[Rumour] Dean Molberg: Flames would covet Dmitry Kulikov

[Macho0978]

Originally Posted by The Fonz

Jesus Christ, guys. I said "just for arguments sake, at the above estimated signing values". The numbers are just ballpark figures... we could argue for weeks on what we believe a pending UFA will sign for.

I just want to know, at those estimated values, who does everyone see as the best fit on the Flames?

It makes a huge difference. If Alzner goes for 5 then I say no brainer he is the best fit. If he goes for 6.5 then I say Stone at 3.5 would make more sense

[Cali Panthers Fan]

Originally Posted by The Fonz

You probably have a better idea than most in regards to Kulikov. I'm curious, do you think he'd be the best fit on the Flames out of:

Cody Franson
6'5'' - 225lbs - RS RD
2017/18 Age: 30
Est. 2017/18 AAV: $3.75M

Michael Stone
6'3'' - 210lbs - RS RD
2017/18 Age: 27
Est. 2017/18 AAV: $4.50M

Dmitry Kulikov
6'1'' - 205lbs - LS LD
2017/18 Age: 27
Est. 2017/18 AAV: $4.50M

Karl Alzner
6'3'' - 220lbs - LS LD
2017/18 Age: 29
Est. 2017/18 AAV: $5.00M

Kris Russell
5'10'' - 170lbs - LS LD
2017/18 Age: 30
Est. 2017/18 AAV: $3.25M

Brendan Smith
6'2'' - 210lbs - LS LD
2017/18 Age: 28
Est. 2017/18 AAV: $4.00M



Just for arguments sake, at the above estimated signing values, who does everyone think would be the best fit on our 2nd pairing w/Brodie? I feel pretty confident that Treliving will sign 1 of these guys.

I'll admit I know next to nothing in regards to Smith & Kulikov, and also haven't watched Franson since he left the Leafs, so my opinion wouldn't be very valuable here.

To answer your question without looking at salaries, here's my preference of the above players:

Alzner






Kulikov

Franson
Stone
Russell




Smith

I've never been impressed with Smith. I wouldn't sign him at all if I were a GM.

Alzner is by far the first choice, but he's going to be expensive. Kulikov is probably not going to get much of a raise, even in UFA since the cap is staying flat at the moment. Franson would be a decent choice as he has offensive talent and top 4 skills, but he's got flaws defensively...more so than others on this list. Stone is a little overrated by this board, especially since he lacks skill, but I'd be fine with him at no more than $4 million per year. Russell is actually a solid choice if we didn't already have so many smallish puck-moving d-men, so he's not really a fit.

We need a guy with size, defensive acumen, a little snarl, and consistency. I think your list has a few guys that fit the bill.

Now if we're talking possible contracts, I think Alzner is going to be out of our price range, although stranger things have happened.

[Alberta_Beef]

I'd be fine with either Stone or Kulikov, but I wouldn't target either. Both have had injury plagued years and should bounce back, they bring that physicality that we lack in the top 4, but both traditionally have been more offensive than defensive, which isn't really what we need.

[The Fonz]

edit: nvm

[Teroy]

Time to use the players in Stockton. Bring up Rasmus Andersson. He shoots right and the price is right.

[Alberta_Beef]

Originally Posted by Teroy

Time to use the players in Stockton. Bring up Rasmus Andersson. He shoots right and the price is right.

He's nowhere near ready for top 4 action in the NHL. That is how you ruin prospects.

[442scotty]

Originally Posted by Alberta_Beef

He's nowhere near ready for top 4 action in the NHL. That is how you ruin prospects.

You can also ruin a prospect by not providing him with a big enough challenge. I say bring him up and try to ease him into the lineup . Certainly doesn't hurt to give him a try as opposed to more stupid signings of worn out players looking for their retirement contract... I think we can name a few of those..

[Alberta_Beef]

Originally Posted by 442scotty

You can also ruin a prospect by not providing him with a big enough challenge. I say bring him up and try to ease him into the lineup . Certainly doesn't hurt to give him a try as opposed to more stupid signings of worn out players looking for their retirement contract... I think we can name a few of those..

