Did Kris Russell overplay his hand in free agency?

[JiriHrdina]

Originally Posted by Cleveland Steam Whistle

That's a very fair opinion on the Wideman front, but whether Russell is here or not, doesn't really impact anything you said.

if it provides the motivation to move on from earlier than later - it does.
I also think Kris is a good leader and not as bad as some make him out to be.
Short-term for the right cap hit - I'm fine with it.

[Bingo]

if it's Smid to LTIR in early October then Russell signs without Wideman going things get pretty crowded

Giordano - Brodie
Russell - Hamilton
Jokipakka - Wideman
Engellend

and Wotherspoon lost on waivers?

[Erick Estrada]

Originally Posted by Bingo

if it's Smid to LTIR in early October then Russell signs without Wideman going things get pretty crowded

Giordano - Brodie
Russell - Hamilton
Jokipakka - Wideman
Engellend

and Wotherspoon lost on waivers?

I get the feeling that Russell is going to expect a deal in the range of 4 years which means you have four guys locked up long term and I was really hoping this team would start giving more opportunities to their drafted defensemen to make an impact.

[JiriHrdina]

Would signing him help with some of the expansion draft rules - in terms of how many vets and $$ you have to expose? I confess to being somewhat unclear on all those rules.
He could also be a tempting pick for Las Vegas if they are looking for a good veteran leader, but someone not ancient.

[Vinny01]

Originally Posted by Erick Estrada

I get the feeling that Russell is going to expect a deal in the range of 4 years which means you have four guys locked up long term and I was really hoping this team would start giving more opportunities to their drafted defensemen to make an impact.

I think the 4 year boat has sailed for Russell he would be lucky to get 2 years now

[handgroen]

why do we all of a sudden think that treliving is just going to break the bank to sign a feel good player? even though everything we've seen him do so far has been very calculated and shrewd?

if russell does sign with the flames it will likely be for bottom dollar if things have dragged out this long already.

[DJones]

If we could move Engellend and/or Wideman (preferably both) and sign Russell for 2.5-3.0

I'd be happy.

[Fighting Banana Slug]

Can't see him getting much more than 2x2 at this stage of the game. Not sure it really helps the Flames all that much, but I suppose exposing him to the expansion draft could be perceived as a benefit.

[Resolute 14]

Originally Posted by Erick Estrada

I get the feeling that Russell is going to expect a deal in the range of 4 years which means you have four guys locked up long term and I was really hoping this team would start giving more opportunities to their drafted defensemen to make an impact.

Russell expected such a deal on July 1. Come mid-September, his expectations on term will be different.

[the_only_turek_fan]

Wideman, Giordano, and Brodie all attended Russell's wedding.

Would be awkward for them to have Wideman traded to bring back Russell.

[the_only_turek_fan]

Russell is a glue guy in the room, and I would love to see him back.

He seems like a good guy.

[jaikorven]

Originally Posted by the_only_turek_fan

Russell is a glue guy in the room, and I would love to see him back.

He seems like a good guy.

I don't mind the player for the right cost and term. That is the concern though.

[dino7c]

Originally Posted by the_only_turek_fan

Wideman, Giordano, and Brodie all attended Russell's wedding.

Would be awkward for them to have Wideman traded to bring back Russell.

I don't think so...these guys understand its a business

[Gaudreauvertime]

I think Wideman would be too hard to move after seeing what happened with Crouse.

Maybe Bouma or Stajan could be moved to make space for Kris?

[Cali Panthers Fan]

Originally Posted by Gaudreauvertime

I think Wideman would be too hard to move after seeing what happened with Crouse.

Maybe Bouma or Stajan could be moved to make space for Kris?

Why? Wideman's a 3rd pairing guy at best 5 on 5, but he's still an asset on the power play. Bolland won't be playing any time soon (failed his physical), and he might not ever play again. Plus, his contract goes on for another 3 years. At least for Wideman's very comparable salary, you can get a contributing player for one year and be done with him if he sucks.



I'm not a huge Russell fan necessarily, but I don't hate him either. He's definitely tough as nails even if he's undersized. He fits well in the Flames culture and would be considered a veteran leader at this point. He can play 2nd pairing decently enough, he can move the puck effectively, and he can give the team a little more speed and mobility on the back end compared to guys like Wideman and Engelland.

If he wanted a 2 year deal at $2.5 million, at this point I'd do it. Contingent on Wideman finding a new home of course.

[PepsiFree]

Based on the deficiencies in their games, we definitely don't need Russell AND Wideman.

If Wideman goes, I'm fine with Russell coming back. Seems fairly lateral with a bit more effort in Russell's game.

[lazypucker]

Let's say if the Flames have to retain $2.5 mil to trade Wideman away for scraps, and then Russell signs for $2.5 mil. So essentially we are still spending $5 mil for the year, would you take Russell or Wideman?

[Jbo]

2 years and 2.5 per year and in okay with it

[Cleveland Steam Whistle]

Originally Posted by JiriHrdina

if it provides the motivation to move on from earlier than later - it does.
I also think Kris is a good leader and not as bad as some make him out to be.
Short-term for the right cap hit - I'm fine with it.

I doubt the Flames are lacking in motivation to move on from Wideman, at least not because they concerned about how they might replace him, so I don't think Russell is relevant in that fact.

I think the Wideman with an NMC and his desire to move on, plus the Flames desire to maybe get a chance to maximise Wideman as an asset are the barriers or lack of motivation right now to move him along.

[Erick Estrada]

I thought the team played better team defense when Russell and Wideman were not on the ice for the club last season so chalk me up as a person that wants the team to move on from both of these guys. The only saving grace if they bring him back is that this new coaching staff may utilize the guy better and not overplay him like Hartley did.