RFA Qualifiying 5:00 pm

[Cali Panthers Fan]

Originally Posted by Finger Cookin

Which one is the 37th that you counted, out of curiosity?

I think I'm counting Schneider when I shouldn't. That's probably why they had it at 36 and why I should stick to my day job.

[Roof-Daddy]

Lots of people saying to let Freddie Hamilton go.

1. Was one of the Heats best players
2. Looked decent in his NHL call up
3. Right hand shot
4. Brother of Dougie

I will be pretty surprised if they don't qualify him.

[Cali Panthers Fan]

Originally Posted by flamesfever

From what I have seen of his play, I like Freddie Hamilton. He makes smart moves, and I think will have a good career in the NHL.

I love and respect Colborne for what he does off the ice, but not too enthralled with his on ice performance much of the time.

*sigh* Colborne is 2-3 times the player F. Hamilton is. Why do people expect so much of Colborne?

[Cali Panthers Fan]

Originally Posted by Roof-Daddy

Lots of people saying to let Freddie Hamilton go.

1. Was one of the Heats best players
2. Looked decent in his NHL call up
3. Right hand shot
4. Brother of Dougie

I will be pretty surprised if they don't qualify him.

They can, and they probably will, but it does put us closer to that 50 contract cap, and you have to think about possible signings and trades throughout the season to make the team better.

I just don't see a future with F. Hamilton in this lineup, but maybe I'm wrong.

[killer_carlson]

Van Brabant had a good season last year. I think he gets qualified. He's a role player and role players need to develop as well on the farm.

[Fire]

Originally Posted by edslunch

I thought Agostino and Hamilton were two of the better forwards at Stockton. Curious what you don't like about them, at least as AHL players.

Agostino was good in the AHL and that's why I think the Flames should keep him, but his play in the NHL didn't impress me. I don't think he has a NHL skill set. At 24 years old this is pretty much as good as it's going to get for Agostino.

Hamilton was fine in the AHL, but has career AHLer written all over him. Like Agostino he's already 24 years old. The Flames will need to decide if they want another spot open in the AHL for a younger guy that has a chance of making the NHL or give it to an older guy like Freddie.

[dammage79]

Originally Posted by Cali Panthers Fan

According to CapFriendly, the Flames are currently at 36 pro contracts, although I count 37. If they qualify all 13, they will be at the 50 contract limit. There's no chance of that happening heading into free agency. IMO, they need to shed at least 3-4 guys that they have no use for going forward. From the list above:

Long term contracts:
Gaudreau
Monahan

Qualifying Offers with chance at a long term deal:
Colborne
Wotherspoon

Qualifying Offers:
Jooris
Shore (although I'm not convinced of this one)
Ortio
Arnold
Agostino

Not qualified, but signed to AHL deal:
Elson

Not qualified, and let go from organization:
Poulin
Van Brabant
F. Hamilton

I'd flip Hamilton for Jooris on this list and that will probably work that way.

[JJ1532]

I think people need to remember we already have more depth than we know what to do with at the moment, especially amongst the forwards. Mangiapane, Pollock, Jankowski, Pribyl are all new comers who probably will be joining the Heat. They will join forward depth that includes: Shinkaruk(possibly), Smith, Klimchuk, Poirier, Hathaway and Carroll. By my count, thats already 10 forwards. Then you factor in 2-3 guys on AHL deals and we are fast running out of room. So if we are bringing back Hamilton, Van Brabant, Agostino(not to mention Elson and Arnold), there is going to be a real log jam in Stockton next season. Can't carry 16-17 guys playing for 12 spots can we?

[Cleveland Steam Whistle]

Originally Posted by Cali Panthers Fan

*sigh* Colborne is 2-3 times the player F. Hamilton is. Why do people expect so much of Colborne?

Because people can't get over the fact they'd rather have their initial opinions of him having "Leafs Stink" be validated (in their minds) than admit he's a decent player...............oh and also he took Sven's ice time or something.

[N26]

I actually like that people are defending van Brabant. It's good to see people appreciate gritty players.

But he's too "dime-a-dozen" to spend years developing. I don't think he ever gonna be an NHLer. And if he is, not with us. Number of contract spots, logjam in Stockton, age and if he stays then probably Elson goes are working against him. I think Elson brings more potential and he's the guy I'd give 1 more year to.

[dammage79]

Too early IMO to let Arnold go as well.

[squiggs96]

Originally Posted by Alberta_Beef

It is also obvious which posters haven't watched the Flames AHL club and just stat watch, Van Brabant is coming along very nicely in a pure checking/defensive/PK role. He's the guy I would call up after Hathaway should one Bouma go down again. I fully expect he will be qualified.

I sure hope not. His name is very frustrating to say.

[calgaryblood]

Guess it will be an unpopular decision to say I don't think Colborne is qualified. Ain't no secret I'm not really a fan of Colborne but I guess we will wait and see. Wouldn't be shocked if he is but I just hope Treliving sees the same holes in his game as I do.

[JJ1532]

Chris Johnston ‏@reporterchris 1m1 minute ago
Valeri Nichushkin, Jamie Oleksiak, Matej Stransky and Maxime Lagace each get qualifying offers from #stars.

[burn_this_city]

Need to keep Freddie around so we can trade a Hamilton to Vancouver/Edmonton for a blue chip.

[Roof-Daddy]

Originally Posted by JJ1532

I think people need to remember we already have more depth than we know what to do with at the moment, especially amongst the forwards. Mangiapane, Pollock, Jankowski, Pribyl are all new comers who probably will be joining the Heat. They will join forward depth that includes: Shinkaruk(possibly), Smith, Klimchuk, Poirier, Hathaway and Carroll. By my count, thats already 10 forwards. Then you factor in 2-3 guys on AHL deals and we are fast running out of room. So if we are bringing back Hamilton, Van Brabant, Agostino(not to mention Elson and Arnold), there is going to be a real log jam in Stockton next season. Can't carry 16-17 guys playing for 12 spots can we?

Yes there are a lot of bodies already in line to be down in Stockton.

16 here including all the RFA's
Some of these guys will obviously push for NHL jobs, but there are already 12 forwards there that aren't included in this list
A couple RFA's not being qualified will clean it up a little, but even then that is a lot forwards

[Red Menace]

qualify all except BVB, Poulin, and Elson (though i think they will keep Elson around)
no reason to lose anyone else at this point, they can be sent to AHL/ECHL if things dont work out..

[dino7c]

Colborne is 10x the Player Freddie is

honestly I cant believe some of you guys

[kehatch]

I don't think many have an issue with Colborne. The issue is he may be awarded too much money in arbitration based on his late season production.

Taking the leverage of arbitration out of the mix, or trading him outright, are both reasonable options to avoid signing (yet another) overpriced contract.

[gilligans_off]

Jooris looks like he's put on 15lbs this off season so far. I would be shocked if he wasn't back.