Friedman: Do the Flames zero in on Rodrigues?

[alan21]

I'd rather roll the dice with a Milano or how about Phillips? Pelletier?

[cral12]

Originally Posted by SeanCharles

Maybe I’m using the wrong word but I keep seeing posts of people saying we need to sign him but his numbers are inflated from when he was playing on a line with Crosby.

I’d just rather holdout until a better option surfaces.

He played only about 27% of the season on line with the Cros fwiw
https://frozenpool.dobbersports.com/...evan-rodrigues

[1qqaaz]

Originally Posted by alan21

I'd rather roll the dice with a Milano or how about Phillips? Pelletier?

While I agree in theory, I'm very skeptical of the Flames just leaving a roster spot open like this. They never do this. They'd be more likely to sign a vet to a PTO then sign them.

Phillips and/or Pelletier will likely make their way into the lineup when injuries occur. But I doubt the Flames will gift them any roster spot.

[Wood]

I'll take it, but is he really any better than Dube or Ruzicka?

[cral12]

This article does give credence to his hot start and not so great finish to the season. 29th in shots in the NHL though.

Extensive breakdown:
https://www.pensburgh.com/2022/5/31/...s-penguins-nhl

[Lanny_McDonald]

Rodriguez should be seen only as a place holder for someone to emerge from within the system. We need a guy that can fill in on the top two lines on the right side, at least until one of the prospects steps up and shows they can play. Strictly a one to two year player IMO. I'm concerned because he does have the Dominik Simon vibe to him, which is why I was preferable to Kessel. Unless we can snake a body in a trade, Rodriguez may be the best option moving forward.

Looking at what is left on the market, a name thrown out there that could be interesting is Daniel Sprong. Should come cheaply and could contribute. A bottom of the barrel guy that has shown he can produce when given that front of the net role is Alex Chaisson. Big body that Sutter might be able to get something out of and should come cheap.

[mile]

I think the Avs would love to add him as a #2/3C. He's a good player.


I'd like to sign him but only on a 1-year deal. Can't commit anymore of that 2023-24 cap which is already tight.

[USflamesfan]

Originally Posted by howard_the_duck

I really like Rodrigues. Gives me Shean Donovan vibes in how he could be unleashed under Darryl.

I really like his motor and think he'd be a strong fit on this roster.

I agree with this..

[Nelson]

I think Rodrigues is a good 2-way option. He provides good even strength offence and defence. Also, he’s better at defensive zone exits than Milano. His biggest weakness is his ability to finish plays/score goals. This type of player should be acquired now for free rather than at the deadline for futures.

I think Milano is a slightly better overall player, including providing more high end skill and finishing ability than Rodrigues. He can do things like between the legs goals at full speed while being chased by defenders. However, he struggles with defensive zone exits.

Overall, I think Milano’s a better fit because I think the Flames could use some more pure skill in the top 9. The Flames already have the following potential top-9 players known for their 2-way play: Lindholm, Mangiapane, Kadri, Coleman, Toffoli, Backlund, Pelletier. Although I like all these forwards, I’d like the Flames to go for some pizzazz.

My source is jfresh!

[Bonded]

I am surprised Milano isn't signed yet

[bluejays]

Originally Posted by SeanCharles

I just don’t see the appeal of Rodrigues.

His production on a line with Crosby was impressive but after everyone got healthy he got moved to the 3rd line and literally fell off a cliff.

He’s being way overrated IMO.

He’s the flavour of the month which happens every year. Then we as fans complain when the team overspends on players like this and it doesn’t work out. No to him, no to Milano.

[Macho0978]

Originally Posted by cral12

He played only about 27% of the season on line with the Cros fwiw
https://frozenpool.dobbersports.com/...evan-rodrigues

I came to post this exact stat. People may not be fans of the fancy stats but it hard to argue ice time. How is Crosby carrying him when he’s on the bench?

This argument reminds me of Coleman last year more than Simon or Neal or Brouwer.

People were saying Coleman has good fancy stats playing on a stacked team. But Coleman literally was never on the ice with Hedman, Point, Kucherov or Stamkos.

He came to Calgary and continued his fancy stat domination and him and backlund now in a 3rd line role will be dominate

[gvitaly]

I thought Rodrigues was pretty decent without Crosby. I can’t remember the exact article but I remember an analysis showing him driving play just as well without Crosby, just with a lower conversion rate.

Here’s his player card:

https://twitter.com/user/status/1548351164390842368

As for a fit with the Flames, I don’t see it happening. I can only see the Flames offering a 1 year deal. We are pretty close to being capped out next off-season, assuming Weegar signs. I think Colorado, Nashville, Winnipeg, Minnesota, and Ottawa can offer him a better deal on a good/exciting team.

[Tbull8]

Originally Posted by Lanny_McDonald

Rodriguez should be seen only as a place holder for someone to emerge from within the system. We need a guy that can fill in on the top two lines on the right side, at least until one of the prospects steps up and shows they can play. Strictly a one to two year player IMO. I'm concerned because he does have the Dominik Simon vibe to him, which is why I was preferable to Kessel. Unless we can snake a body in a trade, Rodriguez may be the best option moving forward.

Looking at what is left on the market, a name thrown out there that could be interesting is Daniel Sprong. Should come cheaply and could contribute. A bottom of the barrel guy that has shown he can produce when given that front of the net role is Alex Chaisson. Big body that Sutter might be able to get something out of and should come cheap.

Sprong would be a great gamble. I was surprised that the Caps let him go, he looked good in their top 9, great skater

[Macho0978]

Coleman Backlund and Rodrigues would be the best 3rd line in the NHL and a nightmare in the playoffs. If we can get him for a few mil sign me up

[GullFoss]

I think trading Valimaki would open up a lot more possibilities than the UFA route. Could trade Vali + pick for an older player with 2y left's to UFA status. When team retains salary to help it fit into cap.

[Vinny01]

Originally Posted by Macho0978

Coleman Backlund and Rodrigues would be the best 3rd line in the NHL and a nightmare in the playoffs. If we can get him for a few mil sign me up

I would boost Coleman to the 2nd line if this was the case and roll one of 2 options for the top 9. If we signed Kessel I would have kept Bscklund and Coleman together but not with Rodrigues who is a bottom 6 forward in my opinion

All in top line with a right shot on each

Huberdeau-Lindholm-Mangiapane
Coleman-Kadri-Toffoli
Dube-Backlund-Rodrigues

Or

Huberdeau-Lindholm-Toffoli
Mangiapane-Kadri-Coleman
Dube-Backlund-Rodrigues

[dustygoon]

There is a reason the guy is a $1mm. Streaky and had career year but his points mostly occurred when playing with 87. Still a good depth signing if that's the price, but that is all you get with him.

If you limit the universe of potential players to RW, cheap, and 1 year regardless if they are UFA or not, i don't think there are many options.

[GullFoss]

Originally Posted by dustygoon

There is a reason the guy is a $1mm. Streaky and had career year but his points mostly occurred when playing with 87. Still a good depth signing if that's the price, but that is all you get with him.

If you limit the universe of potential players to RW, cheap, and 1 year regardless if they are UFA or not, i don't think there are many options.

Yeah, this is why I think someone along the lines of Eberle would make more sense. Player around 29-32 with 2-3y left to free agency. Have the team - Kraken in this case - retain salary. And for them, getting a 23 y/o defenseman plus a pick makes more sense than an aging 2nd line winger.

[btimbit]

Depends on the price, sure