[Rumour] Pens have interest in Flames d-man (Russell?)

[CGY12]

Russell isn't the sexy goal scoring defensemen but if you understand the intracacies of the game you would understand just how valuable he is to this team. Unless it is a mind blowing offer you simply do not trade Russell. He is young, competes hard every night, is intelligent and can move the puck really well. He's the kind of guy you win with.

No thanks

[Cleveland Steam Whistle]

Agreed, the overvaluing of Russell in here is a bit much. Don't get me wrong, a player the Flames probably weren't looking to move, but if teams come looking, you have to be open to a potentially one time opportunity given this market to get an overpayment for an asset.

Again, Flames should tread lightly, he's a valuable piece to this club, and I get the sense potentially even more so off ice and as a leader, so that has to be factored in, but Russell shouldn't be looked at as an untouchable moving forward and if you can drive an overpayment that helps us long term I'd do it.

[Rick M.]

It's interesting that the Penguins blogger (and those commenting) on HockeyBuzz.com questions why the Pens would be interested in a 3rd pairing guy like Russell. Obviously, they don't see him play a lot.

[Money Baer]

Originally Posted by dissentowner

I still say no. This group has played their hearts out this year, what kind of message do you send if you trade Russell because the playoff push is over if you move him.

This!

It's easy to get distracted by shiny new picks and prospects, but dealing away Russell would hurt our room and send a terrible message to our team!

[JohnnySkittles]

Russel for Despres. Outside of that or similar overpayments, no chance.

[ComixZone]

Originally Posted by Rick M.

It's interesting that the Penguins blogger (and those commenting) on HockeyBuzz.com questions why the Pens would be interested in a 3rd pairing guy like Russell. Obviously, they don't see him play a lot.

I'd argue that Russell is a 3rd pairing d-man on a contending team. Granted, he's a 3rd pairing guy you REALLY want as a contending team, but still a 3rd pairing guy.

[codynw]

Originally Posted by Rick M.

It's interesting that the Penguins blogger (and those commenting) on HockeyBuzz.com questions why the Pens would be interested in a 3rd pairing guy like Russell. Obviously, they don't see him play a lot.

Or it's possible that Flames fans just really overrate Russell. I think both are probably true.

[Ashasx]

Originally Posted by ComixZone

I'd argue that Russell is a 3rd pairing d-man on a contending team. Granted, he's a 3rd pairing guy you REALLY want as a contending team, but still a 3rd pairing guy.

To be fair, almost every metric available classifies Russell as a bottom pairing defenceman.

[Phanuthier]

Originally Posted by codynw

Or it's possible that Flames fans just really overrate Russell. I think both are probably true.

I bet not just fans, but coaches and management too.

[codynw]

Originally Posted by Ashasx

To be fair, almost every metric available classifies Russell as a bottom pairing defenceman.

But, but, he blocks a lot of shots! Therefore his value is Maatta.

[Resolute 14]

Originally Posted by bubbsy

i don't get it.

Dman who can score, signed for 2 years, and with salary eaten, in a market light on quality dmen at the deadline. Sounds like a potential home run for a team mid-rebuild

We need defencemen too. As such, we do not have to move Wideman. And we certainly should not have to eat salary if the market is what you suggest.

Wideman is like Russell in this case. You don't try to move him just because. But you do listen and if someone makes a nonsensical offer in our favour, then you consider.

Also, and while some may not like it, the fact that we are in the playoff chase matters. The Flames aren't just going to blow up this year's team for the hell of it. Glencross could be replaced. Wideman cannot.

[SuperMatt18]

Originally Posted by Ashasx

To be fair, almost every metric available classifies Russell as a bottom pairing defenceman.

Except for the one where he is playing 23 minutes a game for a team currently in a playoff spot.

And his 20 points have him 60th among NHL D-Men.

But yes every metric has him as 3rd pairing.

[Flash Walken]

Originally Posted by Resolute 14

We need defencemen too. As such, we do not have to move Wideman. And we certainly should not have to eat salary if the market is what you suggest.

Wideman is like Russell in this case. You don't try to move him just because. But you do listen and if someone makes a nonsensical offer in our favour, then you consider.

Also, and while some may not like it, the fact that we are in the playoff chase matters. The Flames aren't just going to blow up this year's team for the hell of it. Glencross could be replaced. Wideman cannot.

Wideman was a healthy scratch as recently as 50 games ago.

If someone offers you a deal involving a 1st round pick or a top flight prospect, I think it would be insane not to strongly, strongly consider it.

If Giordano is hurt and Calgary might just limp into the playoffs, I don't know how you can pass up the opportunity.

Same with Russell.

I understand people like these guys, but if you can turn either one of them into a 1st round draft pick or equivalent prospect, you have to seriously consider it.

Maybe those offers aren't out there for those guys, but, if they are I hope Calgary is on the positive end of it.

[Rerun]

Originally Posted by Ashasx

To be fair, almost every metric available classifies Russell as a bottom pairing defenceman.

And yet he's 4th on the team in +/- (tied for 36th in the league for d-men),10th on the team in scoring (20pts - tied for 58th in the league d-men), and the best player on the team in blocked shots (#1 in the league I believe).

I guess those three metrics weren't available.

[codynw]

Originally Posted by Rerun

And yet he's 4th on the team in +/- and 10th on the team in scoring, and the best player on the team in blocked shots.
I guess those three metrics weren't available.

Having the most shot blocks isn't necessarily a good thing. To me, that just sounds like the Flames rarely have the puck when he's on the ice. Remember when Butler led the team in blocks last year?

[ComixZone]

Originally Posted by Rerun

And yet he's 4th on the team in +/- and 10th on the team in scoring, and the best player on the team in blocked shots.
I guess those three metrics weren't available.

and 7th worst league-wide when it comes to SAT.

Wideman and Russell are the only two non-Sabres in the bottom 10 (well, Myers as well thanks to his trade to Winnipeg).

It's easy to see why he blocks so many shots - it's because the puck is being shot at his net an awful lot when he's on the ice.

(don't get me wrong, I still love Russell - but he's not a 2nd pairing d-man on a high-end team, but a very good team guy).

[heep223]

Here comes the advanced stats debate, everyone run!

[Rerun]

nm

[Locke]

Originally Posted by Ashasx

To be fair, almost every metric available classifies Russell as a bottom pairing defenceman.

Except the 'actually watching him' metric.

[Resolute 14]

Originally Posted by Flash Walken

Wideman was a healthy scratch as recently as 50 games ago.

Irrelevant to today.

If someone offers you a deal involving a 1st round pick or a top flight prospect, I think it would be insane not to strongly, strongly consider it.

Duh. Though replace that "or" with an "and".

If Giordano is hurt and Calgary might just limp into the playoffs, I don't know how you can pass up the opportunity.

I'd rather Burke and Treliving place their hope this roster can limp into the playoffs rather than tell them that all their hard work doesn't matter, so don't bother.

The thought that it is better to miss the playoffs than "limp in" is an honestly pathetic change in how sports fans view the game these days. And I'm not singling you out, Flash. This is a widespread problem that transcends any single fan or fan base. But it is a loser's attitude, and it is something I sincerely pray team management is never infected by.

It is trade deadline day and we are holding a playoff spot. You don't sacrifice future picks and prospects just for today, but it is just asinine to consider blowing up the roster because we might not make it. Quitters never succeed.