Predict Burkes next moves

[OzSome]

His daughter will bring him to a barber or hairdresser. After that he will promote a barn fight between him and Kevin Lowe then trade for Dustin Penner.

[DeluxeMoustache]

Originally Posted by Erick Estrada

Breen seems on the surface to be the type of player Burke covets. You would think he would at least want to take a good look at what he can do as he hasn't had much of a shot so far. SOB hasn't been terrible but he is what he is and it wouldn't hurt to put in Breen for a few games to get a better evaluation.

Breen has looked terrible out of his depth in his opportunities, and he got a heck of a lot better time to allow for evaluation than Tim Ramholt

[dying4acup]

This thread has very easy answers. (Assuming another GM isn't hired within a couple weeks)

UFAs are gone. If there is a young one who fits for a year or 2 and is young(Russell) maybe a team friendly extension. Otherwise goodbye.

Any bottom 6 player who doesn't hit and/or have size: GONE!
If Burke doesn't see Stajan (UFA anyway), Backlund or Byron as top 6 guys, they won't be here. Backlund, and possibly Byron, might be small, but good defensively. Burke made it very clear that he thinks that his bottom 6 should be big.

The fundamental difference between Burke and Feaster: Burke believes in top 6 and bottom 6. I might be wrong, but I don't think I ever heard him say "top-9". Feaster (like most eastern teams) believes in "Top-9, and 4th line". Not wrong, but not the way Burke (or Darryl Sutter for that matter) does things. If there is a tweener, he has to be big(like Bertuzzi, Kassian, Colborne).

[The Yen Man]

Originally Posted by ricardodw

Monahan Kane and Baertschi/Gaudreau would be a legit #1 line for the next 5 years.

There's no way Calgary is getting Kane without giving up either or both of Baertschi and Gaudreau, so I don't see this scenario ever happening.

As bad as the Jets are, they're not just going to give Kane away. The guy's only 22. If anything, I can see them making a trade with the Flyers for Brayden Schenn.

[djsFlames]

Why would TOR take Stajan back? Unless they need that 2-way 2-3 line center guy.

Would be hilarious but I don't think so.

Stajan is the only legitimate vet center who also plays hard on the puck. I think Burke will be hesitant to let him go just yet.

I honestly can't predict, cause I don't think there are many/any moves to be made that are worth making until much closer to deadline time. But that said, I can see him trying to pry some previously treasured piece of his from Toronto that he thinks he can get his hands on for Stempniak or some prospects.

[djsFlames]

Originally Posted by The Yen Man

If anything, I can see them making a trade with the Flyers for Brayden Schenn.

Which is pretty much "giving him away" by the standards you've just outlined.

[Calgary4LIfe]

Count me in as shocked if Stajan gets extended.

He has been more physical - even chippy at times! - but he in no way fits Burke's thoughts of bottom 6.

Though he is filling in admirably on a depleted roster like Calgary's in the top 6, that is exactly what he is doing - filling in. I like Stajan and what he has been doing the last 2 years - a complete 180 from the guy who allowed a long-shot rookie in Horak to just take his job, and then had that defeatist attitude that Feaster went off on. He is now a guy that doesn't give up on many plays, tries to be scrappy, and is a much more successful player on the ice.

However, based on what Burke has stated, I just don't see how he fits the team anywhere. He would only be a stop-gap anyways. With Monahan, Knight and Colborne on the upswing, with Backlund who is younger and ARGUABLY has more upside (though he doesn't seem like a 'Burke' type either), and a wildcard like Jankowski (plus Arnold who is often over-looked), you have to start assuming that Stajan would only be a stop-gap for this team.

Doubtful that Stajan would agree to sign for 2 years or less, and doubtful the Flames would want to invest in anything longer. I am sure he will be traded.

[dying4acup]

Originally Posted by Calgary4LIfe

Count me in as shocked if Stajan gets extended.

He has been more physical - even chippy at times! - but he in no way fits Burke's thoughts of bottom 6.

