If Barely Making Playoffs At Trade Deadline

[GioforPM]

I've seen lots of posts about Glencross being hurt, but where does that info come from - someone that knows him? I haven't seen it from Hartley.

Anyway, the reason to try and trade him is that he goes away in the offseason for nothing if they don't trade him, because I can't see them giving him a deal he likes as a UFA. If he refuses to waive his NTC, which is his right, their hands are tied. It's essentially the Iginla situation again. Glencross I think would waive to the right team - one where he can have some PO success, where he might be able to become valuable and be re-signed.

[Scoutski]

We're a month later on this discussion and the Flames are kind of in a similar spot in that we're definitely in the race but it's no sure thing we're in the playoffs...

Deadline is just about 2 months away on March 2, wondering if people's thoughts have changed?

At this point it seems like it would be so hard to justify moving anyone out except maybe some rookies that other orgs have fallen in love with, the only main team player that I think could MAYBE be moved is Backlund and that said, I love him, so don't want it to happen but it's all I could see right now.

[locsofblu]

Stay the course. Keep developing the talent we have. I still dont believe we're a playoff team quit yet but we're not that far off. Considering we're only 2 years into the rebuild i don't see the need to trade peices of the future away for a chance to make 8th spot.

[memphusk]

My thoughts on the trade deadline would be to try and address which teams will be on the cusp of rebuilding. See if you can pry away a 29/30 year old "vet" to take on one of the spots that may become open with the departure of Glencross or Jones or whoever after the season is over. Need St. Louis to get terrible quick so we can have some of their goods.

[Rerun]

I say trade him at the deadline... whether we are in contention for a playoff spot or not. He's a UFA at the end of this year. Better to get something for him than nothing when he walks away into free agency.

We made a mistake with Cammallari with respect to this. Lets not repeat the same mistake.

We are rebuilding and the more prospects and draft pics we have, the better.

[heep223]

Originally Posted by Scoutski

We're a month later on this discussion and the Flames are kind of in a similar spot in that we're definitely in the race but it's no sure thing we're in the playoffs...

Deadline is just about 2 months away on March 2, wondering if people's thoughts have changed?

At this point it seems like it would be so hard to justify moving anyone out except maybe some rookies that other orgs have fallen in love with, the only main team player that I think could MAYBE be moved is Backlund and that said, I love him, so don't want it to happen but it's all I could see right now.

If Backlund plays well upon returning he definitely will have a high trade value so I agree with you there....but I also agree that he has a future here. If Bennett pans out into a legit top 6 Monahan-Bennett-Backlund we could be set for the next decade up the middle.

Agree with other posters there is no way we should be trading picks or prospects right now to try and squeak in. Nor do I think Treliving/Burke will do so. You could maybe make some fringe moves but it'd likely be for picks/prospects in return not the other way around.

The other guy who I think would have good value is Glencross. But the more this season goes on the more I see him a) wanting to re-sign here and b) being an important part of the next 5 years here. Maybe if we're out of the playoffs at the deadline we trade him to a contender for picks as a pure rental and he returns here with a new contract next year.

[Rerun]

Originally Posted by heep223

The other guy who I think would have good value is Glencross. But the more this season goes on the more I see him a) wanting to re-sign here and b) being an important part of the next 5 years here. Maybe if we're out of the playoffs at the deadline we trade him to a contender for picks as a pure rental and he returns here with a new contract next year.

I'm not sure about that. He just turned 32 and in his whole career he's played in 6 (yep... that's right folks... 6) whole playoff games.

Don't you think he'd love to play on a contender that is making a run for the cup?

[Locke]

Well...we're not at the trade deadline yet, so....yeah?

[SuperMatt18]

I would have been in the trade him camp....but we have seen what a culture can do for a team and the Flames are still trying to build a winning culture.

If we are in playoff spot at the deadline I don't think you can trade him and then still spout about having a winning culture and doing what it takes to win.

If they are in the top 8 I think you have to keep all our vets at that time.

[heep223]

Originally Posted by Rerun

I'm not sure about that. He just turned 32 and in his whole career he's played in 6 (yep... that's right folks... 6) whole playoff games.

Don't you think he'd love to play on a contender that is making a run for the cup?

Yeah I could see that too.

He could also be thinking that our rebuild is going well and we could be legit contenders in 2-3 years and it's well known he loves living here. That would put him at 34-35 though...

I dunno. Wouldn't be surprised either way but I'm leaning toward him wanting to stay, just pure speculation. Time will tell!

I just don't wanna be like the oilers with a ton of kids and nobody teaching them how to be professionals. I hope he stays.

[Parallex]

Originally Posted by lanny9

If we are in a playoff position at trade deadline or just out, do we stay the course with what we have or do we trade away some of the vets like Glencross

Frankly, I think that you do not let assets walk for nothing if such can be avoided. I'd at least trade the guys on expiring contracts (Glencross/Ramo/McGrattan) set to be UFA's if possible... that or have a signed extension before the deadline.

[stemit14]

Originally Posted by Parallex

Frankly, I think that you do not let assets walk for nothing if such can be avoided. I'd at least trade the guys on expiring contracts (Glencross/Ramo/McGrattan) set to be UFA's if possible... that or have a signed extension before the deadline.

