[Signing] Flames sign Versteeg (1yr, $950k)

[Roof-Daddy]

Originally Posted by GioforPM

I remember the last time (IIRC) that the Flames signed a guy who'd completed a PTO on a rival team. It worked quite well. The guy got 43 points in 66 games before getting hurt.

Morrison?

[djsFlames]

Originally Posted by FlameZilla

So we're now the 2010 Chicago Blackhawks. Awesome.

It sounds crazy to say, but going in...pretty much. A lot of comparisons can be drawn.

Maybe 2009 is a better comparison.

[GioforPM]

Originally Posted by Roof-Daddy

Morrison?

Give that man a cigar.

[OmegaV4]

Man that article, what is with all the PowerPoint clip art pictures in there?

[Resolute 14]

Originally Posted by MarkGio

I wonder if the Oilers regret trading Yakupov now that Versteeg signed

Doubt it. Yakupov had already gone public with wanting out of Edmonton.

And god would it be great to see Versteeg pot one tomorrow and help spoil opening night for their arena.

[Table 5]

Originally Posted by MrMastodonFarm

Biggest regret would not be dipping into the waiver wire yesterday to shore up a weak position. Should have had Versteeg signed before that option was eliminated.

You'd think they had an idea of what was going to happen with Versteeg this AM to still file a claim by the 10am deadline...but who knows with the Oilers.

[bob-loblaw]

With the number of teams he's played for I thought he'd be older than 30.

[Niemo]

Can someone give me a scouting report on Versteeg?

Good skater? Good Shot? Good defensively? Liability in own zone?

[Bandwagon In Flames]

Originally Posted by Niemo

Can someone give me a scouting report on Versteeg?

Good skater? Good Shot? Good defensively? Liability in own zone?

Yes

[sureLoss]

Dreger on how Versteeg ended up on the Flames:

http://www.todaysslapshot.com/nichol...e-roster-spot/

“There’s always a deeper story when you look at situations like this,” began Dreger when asked during a Tuesday afternoon radio hit on Ottawa’s TSN 1200. “Versteeg went there on a Professional Try Out, obviously, but he had been offered a contract earlier in the summer. I believe it was the Islanders before they signed Parenteau (that) offered him a one-year deal. He didn’t take that deal, and the market kind of dried up, so he had to go to Switzerland. The Bern team got nervous when they looked at his medical records and found out that he had hip surgery four years ago, so they bailed on him at that point.

“Edmonton presented an interesting tryout, and essentially he made the team. But, and I think we can appreciate this, what the Oilers couldn’t promise – and this is my understanding, based on those I’ve talked to there – they couldn’t promise him a full-time spot. I think they wanted him to be insurance or a back-up plan and not play every game – maybe every other game.

“Well, maybe what Edmonton didn’t know is that Versteeg had options. One of those options happened to be in Alberta. I think for family reasons he wanted to stay in Alberta. I think he’s going to be a good fit at a reasonable price and a short term for the Calgary Flames.”

[Toonage]

Re: Scouting report

He'll feed the puck to Sean & Johnny. The rest is gravy.

[djsFlames]

Slightly undersized but tenacious to make up for it, skilled, can finish. 15 goals and 38 points last season split between Carolina and LA. Can't speak for his two way game, maybe someone else that has watched him more can. Perhaps that regular poster from Chicago? (forgot his username)

[burnitdown]

Originally Posted by sureLoss

Dreger on how Versteeg ended up on the Flames:

http://www.todaysslapshot.com/nichol...e-roster-spot/

I wonder why they'd only play him every second game when he's likely a better option than option than most of their 3rd and 4th line RW/LW.

[#BoringMonahan]

It never hurts to add a Stanley Cup Champion to the room. Sure, Versteeg may not be the same player he was a few years ago... but who knows what can happen if he finds the right chemistry?

I actually really like seeing him start on the top line with Monny and Gaudreau. Can't wait for tomorrow to watch our opening night roster. We've definitely got a strong group here to start the season, that's for sure.

[sureLoss]

Originally Posted by burnitdown

I wonder why they'd only play him every second game when he's likely a better option than option than most of their 3rd and 4th line RW/LW.

I think they were planning on rotating him with Puljujarvi

[Bingo]

Dreger pretty much has it right ...

I know I was surprised when I kept seeing the Oilers suggested lines on fantasy sites etc showing Versteeg out of the mix. You heard so much about Versteeg being an ideal PTO that I thought for sure he'd be in their top 9 when the dust settled.

Guess it just comes down to assuming someone is desperate when they still have other options and getting burned by putting off the desperate guy on your to do list.

[Crumpy-Gunt]

Good skater. Great hands. Decent shot. Can be exciting to watch. I wouldnt call him a liability in his own zone. I also wouldnt call him good defensively. He is responsible and experienced. I remember seeing him on the PK back in the day in Chicago where he was quite dangerous and generated a lot of scoring opportunities short handed.

I wouldnt be surprised at all if he has a lot of natural chemistry with Johnny as he is a smart player with good vision and offensive tools. I can see a career year for him if he sticks on the top line.

Cali would probably be the best person to ask on here as he's likely seen him in his prime year in Florida.

[Fighting Banana Slug]

Shorter, older Colborne.

Seriously, he might be close to Colborne's last year production. No idea how he fits in. Low risk signing though.

[puckedoff]

Is he injured right now? From what I read it sounded like he would not be playing in first game for the Oilers, (that was before the trade).

[handgroen]

Originally Posted by bubbsy

hockeybuzz oiler blogger post today:
http://www.hockeybuzz.com/blog/Matt-...dled/191/79827

He had a similarly sad blog after the yakupov trade also.

this guy does not understand the phrase "nero fiddled as rome burned"

this word "fiddled"