Though he is filling in admirably on a depleted roster like Calgary's in the top 6, that is exactly what he is doing - filling in. I like Stajan and what he has been doing the last 2 years - a complete 180 from the guy who allowed a long-shot rookie in Horak to just take his job, and then had that defeatist attitude that Feaster went off on. He is now a guy that doesn't give up on many plays, tries to be scrappy, and is a much more successful player on the ice.

However, based on what Burke has stated, I just don't see how he fits the team anywhere. He would only be a stop-gap anyways. With Monahan, Knight and Colborne on the upswing, with Backlund who is younger and ARGUABLY has more upside (though he doesn't seem like a 'Burke' type either), and a wildcard like Jankowski (plus Arnold who is often over-looked), you have to start assuming that Stajan would only be a stop-gap for this team.

Doubtful that Stajan would agree to sign for 2 years or less, and doubtful the Flames would want to invest in anything longer. I am sure he will be traded.

Agreed!

As much as I have enjoyed this more aggressive version of Matt Stajan, I have no reason to believe he will play this way after an extension.

In addition, baertschi is on audition for the next 15 months to prove he is a "TOP-6 forward". If he's not that in Burke's(or new GMs) eyes, he's traded.

The "Burke rule" is: bottom 6 is big and "truculent", while still able to play hockey.

Bottom line: if u r small, u better be a valuable, scoring, responsible top-6 forward. Otherwise: BUH-BYE!

[edslunch]

Originally Posted by Calgary4LIfe

Count me in as shocked if Stajan gets extended.

He has been more physical - even chippy at times! - but he in no way fits Burke's thoughts of bottom 6.

Though he is filling in admirably on a depleted roster like Calgary's in the top 6, that is exactly what he is doing - filling in. I like Stajan and what he has been doing the last 2 years - a complete 180 from the guy who allowed a long-shot rookie in Horak to just take his job, and then had that defeatist attitude that Feaster went off on. He is now a guy that doesn't give up on many plays, tries to be scrappy, and is a much more successful player on the ice.

However, based on what Burke has stated, I just don't see how he fits the team anywhere. He would only be a stop-gap anyways. With Monahan, Knight and Colborne on the upswing, with Backlund who is younger and ARGUABLY has more upside (though he doesn't seem like a 'Burke' type either), and a wildcard like Jankowski (plus Arnold who is often over-looked), you have to start assuming that Stajan would only be a stop-gap for this team.

Doubtful that Stajan would agree to sign for 2 years or less, and doubtful the Flames would want to invest in anything longer. I am sure he will be traded.

Probably right, but I heard an interview with Burke and he said surprisingly good things about Stajan - said he really found his game the last year and this

[edslunch]

Originally Posted by The Yen Man

There's no way Calgary is getting Kane without giving up either or both of Baertschi and Gaudreau, so I don't see this scenario ever happening.

As bad as the Jets are, they're not just going to give Kane away. The guy's only 22. If anything, I can see them making a trade with the Flyers for Brayden Schenn.

I described a 4 for 1 as the magnitude of a deal to get Kane, but agree unless they're Darryl Sutter desperate they don't take it. I can easily see Burke substituting in a top prospect that doesn't meet his criteria, like a Baertschi or a Gaudreau. If there's a piece he wants he will be decisive about it.

[The Yen Man]

Originally Posted by djsFlames

Which is pretty much "giving him away" by the standards you've just outlined.

Not sure what this means. Are you saying UFA Cammallari is is a more valuable in a trade than a 22 year old Brayden Schenn?

[CalgaryFan1988]

Not sure if he's going to hire a GM first, or make a trade first, but I predict like most people. Stempniak, Cammalleri and Stajan are all going to be traded by the deadline. I also think Butler will be dealt once Wideman is healthy.

Flames currently have 16 forwards with the big club, something has to give. Trading these 3 away, especially given that he's already traded Stajan and Stempniak previously, is almost a given.

Glencross - Monahan - Hudler
Byron - Backlund - D. Jones
Galiardi - Colborne - B. Jones
MacDermid - Bouma - McGrattan
Reinhart

Giordano - Wideman
Smid - Brodie
Russell - O'Brien
Breen

Not pretty, but I don't see another way. Plus it gives us the best chance going forward IMO.