I'd be hesitant to make any moves at the deadline unless the offer was really, really good. I imagine the best offer anyone will give for glencross might be a 2nd round pick which wouldn't be worth losing glencross considering he could help the flames make the playoffs. If an offer like a late 1st round pick was made available it would probably be a good move if glencross waived his NTC. Especially if baertschi continues to impress in the AHL... He could potentially come up and take glencross's spot on Monahan's wing.

[nfotiu]

If we're in ninth or better and within 3-4 points of a playoff spot at the deadline, then no way do they move a roster player for picks. Anything more than that, then they listen to offers for Glencross. If playoffs are realistic, you have to at least go with the guys who got you there and finish it out. If they didn't feel the need to get someone for Cammy last year (when the rest of the Flames games were truely meaningless), then why would they feel the need to get something for Glencross if the Flames games have significant meaning.

[Fire]

Glencross has been playing better, but if the Flames have less than a 50% chance of making the playoffs then they should try to trade him. Though I don't think Glencross will do the Flames any favours and waive his No-Trade clause.

If Glencross was willing to sign a reasonable contract that's a different story, but I'm thinking he's going to look for a max deal and the Flames will/should walk away.

They should be looking at trading Ramo as well, since it's almost a certainty he will be replaced by Ortio next season. If Berra can be traded so can Ramo.

Potter and Diaz should be shipped off as well, if they any value at all.

[Cleveland Steam Whistle]

Originally Posted by IGGYFORMVP

Losing is not the new winning. Selling off your vets after a team tries this hard to make the playoffs would be gutting for the whole team. Terrible message to send the young guys. This team has great chemistry, you do not mess with that. The reason this team is where they are at is because they try so damn hard. That can go down the tubes in a hurry if you were to sell off some vets.

Besides who say that this team doesn't have the talent to make some noise in the playoffs? I am not going to write off a team this scappy without giving them a chance. I like our 4 line depth as much as most teams, and depth wins in the playoffs.

Just say no to Oilering (the new term for losing).

I do agree it's got to be a balance for sure. Figure out who are the key vet cogs in that room, keep them. The rest, ship off and let the Ferland's of the world slide in for more ice time.

You can always replace mid-level vet talent with new mid-level vet talent in the offseason, so trading them away to get future assets when the deal makes sense is not necessarily Oilering it.

Also, the closer this team gets, the better they play, and the more our culture and hard work ethic resonates around the league, the Flames will quickly become a somewhat appealing destination again for SOME UFAs. Which was not the case even in the last offseason, so I would wager the Flames may have some more appealing options to choose from, and won't likely have to overpay anymore like they did this past offseason just to attract some bodies to fill out the roster, the cap space and create competition for the young guys development.

[Parallex]

Originally Posted by stemit14

I'd be hesitant to make any moves at the deadline unless the offer was really, really good. I imagine the best offer anyone will give for glencross might be a 2nd round pick.

Works for me... either we have a farm hand that can step in and replace Glencross, in which case the 2nd is found money, or we can turn and flip that 2nd for someone with more long-term value to the club (or both).

[Badgers Nose]

Yes, very good idea to trade away all your depth players before making the playoffs. I mean when is the last time a team just barely made the playoffs only to lose the stanley cup in game seven due to a lack of depth... that never happens.

There is no rush to move depth players or non-expiring contracts. The kids can earn their spots next training camp, and GM can move guys when he has to.

IMO GlenX will be extended by the time trade deadline comes to a 3-4 year contract. He likes it here, will likely get only a little bit more if he tests the market. After the first few million dollars the rest is stuff he'll likely never see or need. Lifestyle seems more important to him.

[nieuwy-89]

The 8-game losing streak has certainly recalibrated expectations. Chances are the Flames will be in the mix for a playoff spot on March 2, however I hope and expect that they will stay the course. I wouldn't be surprised if they pick up another depth defenseman (maybe ship out a bubble prospect or a draft pick) but I don't expect them to sell any significant assets. We will need the pending UFAs if we do make the playoffs, especially with the competition in the Western Conference.

[Cleveland Steam Whistle]

Originally Posted by Badgers Nose

Yes, very good idea to trade away all your depth players before making the playoffs. I mean when is the last time a team just barely made the playoffs only to lose the stanley cup in game seven due to a lack of depth... that never happens.

There is no rush to move depth players or non-expiring contracts. The kids can earn their spots next training camp, and GM can move guys when he has to.

IMO GlenX will be extended by the time trade deadline comes to a 3-4 year contract. He likes it here, will likely get only a little bit more if he tests the market. After the first few million dollars the rest is stuff he'll likely never see or need. Lifestyle seems more important to him.

I don't disagree with you point, but I truly think the Flames should look at making the playoffs this year as a complete bonus should they do it. If they trade away some veteran depth that could have helped them in the playoffs this year should they make it, my thoughts are so be it.

I'd rather they re-fill that depth in the offseason if need be, and maximise the assets now if there is anything worth while picking up in trade.

I agree with your Glencross thoughts, he holds the cards, and likely won't waive for a trade if we are close, so I wouldn't be surprised to see him extended.

[FBI]

How about a one year extension for Glencross for a high amount with no more lame no trade clauses?