3rd line center to solidify Flames' forward group?

[Enoch Root]

Originally Posted by powderjunkie

Would love to keep him, but he's kinda priced himself out of his role - would rather bet on Pelletier for 1.44M less next year.

I'd also rather trade Dubé than dig the pick deficit deeper. He might be more attractive to teams who are re-tooling moreso than rebuilding (WPG) than a 2023 pick.

I think fans are too short-sighted with younger players most of the time (last year's trade list included: Andersson, Kylington, Tkachuk and Hanifin), and I think Dube will figure it out.

However, I agree 100% that the fact that Pelletier is coming, does help immensely. And if we are able to sign Gaudreau and Mangiapane, there is little room for Dube to move up, even if he is ready (at least on LW).

Plus, to fit Stastny, we have to move some salary, and Dube just makes sense.

[djsFlames]

In order of preference, I'd say

A) Stastny for Dube + pick/prospect
B) Jarnkrok
C) Roslovic
D) Copp (depending on injury outlook)
E) Staal for league minimum

[Monahammer]

Domi is the best option out there imo.

[djsFlames]

Originally Posted by Monahammer

Domi is the best option out there imo.

Actually Domi is one I looked at and my mind neglected somehow...

I'd be interested.

[Enoch Root]

Domi is $5.3M - no chance

[mile]

I see Flames keeping Dube and committing to him C full-time next year after Monahan is moved or bought out. Him and Ruzicka competing for the 3rd and 4th line C roles.

Ideally next year we see:
Gaudreau - Lindholm -Tkachuk
Mangiapane - Backlund - Coleman
Pelletier - Dube/Ruzicka - Toffoli
Lewis (or another cheap vet) - Dube/Ruzicka - Phillips

[djsFlames]

Ruzicka is a better C than Dube at this point.

[mile]

Originally Posted by djsFlames

Ruzicka is a better C than Dube at this point.

I agree

Still, Dube had 7 points in 12 games to start the season at C and was looking confident before he got moved to the wing. I'd like to see both him and Ruzicka push each other for spots next year

[boogerz]

Originally Posted by mile

I agree

Still, Dube had 7 points in 12 games to start the season at C and was looking confident before he got moved to the wing. I'd like to see both him and Ruzicka push each other for spots next year

Dube still has a higher ceiling than Ruzicka, but even if Monahan is dealt in the off-season, I don't think we'll ever get to see Dube as a C in the Flaming C. There is no way that Sutter trusts Lindholm, Backlund, Dube, and Ruzicka as the main group of centers next season. Ruzicka gets #3C by default given Sutter's preference and Treliving will find a vet for the 4th line.

Dube is going end up being another Bennett

[1Nite]

Originally Posted by djsFlames

Ruzicka is a better C than Dube at this point.

Although He hasn't been to good at the NHL level, he usually is pretty good at winning faceoffs.

[GioforPM]

Originally Posted by 1Nite

Although He hasn't been to good at the NHL level, he usually is pretty good at winning faceoffs.

FWIW Sutter really values faceoff ability. Monahan and Lindholm are head and shoulders better then the rest of the team. Backlund is a hair under 50%, which I suppose ain't bad when you consider he routinely faces off against the best centres. Ruzicka is at 48% which is acceptable for a rookie. Dube is 44% which is bad, and won't get him a full time centre spot with Sutter unless he improves.

[Toonage]

Its a ridiculously small sample size, but Ruzicka has the hands to be an elite playmaker IMO. Watching him pass is a thing of beauty.

[TheIronMaiden]

Next to Monahan, Dube has been the biggest disappointment this season.

[timbit]

Originally Posted by Toonage

Its a ridiculously small sample size, but Ruzicka has the hands to be an elite playmaker IMO. Watching him pass is a thing of beauty.

Really?

[GioforPM]

Originally Posted by Toonage

Its a ridiculously small sample size, but Ruzicka has the hands to be an elite playmaker IMO. Watching him pass is a thing of beauty.

I've seen a couple nice passes, one of which was a roller Toffoli managed to corral and make a nice shot on (was still a good backhand pass that got to where it was needed). But "elite playmaker"?

[Toonage]

Originally Posted by timbit

Really?

I know, sounds dumb, and I have trouble describing it. The bend he gives his blade, curls the puck around opposition to find someone in the slot. I don't know, its just really great to watch.

[Toonage]

Originally Posted by GioforPM

I've seen a couple nice passes, one of which was a roller Toffoli managed to corral and make a nice shot on (was still a good backhand pass that got to where it was needed). But "elite playmaker"?

"the hands to be an elite playmaker"

Future tense, but yes. I believe that.

[GioforPM]

Originally Posted by Toonage

"the hands to be an elite playmaker"

Future tense, but yes. I believe that.

OK. But Monahan and Backlund have made equally great passes this year, and did so in their rookie years too, and no one would ever think they are elite playmakers.

[Monahammer]

Originally Posted by Enoch Root

Domi is $5.3M - no chance

Get them to retain, include Dube and it works. Contract is up after this season.

Schmaltz is also super interesting IMO, but would require that Monahan go and we would be dealing with big cap problems next season. Not sure that move can be made in current season.

[getoverit]

Ruzicka For such a short sample size i would argue averaging 10 min a game he has done a great job considering contributions from quite a few others