Top 25 UFA's still available

[Anduril]

Originally Posted by FlameZilla

I would certainly kick the tyres on Whitney & try & sign him on the cheap. He would add size to our top 3 defence.

There's a difference between adding size as in a big body that is used to eliminate opponents from the crease/against the boards and an individual that merely stands taller than most players.

[dustygoon]

Originally Posted by OILFAN #81

Updated the list. A lot of the original list remains a UFA.

Something strange going on with Grabovski. Seems like a decent 2nd line center with speed, feistiness, scoring upside and something to prove. The contract is a weight now off his shoulders. Why is he not signed? I can only presume either 1) he doesn't want to come to Calgary or 2) this is one of the most obvious signs that Feaster is tanking this year (ie doesn't want a 2nd line center in his prime.)

[Kickazzflames]

Originally Posted by dustygoon

Something strange going on with Grabovski. Seems like a decent 2nd line center with speed, feistiness, scoring upside and something to prove. The contract is a weight now off his shoulders. Why is he not signed? I can only presume either 1) he doesn't want to come to Calgary or 2) this is one of the most obvious signs that Feaster is tanking this year (ie doesn't want a 2nd line center in his prime.)

Or... he is still on his honeymoon?

Not sure how long he was planning on going on a honeymoon for.. but when your making 5+ mil a year and you got 2-3 months off, could be quite the honeymoon.

He and his agent have also said they will explore all options. I am guessing he wants 4-5 years so he can settle down. Feaster is only offering 1-2 years. A player like grabovski does not fit our team. Yeah we need centers but we don't need a 29 year old in his prime.

[moon]

Originally Posted by dustygoon

Something strange going on with Grabovski. Seems like a decent 2nd line center with speed, feistiness, scoring upside and something to prove. The contract is a weight now off his shoulders. Why is he not signed? I can only presume either 1) he doesn't want to come to Calgary or 2) this is one of the most obvious signs that Feaster is tanking this year (ie doesn't want a 2nd line center in his prime.)

The way he left TO and other reports over the years would indicate that he isn't the best guy in the room or to deal with.

If Calgary is focusing on bringing in the "right" guys during this rebuild bringing in Grabovski probably doesn't fit in with what the team wants especially since, even though an upgrade on the centers we have, he really doesn't make the team that much better.

[Flash Walken]

Originally Posted by Roof-Daddy

That's rough, especially for a guy who's played 14 years for them....not to mention his former team mates Roy and Sakic, whom he won a Stanley Cup with, are now running the show.

Tough business, that's for sure. Heck of a forward group they have though, so I can understand why they'd look to move on.

Landeskog - Duchene - Parenteau
O'Reilly - Stastny - Downie
Tanguay - Mackinnon - McGinn


....pricks.

I think it is spelled p.i.c.k.s actually.

[dustygoon]

Originally Posted by moon

The way he left TO and other reports over the years would indicate that he isn't the best guy in the room or to deal with.

If Calgary is focusing on bringing in the "right" guys during this rebuild bringing in Grabovski probably doesn't fit in with what the team wants especially since, even though an upgrade on the centers we have, he really doesn't make the team that much better.

He gave some lip after he was bought out. But Komisarek had some supportive things to say about him after both bought out. Who knows.

[StrykerSteve]

hockey rumors & trades!
Mikhail Grabovski's agent Gary Greenstin says that 3 teams are 'very interested' in his client but a decision is not expected to be made until August. The ‪#‎Ducks‬ , ‪#‎Flames‬ , ‪#‎Capitals‬ , ‪#‎Lightning‬ & ‪#‎Redwings‬ all expressed interest but it is unclear which teams are still in the mix.

CruickshankCH #Canucks not interested in Gilbert Brule -- should #Flames be? Unrestricted, 26-year-old, right-handed centre. Sixth overall pick in 2005.
via web

Grabovski and Brule, what say thee?

[Muta]

Not really sure why we couldn't give Brule a chance. Sign him to a two-way contract. If he can dominate the AHL with Abbotsford, bring him up for a couple games and see how he does. The kid has talent, and he's still young.

[StrykerSteve]

Can't say I disagree with you.

[sureLoss]

Brule has been discussed here:
http://forum.calgarypuck.com/showthread.php?t=129201


As for Grabovski, if he wants long term it makes no sense for the Flames. He also said he wanted to go to a contender.

[moon]

Originally Posted by Muta

Not really sure why we couldn't give Brule a chance. Sign him to a two-way contract. If he can dominate the AHL with Abbotsford, bring him up for a couple games and see how he does. The kid has talent, and he's still young.

The bottom 6 is already overcrowded as it is especially on the wings and I am not sure Brule brings all that much different from what we already have.

Wouldn't be the worst thing to sign him but I can't think it would be his first choice to go the AHL and try and fight through a crowded line-up or that having him in the line up over guys like Bouma, Horak etc.

[Fighting Banana Slug]

I wouldn't mind having the Flames give Brule a shot, but what sort of contract are we talking about? I assume he is looking for at least a 2-way NHL deal. How close to 50 are we?

[Canada 02]

Weisbrod on the UFA market - "I would be surprised if we jumped into that market. We are interested in giving our young players an opportunity to earn jobs. When you bring in veteran players you make it difficult for that to happen"

http://pmd.fan960.com/audio_on_deman...-Interview.mp3

[timbit]

Originally Posted by Canada 02

Weisbrod on the UFA market - "I would be surprised if we jumped into that market. We are interested in giving our young players an opportunity to earn jobs. When you bring in veteran players you make it difficult for that to happen"

http://pmd.fan960.com/audio_on_deman...-Interview.mp3

Times they are a changin'.

[BACKCHECK!!!]

Grabovski can basically fill the same role on the Flames that Stajan does (hard minutes veteran who will shelter the kids), except he's better than Stajan.

I think that the best thing for a player's development is to play against opposition that is slightly better than he is, and to play with linemates that are as good as possible.

If the Flames are going to keep some vets around to help during the rebuild (which they absolutely should), and have all the cap space in the world (which they do), then they may as well get the best vets available (which at the centre position is pretty much Grabovski).

Go with Grabovski, Backlund, Stajan, and Knight at centre, with Reinhart as the call-up.

Horak and Bouma still have something to gain by playing on the wing for now at the NHL level.

[GreenLantern]

I still think McGinn played over his head last year and will have a falling out of sorts. But yea, they aren't hurting for young forwards thats for sure.

Too bad their defense sucks.

[cannon7]

Can never have too many skilled Swiss forwards, so I'd like to see Brunner signed as well. Might be a good mentor for Baertschi. He would have been on pace for ~50pts on a full 82 game schedule. I'm all for picking up Detroit's scraps, was interested in Filipula, too.

If we acquired Grabovski as well it would almost be like Feaster was building an aermy of average sized 50pts fowards.

[Wolfman]

I can't believe Brunner has not been signed by any team yet. It means one things possible; wants too much $. It could also mean that his wishlist for teams is very small. Who knows but this guy is young and skilled enough to get a spot on any team.

[neo45]

I'd like to see the Flames talk to Hedjuk, Brunner, and Grabovski, and if the fit/$ are right then I wouldn't be opposed to one of them being signed.

Also wouldn't mind seeing Brule get a camp invite. He impressed me when he was in Phoenix

[dammage79]

One of Mueller or Grabovsky would be nice. Bolster the line up a little more in case some of the young guys aren't ready.