Oilers waive Toni Rajala - Page 2 - Calgarypuck Forums - The Unofficial Calgary Flames Fan Community

BACKCHECK!!! · 08-24-2013, 02:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Enoch Root

If Gaudreau is in Abby 2 years from now, it would be a huge disappointment, based on his current progression.

If Gaudreau is in Abbotsford in 2 years, the only thing I'd be surprised about would be the Flames affiliate still being in Abbotsford.

Quote:

If you think Rajala is more talented than Gaudreau, well, the nicest thing I can say is: you would be in the minority

I never said that. Just that Rajala has proven more so far, and at a higher level, than Gaudreau. I have no doubts about Gaudeau's talent, it's his ability to translate that talent into success at the highest levels that remains to be seen.

Fire · 08-24-2013, 09:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Saqe

That´s probably exactly where he will be playing in two years.

If Gaudreau signs with the Flames next off-season he will almost certainly be on the NHL roster.

PlayfulGenius · 08-24-2013, 10:19 PM

I hope the Flames scoop him and he turns out to be 5x better than Glencross!

FurnaceFace · 08-25-2013, 11:42 AM

He's listed as 5 10 so he's not a midget. He's small in weight however by all reports he's a quick mover and is a good puck distributor with good vision and a smart player. If the contract numbers isn't an issue then claim him and see what happens a year from now. Perhaps GMs are able to contact players in his position and determine what the plan is? He's got bags of potential which makes him intriguing.

Geeoff · 08-25-2013, 12:29 PM

Regardless of how talented he is, it seems like he wants to play in Europe, not in the NHL. Pointless to pick him up IMO.

vilzeh · 08-25-2013, 02:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Geeoff

Regardless of how talented he is, it seems like he wants to play in Europe, not in the NHL. Pointless to pick him up IMO.

That's just bull.

The Original FFIV · 08-25-2013, 03:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cral12

If contract #s weren't an issue, I'd like Flames to claim him, but it might not be something Flames want to give up at this point - contact # flexibility, that is.

Interesting to look back. I had him ranked 29th overall in this draft year - 2009.

Here's my snapshot profile on him from back then:

Toni Rajala profile at THW

(Profile have become much more in depth over the years that we do at THW as well!)

We could claim him and assign to Europe. In one year's time, Nemisz and Byron's contracts are up and if can come in next year and compete, why not? Contract numbers won't be an issue as we will in all likelihood be sellers at the deadline and shed contracts at that time.

sureLoss · 08-25-2013, 11:23 PM

Oilers website has his contract terminated;
http://oilers.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=673392

he is now an UFA.

Vulcan · 08-26-2013, 11:56 AM

With now one claiming him, it begins to look a bit like a J.D. Watt situation.

cowtown75 · 08-26-2013, 06:27 PM

He kind of reminds me of Hudler- smart player and great hockey smarts. Would rather have him in our system then some of the guys we currently have in there.

Travis Munroe · 08-26-2013, 11:19 PM

Watched quite a bit of this guy last year. He is a shoot first always looking to score player with great hands and a quick release. Very explosive in the O zone but isn't huge on D and not the character type guy to block a shot or make a hit.
I wouldnt compare him to Hudler as Jiri often buys time in the O zone and weighs options on passing vs shooting. This guy will shoot 90% of the time.
Personally I would take a shot on him and pair him with a couple of playmakers.

BACKCHECK!!! · 08-27-2013, 09:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vulcan

With now one claiming him, it begins to look a bit like a J.D. Watt situation.

You mean he's going to make a fake account on CP claiming to be "totally not Toni Rajala", and then come into this thread to justify the decisions made by "this dedicated and hard-working player who's sacrificed everything to get to where he is today"?

Because that's mostly how I remember the JD Watt situation.

BigRed · 08-27-2013, 09:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BACKCHECK!!!

You mean he's going to make a fake account on CP claiming to be "totally not Toni Rajala", and then come into this thread to justify the decisions made by "this dedicated and hard-working player who's sacrificed everything to get to where he is today"?

Because that's mostly how I remember the JD Watt situation.

Dude. I never saw that. Would love to. Can you share a link to the thread?

SuperMatt18 · 08-27-2013, 09:35 AM

PPG in the AHL last year is pretty good.

He will sign in Detroit and then become a star.

BACKCHECK!!! · 08-27-2013, 02:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigRed

Dude. I never saw that. Would love to. Can you share a link to the thread?

http://forumcdn.calgarypuck.com/showthread.php?t=100133

It's at the very end, post #209 I think where "Jaybird" shows up.

He signs up to CP as soon as the news breaks, his first 3 posts are all in the JD Watt thread defending him, and after he gets called out as being JD Watt, he only comments in the Abbotsford Heat thread where it's clear he had followed the team VERY closely.

Bourque's Twin · 08-28-2013, 08:16 AM

He's still pretty high risk because he hasn't proven himself in the NHL and he may lack the size necessary to make the jump. However, like other posters said before, I'd take him over several guys the Flames have signed:
Butler
SOB
B. Jones
Jackman
Nemisz

cral12 · 08-28-2013, 10:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bourque's Twin

He's still pretty high risk because he hasn't proven himself in the NHL and he may lack the size necessary to make the jump. However, like other posters said before, I'd take him over several guys the Flames have signed:
Butler
SOB
B. Jones
Jackman
Nemisz

That's the thing. Some have said not to sign because we have similarly (or likely better) smaller skilled forwards in the organization.

Yes, you do need a full compliment of players to complete a team. However, the Flames are nowhere near that stage. The prospect situation looks much more impressive than it has for a long time, but I'd take a glut of skilled guys. Given 50 contracts at this point, I want the best 50 players, with some allocation based on organizational need. When Flames get closer to contending, turn assets into what the team needs to compete.

Unless Rajala really set on returning to Europe permanently, I'd hope Flames at least take a long look at him, just to make a well informed decision. Hopefully, that's the process that goes on behind the scenes.

davidbjordan · 08-28-2013, 10:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BACKCHECK!!!

http://forumcdn.calgarypuck.com/showthread.php?t=100133

It's at the very end, post #209 I think where "Jaybird" shows up.

He signs up to CP as soon as the news breaks, his first 3 posts are all in the JD Watt thread defending him, and after he gets called out as being JD Watt, he only comments in the Abbotsford Heat thread where it's clear he had followed the team VERY closely.

Sorry just thought i would correct the post number, ended up going through the whole thread looking for the comedy... great old thread that was

TurnedTheCorner · 08-28-2013, 10:48 AM

Pick him up on waivers under the condition that he trolls reporters during camp and tells them all that the correct pronunciation of his name is Granato. He must maintain a straight face. If he gets enough writers to run with the story, give him a two way contract extension.

cral12 · 08-30-2013, 08:53 AM

After voting for Ortio (Ortsa) in the prospect poll, I had a flashback to what a great interview he was back in 2009.

Here's an excerpt from the in depth interview - comment he made about Rajala:

"CR: Who is your favorite teammate(s) so far in your career (and why)?

JO: My favorite player so far has been Toni Rajala from the national team because if I let in an easy goal he usually bailed me out with scoring two goals for us."

Full interview link