[Rumour] Dreger: Backlund is available. Garrioch: Shane O'Brien available too

[_Q_]

If Backlund and Stajan are gone by trade deadline, who is going to play centre for us?

Monahan, Colborne, ?? and ??

While it might work until the off season, I'm scared of what would happen if any of Monahan or Colborne are injured. Are the Flames going to be going after any UFA centres this upcoming off-season?

[FlamesAddiction]

Originally Posted by _Q_

If Backlund and Stajan are gone by trade deadline, who is going to play centre for us?

Monahan, Colborne, ?? and ??

While it might work until the off season, I'm scared of what would happen if any of Monahan or Colborne are injured. Are the Flames going to be going after any UFA centres this upcoming off-season?

I am thinking both Reinhart and Knight finish the year in Calgary, barring some miraculous run into the playoffs.

[EYE_Overstand]

Originally Posted by neo45

Sarich is definitely better than O'Brien and is proving it in Colorado, but Hartley wasn't going to play him anyways so it doesn't really matter.


Hopefully we can get something for him, this year or the next

Sarich is good for a team going for it like Colorado BUT NOT for a team like the flames who are rebuilding.

[Lanny_McDonald]

Originally Posted by FlamesAddiction

I am thinking both Reinhart and Knight finish the year in Calgary, barring some miraculous run into the playoffs.

And we should all be happy with that. I think both deserve a long hard look at what they can do down the stretch.

[Roof-Daddy]

I really don't see the Flames playing out the season with four rookie centers, even if we are rebuilding.

Plus Reinhart has been playing wing both during his call up, and down in Abby.

I kind of think that the Flames will be trying to extend Stajan for a couple more years. Not sure how I feel about that idea, but I'm kind of expecting it at this point......especially with the Backlund rumours lately.

[Enoch Root]

Originally Posted by Roof-Daddy

I really don't see the Flames playing out the season with four rookie centers, even if we are rebuilding.

Plus Reinhart has been playing wing both during his call up, and down in Abby.

I kind of think that the Flames will be trying to extend Stajan for a couple more years. Not sure how I feel about that idea, but I'm kind of expecting it at this point......especially with the Backlund rumours lately.

Agreed - there is no way they go with Monahan, Colborne, Knight and a Reinhart (either one).

You have to have some experience. Also, with that lineup, they would have trouble hitting the floor.

They either extend Stajan or they get an experienced C in the UFA market.

[JiriHrdina]

Originally Posted by Enoch Root

If the Flames are considering trading Backlund, wtf is he not playing 2nd line C and getting PP time?

What has he done to earn that?

[devo22]

Originally Posted by JiriHrdina

What has he done to earn that?

he hasn't necessarily earned it (although I haven't seen his season as negative as others have), but I thought that IF the Flames let Monahan go to the WJC, Backlund takes his spot in a "do or die"-situation for a few games.

[Enoch Root]

Originally Posted by JiriHrdina

What has he done to earn that?

It's called showcasing.

[CalgaryFan1988]

The only thing I don't like about calling up Knight, Reinhart, etc.... Is that maybe for long term development they would be better off winning in Abbotsford this season, rather than losing with the Flames?

[EYE_Overstand]

Originally Posted by CalgaryFan1988

The only thing I don't like about calling up Knight, Reinhart, etc.... Is that maybe for long term development they would be better off winning in Abbotsford this season, rather than losing with the Flames?

100% agreed

[kn]

Wouldn't mind seeing Granlund up here also...

[Da_Chief]

Once Stajan/Backlund are traded likes of Ben Street will be brought back up. Paul Byron too. They will ensure we finish bottom 2 lol.

[EYE_Overstand]

Originally Posted by Da_Chief

Once Stajan/Backlund are traded likes of Ben Street will be brought back up. Paul Byron too. They will ensure we finish bottom 2 lol.

hopefully

[JiriHrdina]

Originally Posted by Enoch Root

It's called showcasing.

First it sends a bad message to the team
Second what if you give him that ice and he fails?

[Zevo]

Third, if he can perform in that role, why trade him?

[MrMastodonFarm]

Originally Posted by JiriHrdina

First it sends a bad message to the team

I fail to see how. Backlund is an every day NHL player, he sees about a minute of PP time per game, if for one or two games he's bumped to two-three minutes I doubt it's going to really send any message whatsoever.

I don't really agree with showcasing in general, pro scouts are out all the time, but I'd be shocked if any message is sent raising a guys ice time by a minute or two. No more of a message then continually playing duds on the powerplay like Glencross and David Jones.

[Enoch Root]

Originally Posted by Zevo

Third, if he can perform in that role, why trade him?

So if he does well, that's bad?

[Enoch Root]

Originally Posted by JiriHrdina

First it sends a bad message to the team
Second what if you give him that ice and he fails?

Players are showcased all the time. And players understand that.

Many think Jackman was showcased, and I don't think that sent any messages to the team.

Finally, define 'failing' on the PP... how could anyone tell against the backdrop of the current PP? Also, if the PP fails, who's fault is it?

[SeanCharles]

Originally Posted by $ven27

As long as its not Sven, Monahan, Gaudreau, Brodie or Gillies I dont care who goes.

I concur. Those are the only untouchables IMO.

Although Ortio is making a case to be added to the list. Poirier too.