The guy can barely play defense in the AHL, he needs more time. He's AT LEAST another full year away from even cracking an NHL ine-up, let alone playing top 4.

[dammage79]

I'd love to have Kulikov on the flames. Would really do well beside Brodie (thus pushing Brodie over to his better side on the right.). That's a great top four if they nabbed him IMO

[Reggie Dunlop]

Originally Posted by Alberta_Beef

The guy can barely play defense in the AHL, he needs more time. He's AT LEAST another full year away from even cracking an NHL ine-up, let alone playing top 4.

It's fantastic that Rasmus has finally gotten the message about what it takes to be a pro. Huge plus. Conditioning is what held him back before. It's also fantastic that's he's finding success at the AHL.

Let him flourish at the AHL level first. Make him force his way onto the Flames lineup.

He was a guy I was somewhat iffy on. Glad to see his career trajectory track positively.

[MarkGio]

I can't see the Flames going after Kulikov because they'd risk being penalized by the league if they sign Kulikov after the expansion draft. Why would they pay top dollar for a guy they don't even try to sign? They don't want to go 4-4-1 expansion protection model, but obviously any high end defenseman they bring in is a guy they'll want to sign for longer than the remaining 20 games of the season

[TheScorpion]

I've said it multiple times over the past few months, but I'd really like the Flames to sign Stone. I think he'd be a good partner for Brodie, and that his possession issues are overblown... I mean, he plays for the Coyotes, right?

[Teroy]

Originally Posted by 442scotty

You can also ruin a prospect by not providing him with a big enough challenge. I say bring him up and try to ease him into the lineup . Certainly doesn't hurt to give him a try as opposed to more stupid signings of worn out players looking for their retirement contract... I think we can name a few of those..

Totally agree. The Flames have a tendency to jerk prospects around. They bring some up, never play them and then send them back. Don't give me the b.s. that practicing with the big boys or sitting in the press box is good for them. That tact has probably done more harm than good to Wotherspoon. You get better by playing with/against better players.

It's time to build from within. Try Wideman on the wing. If that works out bring up Andersson. Let him, Kulak & Jokipakka compete for the spot. You have Wotherspoon as emergency replacement. But more importantly, if you bring them up, play them.

[GioforPM]

Originally Posted by TheScorpion

I've said it multiple times over the past few months, but I'd really like the Flames to sign Stone. I think he'd be a good partner for Brodie, and that his possession issues are overblown... I mean, he plays for the Coyotes, right?

He has a past history with Calgary and, if rumours are true, a desire to come back here post-hockey. He's a decent age and size, and I don't mind a RHS stay at home guy who has 20-30 points in him.

The knee is a concern.

[Weitz]

I would be concerned about Stone. Isn't he playing like one of the worst defenseman in the NHL, stats wise, this year?

The years before this were better though.

[TheScorpion]

Originally Posted by Weitz

I would be concerned about Stone. Isn't he playing like one of the worst defenseman in the NHL, stats wise, this year?

The years before this were better though.

Yeah because he logs big minutes in tough situations on a horrible Coyotes team

[keenan87]

Originally Posted by TheScorpion

Yeah because he logs big minutes in tough situations on a horrible Coyotes team

umm one can say he has been the worst defensemen on the Coyotes this year... why do you want the worst dman from one of the worst teams in the league?

[Robbob]

Originally Posted by Weitz

I would be concerned about Stone. Isn't he playing like one of the worst defenseman in the NHL, stats wise, this year?

The years before this were better though.

Originally Posted by TheScorpion

Yeah because he logs big minutes in tough situations on a horrible Coyotes team

I think a good comparable is Justin Schultz. Just a complete boondoggle stats wise when he played up north. In a more structured environment he looks like a capable NHL dman.

[Weitz]

Originally Posted by TheScorpion

Yeah because he logs big minutes in tough situations on a horrible Coyotes team

I was reading somewhere that his stats this year have been awful in comparison to his team mates and brings down anyone he has been playing with. I don't really know advanced stats all that well however.