Lines when Colborne/Backs/Raymond are all back

[Dienasty]

I wonder if the Flames could trade for Chris Stewart out of Buffalo.

He is inconsistent but man if you can motivate him he is a beast. I am pretty sure I wouldn't be thrilled to play for Buffalo either. At this point I doubt he would cost a ton too considering his season so far 2 points in 20 games and a minus 12. There must be something with his attitude, but it seems like the Flames have built a solid culture that he would fit in on be sent down.

He is only 27 with a couple 28g seasons under his belt.

Just spit balling.

[puckedoff]

Originally Posted by waner

I can't think of a team that had success with a top 9 that had as many small guys as the Flames would if they had all of Hudler, Baertschi, Granlund, Gaudreau, Byron taking up 5 of those 9 spots. You likely are going to see some subtracting whether in a trade or not. Even without Baertschi there that is a small top 9 with the 4 guys and a fairly average group of forwards physically with them.

I think the easist move is to trade Hudler for a more physical 2nd line guy. Not sure who because I (and most fans) are terrible at making up deals. But if you can add a guy 6'2, 210+ who has maybe 20 and 20 potential it might be worth it to lose the extra 10-15 points Hudler may get you to get some size in the top 6.

I don't think Burke or anyone is advocating moving any of those guys for Colton Orr or Fraser Mclaren.

So..... Djanko!?

[cannon7]

I think Glencross' value is at an all-time low as a Flame, so it doesn't make sense to move him right now. But I do think the Flames have LWgers who would be more productive in the minutes he's been getting. For a guy who is known as a great puck deflector infront of the net, I think he's only had one goal thus far this season. Also, his speed doesn't seem to be what it once was. He looks slow next to Byron. Seems to have lost a step in his game.

As for Hudler, I see him as the glue on this team. If Giordano has a guy who keeps the Flames' spirits up -- it's Hudler. He also seems to have chemistry with pretty much everyone, which is not easy to replace (another poster suggested he would).

[cannon7]

Lets be honest... when these guys are ready to step back into the lineup, we might have a whole new set of IRs by then. So not to worry!

[The Fonz]

Depending on how many bodies come back, I'd say some combination of Reinhart/Baertschi/Setoguchi. Reinhart and Baertschi aren't ready yet IMO, and playing 7-9 mins a night in the NHL isn't helping their game, so send them back to the AHL until the next string of injuries hits. Even without injuries, they likely come up at the deadline if/when Glencross and McGrattan are shipped out.

[The Fonz]

As for the discussion on who gets traded:

- I could obviously see Hudler shipped out at the 2015/16 deadline (pending UFA)\
- I think Baertschi eventually gets moved for young Dman. Perhaps a case where both players need a fresh start

I think Ferland and Poirier both play full seasons next year. Swapping these 4 players gets some much needed size into our top 9.

[Gaskal]

[DoubleF]

So when those 3 get back, do you guys think we're going to get even better(.600+), same results as now(.500+) or regress (<.500)?

I'm thinking same results. Maybe 1-2 game spikes due to fresher bodies, but nothing phenomenal.

Thoughts?

[Goriders]

With 28 guys currently on the Flames roster and IR list. When everyone's back I think the following get sent to the AHL:

Reinhart (the weakest of all of the young players)
Baertschi (improving, but not quite there yet)
Ferland (actually look like he's almost ready)

In that order.

Then there will be 25 guys who will be left for the 23 man roster. I think Setoguchi is in trouble. That leaves one of Jones, Jooris and McGratten in my mind being the other bubble player.

If I were the GM McGratton would be the guy I'd move if I could. Even though he's a great locker room/mentor guy. He only plays 6 minutes a game, where Jooris and Jones can play a regular shift and add offense and some ruggedness.

Tough decisions coming up in the next month. New injuries could make it easier. And I'm guessing they will.

But I'd be sweating If I were Setoguchi right now. He seems like the one NHL contract that's going to get squeezed out to make room for younger guys like Grandlund and Jooris who have solidified themselves on the main club's roster.

A good problem to have for the Flames. Should be even tougher next year when Bennett, Poirier, Wotherspoon, Ferland ect get thrown into the NHL roster mix. Trading deadline could be interesting this year.

[Goriders]

In terms of lines when everyone's back I think it'll be:

Glencross - Monahan - Raymond
Gaudreau - Granlund - Hudler
Byron - Backlund - Colborne
Bollig - Stajan - Bouma

Jooris, Jones extras

Brodie - Giordano
Wideman - Russell
Engelland - Smid

Diaz extra

Hiller
Ramo

Setoguchi and McGratton are the bubble guys. Baertschi, Reinhart and Ferland go back to the farm.

[442scotty]

Ferland still has a few games to show his stuff. Im pretty sure they want him to play himself onto the roster because of his size and skill level. He is NHL ready now. Unless he blows his chance he will be staying.

[Bunk]

The thing I like about our team is that I feel we don't actually really need many other players or prospects to fill glaring holes - if you simply let this young group develop well, and let some of the older vets go as time goes on to make space (glencross, stajan, etc), I think it'll end up being a contending team. Our centre group epitomizes this - there's likely to be a big surplus of talent. Maybe in 3-4 years, goaltending will be a bit of a wildcard, depth defense (perhaps draft a Kylington or some other good D prospect in the first round this year).

[_Q_]

I don't think we'll be 100% healthy all season.

I also think Glencross goes on IR to rest some of his nagging injuries as soon as some forwards start coming back.

[Ozy_Flame]

I see a trade for draft picks coming.

[robbie111]

Originally Posted by _Q_

I don't think we'll be 100% healthy all season.

I also think Glencross goes on IR to rest some of his nagging injuries as soon as some forwards start coming back.

Tend to agree with this because of the way they play at such high energy and blocking shots. They play a system that is really lots of fun to watch but hard on the body. Great to have so many capable youngsters to fill in.

[Iggy Snipe]

Stajan needs to stay out of the lineup.

[Gaskal]

My updated ones:

Glencross - Monahan - Raymond
Gaudreau - Granlund - Hudler
Byron - Backlund - Colborne
Bollig - Bouma - Jooris

McGrattan, Setoguchi

Giordano Brodie
Russell Wideman
Smid Engelland
Diaz

Sent down: Knight, Baertschi
IR: Jones, Stajan

[AcGold]

I really wonder if the team needs Stajan, does he hold us back?

[Goriders]

Originally Posted by Bunk

The thing I like about our team is that I feel we don't actually really need many other players or prospects to fill glaring holes - if you simply let this young group develop well, and let some of the older vets go as time goes on to make space (glencross, stajan, etc), I think it'll end up being a contending team. Our centre group epitomizes this - there's likely to be a big surplus of talent. Maybe in 3-4 years, goaltending will be a bit of a wildcard, depth defense (perhaps draft a Kylington or some other good D prospect in the first round this year).

I agree. It doesn't seem to matter who gets hurt because no one is really head and shoulders above anyone else.

It truly is "next man up" and as a team that's the best case scenario.

[Anduril]

Originally Posted by AcGold

I really wonder if the team needs Stajan, does he hold us back?

What? How?

One reason for having him was to help with some of the tougher duties beyond Backlund but now with Monahan stepping up as a clear #1, I don't see how having Stajan who can up and down the lineup holds this team back in any way.