[Rumour] Flames have made an offer to Steve Begin

[Wolven]

Originally Posted by Huntingwhale

God jesus please no. I'll never forget how he singlehandedly ruined the Flames chance at a higher draft pick by deciding to randomly score 2 goals in a game late in the season. Based on that alone he shouldn't be brought back.

^

This. Combined with "Let the young guys play".

I appreciate that Begin was a "great" depth guy for us last year but this year we really do not need him. Especially after all of the other acquisitions we have made that have filled up spots on the main roster. If we keep this up we will have all Vets and no rookies for them to mentor.

[GGG]

Originally Posted by Bend it like Bourgeois

'A spot' for a young guy should not mean they have it no matter how poorly they play. I dont think that helps their development at all.

When guys like Bouwma and Knight are struggling, instead of ramming their heads in to the walls for 80 games they can take a spin in the press box, watch the work ethic of a vet in practice, etc.

Hartley has shown no reluctance to sit Begin. And if these guys cant beat him out for a role over time then neither the youngsters nor the flames are further ahead pretending otherwise.

I dont see a downside.

I would rather rotate through rookies than rotate a veteran and a rookie.

Knight, Horak, Reinhart can split games depending on who's going and Hanowski, Bouma, Nemiz, can split games as well. We have lots of 3/4 line prospects that need NHL games to be evaluated.

Magratten and Jackman already provide that bottom end veteran presence so if Begin is signing Jackman needs to go. Although I would prefer to have Jackman gone and no Begin.

[Vulcan]

It sounds to me like it's a two way contract being offered. If that's the case, I can see him in Abbotsford and providing insurance if the Flames need him.

[The Original FFIV]

Originally Posted by Vulcan

It sounds to me like it's a two way contract being offered. If that's the case, I can see him in Abbotsford and providing insurance if the Flames need him.

I don't want us burning up contract space. Sign him to an ahl deal and if we need to pull a Kolonos and sign him if we absolutely need him. Like others have said hopefully someone else signs him and it's not an issue moving forward.

[hurtin_albertan]

Originally Posted by Bingo

You need quality people around a team full of younger players, I like Begin. Nothing but glowing reviews for his attitude and personality in the room.

If it's low dollars, and a two way deal, then why not have the guy in the fold?

The Oilers went too young and paid for it, so far the Flames are building up a secondary core which I think is smart. the other part of the puzzle is veteran guys that can iron out the wrinkles for young players.

I agree with this, and for a guy Begin's age to still be able to play in the NHL you know he's in damn good shape. Try being 23 and slacking off in the weight room while Begin is around, or not taking practices seriously, etc. It's not like he's going to be a disciplinarian or anything but I'm sure his presence would do more good than harm.

[Oling_Roachinen]

I don't think the young players should be given a free spot on the team, I'd prefer they earn it. However, with players like Knight, Bouma, Reinhart, Horak and borderline players in the AHL, I feel like there's already enough healthy competition on this team for the bottom 6.

Now, if those players would be better off playing more minutes and more regularly in the AHL for their development, I can understand wanting to getting a good veteran player who's fine with being a healthy scratch. But if Begin isn't on this team come October, I'd be perfectly happy as well.

[Clarke Wilm]

If Begin comes back, that should leave the door open for 'ol Clarke Wilm!

[puckluck2]

Truly unbelievable that someone can offer Begin a contract after he did sweet nothing last year. Didn't hit, didn't fight, didn't mix things up after the whistle or even during play.

Mind blowing. Terrible, terrible signing if true. No amount of character can make up for his uselessness on the ice.

[Southside]

Do not want Begin. Leave him be.

[Bend it like Bourgeois]

Originally Posted by GGG

I would rather rotate through rookies than rotate a veteran and a rookie.

Knight, Horak, Reinhart can split games depending on who's going and Hanowski, Bouma, Nemiz, can split games as well. We have lots of 3/4 line prospects that need NHL games to be evaluated.

Magratten and Jackman already provide that bottom end veteran presence so if Begin is signing Jackman needs to go. Although I would prefer to have Jackman gone and no Begin.

If you think all those guys are nhl ready then fair enough. I don't, though what do I know.

Bouwma and probably knight are physically ready, and probably not going to suffer sitting in the press box as often as not.

I think the rest need to play, a lot, develop their offence and pro game, etc. not ride the pine whether its for begin or some other young guy. They should be penciled in to start the year in Abby.

[BigFlameDog]

Originally Posted by puckluck2

Truly unbelievable that someone can offer Begin a contract after he did sweet nothing last year. Didn't hit, didn't fight, didn't mix things up after the whistle or even during play.

Mind blowing. Terrible, terrible signing if true. No amount of character can make up for his uselessness on the ice.

This is as harsh as it is inaccurate.

[dammage79]

There's better leaders and players out there the Flames can sign.

[sun]

Originally Posted by MissTeeks

Have we heard anything about Bouma's knee lately? Is it going to be okay for the start of the year?

Second hand info, I know a guy who knows him and he says his knee is good and that Bouma is ready and raring to go. Working hard towards a roster spot out of camp.

[ah123]

Originally Posted by dammage79

There's better leaders and players out there the Flames can sign.

The real question is: Which players out there want want to play on a team in year 1 of a total rebuild where their primary role is "being a role model" for the kids?

EDIT: If it is a two way deal, Begin would be playing that role in either Abbotsford or Calgary, which is an added bonus.

[Table 5]

I still haven't forgiven Begin for going superstar on us at the end of the season and gaining us two stupid points.

[JJsChaos]

Our season is saved!

[Super-Rye]

Originally Posted by Erick Estrada

Why not go after a guy like Brendan Morrow for character as he can play a bigger role with the team? Sure he will cost more in salary but the Flames have room. Begin may be a great guy but he can only do so much on the 4th line and in the press box. I like the idea of bringing in a veteran leader or two but why not guys that can play and contribute like a Gelinas type player?

Morrow would end up taking top 9 minutes away from someone else. Flames already have a crowded top 9. Also Morrow wouldn't accept a 2 way deal. Begin's role would be limited and if he got over taken by a youngster he would be a good guy to have in the Heat locker room.

[Alberta_Beef]

Begin wouldn't be more than a 13th/14th or AHL player, not sure why there is disdain for such a move. It's better to have Begin in the pressbox than one of the kids.

[Calgary4LIfe]

Part of developing players is surrounding players with strong leadership. Begin is really what a Flames 'was' - though his best years are far behind him. I would rather the Flames sign someone else as well, but maybe they tried and nobody of note really wants to come? As long as it is a 2-way, there is no harm in it. Begin is a hard-working vet who doesn't take a shift off - great example for the rookies to follow.

[StrykerSteve]

This had better be untrue. TOO many below average forwards!!!!