[News] Valimaki on waivers. Update: Clears

[Jay Random]

Originally Posted by Manhattanboy

So am I wrong -was it Tre’s unwillingness to part with him at the time that cost us Stone, even as a rental?

There were multiple other assets that would have been going in that deal. Treliving wasn't giving up any of them for a rental. For some reason, the media appear to have fixated on Valimaki.

[dissentowner]

Originally Posted by Flames1217

I mean he should be an upgrade on our third pair.. him and Pachal might actually work well together.

If it doesn't work out you simply put him back on waivers... Nothing really to lose here.

The team is a tight knit group and the idea is to have guys that want to be here. You think Valimaki wants to be in Calgary after all that? I would rather Solo over Valimaki.

[sureLoss]

Originally Posted by Flames1217

I mean he should be an upgrade on our third pair.. him and Pachal might actually work well together.

If it doesn't work out you simply put him back on waivers... Nothing really to lose here.

There is a business side aspect which has some significant downside:

He is signed next year and will count towards the 50 contract limit next season if he isn't claimed again.

His cap hit is above the buried salary threshold. Meaning if he were to be assigned to the AHL, he will still count $850k against the cap.

Having to pay $2 million salary for a player in the AHL.

[This post is terrible]

Originally Posted by Sandman

Stay away from Finns, they are voodoo these days.

Does that mean Finnish goaltenders are double voodoo? or does it cosmically even out?

[TOfan]

Originally Posted by Canada 02

There was a James Neal goal vs the Avs setup but a massive hit by Valimaki at the blue line that created a turnover. Juuso was 19 or 20 at that time and you had visions of a top four defenseman who could be a foundation piece for 10-12 years.

What a pipe dream

I remember that play clearly.

Thought we had a stud on our hands.

[GioforPM]

Originally Posted by TOfan

I remember that play clearly.

Thought we had a stud on our hands.

It was a Flames fan's dream. Valimaki finally breaking through with a good play. Neal finally scoring a goal scorer's goal.

[Andrew]

Originally Posted by Flamesfan05

It’s Darryl’s fault

Always Darryl fault for not playing young guys. Lol

I am a sutter apologist. He just knows too

[Enoch Root]

Don't claim him.

While our depth on the left side isn't great, I don't see Valimaki as an upgrade on Solovyov or Kuznetsov. Grushnikov is also coming along. Let's leave the door open for these guys.

[PepsiFree]

I could see some value in claiming them if it gives us flexibility to move a guy for a pick (since Barrie was supposed to be that and couldn’t get there). Or to give him some ice and then move Valimaki next trade deadline.

[Paulie Walnuts]

Sutter gave him plenty of chances, but each time he got worse. I know he said he needs coaches to be nice to him not hard on him.

[kyuss275]

The last thing flames need is to add to their collection of 7-8th dmen.

[Monahammer]

I think I would claim him. Solo has been pretty underwhelming. Kuznetsov could use a bit more ripening time. Worst that happens is that he goes unclaimed after we waive him, but he would probably be great on the Wranglers if that happened.

IMO should have kept him over Kylington in the first place, but it's all so moot now. We probably don't need him, but having more LD Talent isn't a bad thing, we're stacked at RD in the system.

[gvitaly]

Huska was in charge of the Flames' D from Valimaki's first NHL game. He probably knows better than anyone what he can bring to the team, how well he would fit the room and his GAF meter. That's why I wouldn't be too upset if he comes back, but also why I don't see it happening.

Personally, I don't want Valimaki taking a roster spot this year and next. The Flames have too many bottom pairing D as is.

PS: If the stars align and we end up as sellers at the TD I hope we trade/move 3-4 D-men. That will create an opportunity for the Flames D prospects.

[Monahammer]

IMO Valimaki > Hanley...

[Bingo]

Originally Posted by Monahammer

IMO Valimaki > Hanley...

Valimaki has been more sheltered, and has slightly worse splits across the board playing on similar teams.

The only case for Valimaki with a higher salary and an extra year on his deal is if you still think there is upside.

[Shazam]

I thought Valimaki had a great first pass out of the zone when he was here. Was not very good defensively at all though.

[Robbob]

Is he better than Bean? At best probably the same. With Bahl coming back there is no reason to bring him in.

[FlamesAddiction]

Injuries set him back in key development years then young prospects passed him. It sucks, but it happens.

[Sylvanfan]

I get the impression that the day to day motivation is a bit of a challenge with Valimaki. I'd cite the injury that cost him a year, but he played well in the Finnish league in 20-21 before the NHL got going. Perhaps Covid and how that went down plays a role here. Certainly the number of coaches the Flames had did not help. At times there's been a good player, but seems like the consistency can fall off at times.

[Geeoff]

It seems to me the worst thing to be in the NHL is an offensive defenseman who is at a bottom pairing talent level. It seems to me that coaches would rather use different guys in this spot