Again just my opinion, but signing aging perimeter players like Stempniak and Stajan would just be spinning wheels, despite their work ethic and seemingly positive attitude.

[Francis's Hairpiece]

Originally Posted by Wolfman

Re-aquires Phaneuf

That was my first thought. He has a real love for the guy, so it's not out of the realm of possibility.

[TheDebaser]

Originally Posted by CalgaryFan1988

Not sure if he's going to hire a GM first, or make a trade first, but I predict like most people. Stempniak, Cammalleri and Stajan are all going to be traded by the deadline. I also think Butler will be dealt once Wideman is healthy.

Flames currently have 16 forwards with the big club, something has to give. Trading these 3 away, especially given that he's already traded Stajan and Stempniak previously, is almost a given.

Glencross - Monahan - Hudler
Byron - Backlund - D. Jones
Galiardi - Colborne - B. Jones
MacDermid - Bouma - McGrattan
Reinhart

Giordano - Wideman
Smid - Brodie
Russell - O'Brien
Breen

Not pretty, but I don't see another way. Plus it gives us the best chance going forward IMO.

Again just my opinion, but signing aging perimeter players like Stempniak and Stajan would just be spinning wheels, despite their work ethic and seemingly positive attitude.

That center depth is really #### with Stajan gone though. We just have to sign a veteran center for at least two years. Throwing Monahan in as a first liner already is a great way to risk his development.

On the plus side, a roster like that has a real shot at McDavid.

[TheDebaser]

Wouldn't it be funny if Burke ended up winning a lottery and drafting the best player in the game?

Not such a dumb idea then eh Burkie?

[CalgaryFan1988]

Originally Posted by TheDebaser

That center depth is really #### with Stajan gone though. We just have to sign a veteran center for at least two years. Throwing Monahan in as a first liner already is a great way to risk his development.

On the plus side, a roster like that has a real shot at McDavid.

In all fairness, our Center depth is pretty ####ty with or without Stajan.

Next year should be rock bottom, and I am hoping for McDavid, but I'd like the lineup I posted for 2 months, not a whole season. Just to see what we have for players once and for all.

[Calgary4LIfe]

Originally Posted by TheDebaser

That center depth is really #### with Stajan gone though. We just have to sign a veteran center for at least two years. Throwing Monahan in as a first liner already is a great way to risk his development.

On the plus side, a roster like that has a real shot at McDavid.

Backlund
Monahan
Colborne
Knight

I don't think you keep Stajan without jettisoning Backlund, unless you feel Knight needs to work on his game before coming up next year. You also have Granlund that will probably be needing more minutes and an expanded role on the Heat as well. There is pressure from below pushing up.

Now, will Stajan sign a 2 year deal? I don't see it. He is probably looking to cash in on his last 2 years, and get some security for himself. Backlund (or Street, who seemed 'fine' in that spot defensively at the start of the season, though it was a limited sample size) would be guys you try and rely on defensively and to shelter your prospects.

An alternative would be to try and find someone cheap that is good defensively. I am not sure if there are any available through trade that make sense, or who will be available in the off-season and require a short-term 'prove myself' contract.

It is not a great position to be in - but at least it is nice for once having centers be pushing themselves onto this team. Do you cap that with Stajan for 4(+) years? I don't think you do.

The biggest problem is that Backlund is poor at faceoffs. If he could just change that aspect of his game, he will fit in perfect for next year on the top line (he is the 2nd best defensive center on the team after Stajan), without worrying about negatively affecting another center's confidence by putting that center in a role he is not ready for, especially if the Flames feel Backlund is expendable and not part of the future.

I have no idea really what they should do. Tough spot to be in.

[Vinny01]

I think Cammy, Stajan, Stempniak, Russell, Galliardi, Butler are all trade bait.

I think Burke will go into asset acquiring mode by trading pending UFA's and low end prospects for assets. He will make a couple of cap space deals that look like steals.

I think that the Flames go into hoarding asset mode to position themselves to make a couple big moves at the draft. I think they are going to target a guy like Kane or O'Rielly as well as try to move up to number 1 in the draft to get Ekblad