, or even the finer points of "the plan".

I would suggest that what the Flames seem to be doing is setting themselves in as best as possible a position to rebuild, by ensuring that they can acquire players and pieces through a wide range of circumstances. They clearly want to build through the draft, but have also positioned themselves to work through free agency. At this point, I think it is fair to say that Feaster wants to supplement the build through compliance buyouts and RFA offer-sheets. Nobody really knows how this summer will play out, what sorts of players will be made available, nor what the market will command, but I think it is probably smart for the Flames to position themselves to take advantage of what ever might transpire. It's sort of a once-in-a-generation opportunity to dramatically remake the franchise—similar to what happened in the summer of 2005—and the Flames are merely ensuring that they are in a place to take advantage of what could be a very interesting and exciting summer market.

[Textcritic]

Originally Posted by dying4acup

If the plan is to make the playoffs in 2014 and the focus is on restricted free agents, then I am concerned. I get the plan, but I'm not sure about the urgency. If the ownership is in an arena struggle, the mandate might become "sign the best guys available," and, "win now". Again. Probably not the best plan. I'm not in the know, but I'm not a fan of this idea.
Now if u want to bring Jarome back after winning a cup, I understand. But if u r planning to trade away draft picks and prospects, well, slow your roll. That's all I am saying.

NOBODY is a fan of this idea precisely because it is a foolish idea. Feaster was pretty clear in his clarification interview about what he meant by the "playoff mandate" and it most certainly is NOT at the expense of the longer-term future.

Again, while I am fairly certain the Flames are eager to do what they can through compliance buyouts and RFA hunting, etc., my impression is not that there is the same sort of urgency to win now. The urgency I perceive is to ensure that the team maintains the correct attitude, so as not to re-create a losing culture.

[Bend it like Bourgeois]

Originally Posted by Textcritic

Well, Feaster says a lot of things, and I think we can all agree that much of his rhetoric is space-filler or propaganda. Both supporters and critics of Feaster's will cite his statements in the media to support their own conclusions, but will also point to inconsistencies between his words and actions as evidence of either his disingenuousness or savvy misdirection. Public statements made by the franchise function only to show what the Flames hope to achieve in their public perception, and are a poor barometer for gauging the direction of the franchise, or even the finer points of "the plan".

I would suggest that what the Flames seem to be doing is setting themselves in as best as possible a position to rebuild, by ensuring that they can acquire players and pieces through a wide range of circumstances. They clearly want to build through the draft, but have also positioned themselves to work through free agency. At this point, I think it is fair to say that Feaster wants to supplement the build through compliance buyouts and RFA offer-sheets. Nobody really knows how this summer will play out, what sorts of players will be made available, nor what the market will command, but I think it is probably smart for the Flames to position themselves to take advantage of what ever might transpire. It's sort of a once-in-a-generation opportunity to dramatically remake the franchise—similar to what happened in the summer of 2005—and the Flames are merely ensuring that they are in a place to take advantage of what could be a very interesting and exciting summer market.

Great post.

I think the flames will move picks and prospects for nhl players this summer. Just not old players.

The flames added the equivalent of an entire draft year in the last 2 weeks - a very good one. I suspect they are going to use that, not just sit on it.

[Da_Chief]

Updated with signings and call-ups.

Hanowksi signing puts us at 49 contracts.

Agostino is likely going back for his senior year, use the last spot to get on his teammate.

[ClubFlames]

What's the scouting report on Laganiere? I heard Bob Mckenzie say this year's college FA wasn't as strong as years past but he did place Laganiere in top 3 along with Sustr and Leblanc.

[really?]

If you look across professional sports you'd be hard pressed to find organizations that have long term success that do not build that success around a core of guys they developed. I would offer that this is not the offseason to go making any significant commitment to veteran's outside of the organization. Next year should really be a season with the goal being to begin the process of identifying the future core of this team. If the squad finds its legs and competes, great, but it management pushes to build an identity around players from outside the organization it would be a huge mistake.

Sure am glad Colorado felt the need to snatch up O'Reilly. Also glad the Rangers pulled Richards out of the Flames' grasp. Skill and experience are nice, but attitude is ultimately what breeds success, and early indications suggest the Flames are positioned to develop a good attitude internally.

[Da_Chief]

Bump, with recent roster moves, everything should be updated.