[Signing] Flames re-sign both Klapka and Kuznetsov (one year, $775k)

[TheScorpion]

Both get two-way deals

https://twitter.com/user/status/1823072137956970784

https://twitter.com/user/status/1823073397691109729

[Reggie Dunlop]

One year "Show Me" deals....

They're both on the clock with a batch of youngsters coming up behind them.

[getbak]

Kool!

Time to step up and show they belong.

[dissentowner]

Thanks for the info Scorp.

[stemit14]

Would love to see Klapka make the team this year and turn into an effective bottom six forward. His speed, size, hands and physical play could make him a rare impact forward (as much as fourth line players can be impact players).

[gvitaly]

Glad to hear it. I think this was as straightforward of a negotiation as there is. I think both have a decent chance to play 10-20 games for the Flames this year.

I really hope Kuznetsov takes another step defensively. I think he could emerge as the Wranglers' top D by the season's end.

As for Klapka, love the tools. Hopefully his defensive game and awareness improve, because everything else seems NHL ready.

[Press Level]

Looking forward to see what the Avs pay them next offseason.

[EVERLAST]

Originally Posted by stemit14

Would love to see Klapka make the team this year and turn into an effective bottom six forward. His speed, size, hands and physical play could make him a rare impact forward (as much as fourth line players can be impact players).

Popsicle, Lomberg and him need to be the biggest jerks this year. Just against the oilers. Otherwise it's a waste of cap space.

I want so badly to see Kane , Perry cower in their pee pants as often as possible this upcoming year .

[Lanny_McDonald]

Show-or-go contracts. Last kick at the Flames can for these boys.

[boogerz]

Originally Posted by Lanny_McDonald

Show-or-go contracts. Last kick at the Flames can for these boys.

Kuznetsov is only 22 y/o. 2024-25 is definitely not his last kick at the can with the Flames.

[Freeway]

Originally Posted by boogerz

Kuznetsov is only 22 y/o. 2024-25 is definitely not his last kick at the can with the Flames.

Flames have zero players in their system anything like Klapka.


Flames have a few players of a similar ilk to Kuznetsov (specifically Solovyov and Grushnikov).

[Lanny_McDonald]

Originally Posted by boogerz

Kuznetsov is only 22 y/o. 2024-25 is definitely not his last kick at the can with the Flames.

I'm a Kuz fan, but I also recognize a show-and-go contract. If the Flames thought he had more in the tank they would have given him a two-year deal. I think they see where the system is headed and Kuz has to step up and show he deserves to be here because there are all sorts of young guys about to step in that appear to have already passed him on the depth chart.

[Reggie Dunlop]

Pelletier, Schwindt and Solovyov left.

[Kipper_3434]

Does Klapka clear waivers? My gut says maybe.

[TheScorpion]

Klapka and Kuznetsov are both exempt from waivers

[fotze2]

Originally Posted by TheScorpion

Klapka and Kuznetsov are both exempt from waivers

So you are saying there’s a chance

[CSharp]

Flames still just barely below the Ducks after these signings. Show up or eff off! No better chance to make the team. Nice!

[Calgary4LIfe]

I don't see this as a make it or break it year for either of them.



The book was out on Klapka when he was signed - really great tools (and size), but extremely raw. He was considered a longer term project. This was only his second year in the organization. I thought he had a much better than expected season on the Wranglers last year, and he had great moments in the NHL as well as terrible moments (especially defensively). I would say, however, that he is developing a bit faster than expected. He is only 23 too, not a 26 or 27 year old UFA. I also don't see anyone blocking him from making the team (other than shrewd asset management). He isn't really competing with anyone else for a 4th line wing spot. Lomberg as one, the centre is unknown (Conroy wants to try Pospisil at centre, Rooney is an option Schwindt if he is signed), and the other wing spot is completely wide-open, and there are no other legitimate 4th line types that are ready.


Kuznetsov has a much more difficult path. Solovyov was taken in the same draft, but has developed faster, and requires waivers. He makes the team at least as the 7th. I see the injury call-up line (based on last season) as something like 1-Poirier, 2-Grushnikov, 3-Kuznetsov. I don't think we will see a lot of Kuznetsov in the NHL unless he really starts showing a lot more. I think he was a bit stagnant last season.


However, I don't think it is a make-it or break-it year for either of them. They will both likely be re-signed next year as well. It isn't like the Flames won't have the room organizationally. Next year will be tougher with more competition, especially on D with Parekh most likely joining the Flames (assuming he gets sent back this year, and if he doesn't, it will be one more body in front of Kuznetsov).



Conroy has already stated that he doesn't feel sticking prospects on the 4th line is good development. Huska seems to agree with him, as outside of a handful of games, Pelletier and Coronato don't typically see much of the 4th line. They either get promoted after a couple of games, or they get demoted to the AHL. Now, this year changes things a little with Pelletier requiring waivers, so even though Klapka is the better choice for that 4th line spot, he is ineligible for waivers, and will likely not make the opening night roster. I agree that a position should be earned and not given, but it is also pretty stupid asset management to have that written in stone and never be flexible with it. I don't think the Flames will expose Pelletier on waivers. Yes, his development hasn't gone all that great, but this is a rebuilding club right now, and it is stupidly absurd asset management to cut bait on prospects so quickly.


There are too many forwards right now, but it should clear up at the deadline as I expect there will be some movement. I also think Honzek sees some games at the NHL level this year too as part of his development, but that will probably happen after the trade deadline unless this team experiences a bit of an injury bug.


The focus is on development, so I really doubt the Flames will be exposing young players unnecessarily to waivers, or putting them in positions to fail. There isn't that pressure to win.

[Goriders]

Originally Posted by gvitaly

Glad to hear it. I think this was as straightforward of a negotiation as there is. I think both have a decent chance to play 10-20 games for the Flames this year.

I really hope Kuznetsov takes another step defensively. I think he could emerge as the Wranglers' top D by the season's end.

As for Klapka, love the tools. Hopefully his defensive game and awareness improve, because everything else seems NHL ready.

I thought Kuznetsov was the best Flames player at Penticton tourney last year.

[Ba'alzamon]

Originally Posted by Calgary4LIfe

Solovyov was taken in the same draft, but has developed faster, and requires waivers.

To be fair, Kuznetsov is two years younger.