[Trade] Flames acquire Kris Russel for a 2014 5th round pick and sign him (1yr, $1.5mil) - Page 17 - Calgarypuck Forums - The Unofficial Calgary Flames Fan Community

codynw · 03-09-2015, 09:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by killer_carlson

he's also getting more opportunity to shoot as teams key in on stopping Wideman's bomb.

Ha, jokes on them cause Wideman can't hit the net anyways.

getbak · 03-09-2015, 09:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IgiTang

And then the X-factor of NHL shot blocking leader, holds NHL record for shots blocked. (BTW, what exactly is the record? Blocks in a game or season?)

The NHL only started tracking blocked shots in 2005-06, so it's a relatively small sample size.

On Thursday, in Boston, Russell blocked 15 shots in the game, which is the most for any one player since the NHL started tracking the stat.

The most in one season was Anton Volchenkov with 273 blocks in the 2006-07 season. Right now, Russell is at 226. If he plays every game remaining and blocks at least an average of 3 per game, he'll pass that number. So far this season, he is averaging about 3.5 blocks per game.

cannon7 · 03-09-2015, 11:23 AM

I didn't realize he still had another ear on his contract, but I'd still like it to be many years left.

I honestly don't care what other teams are willing to pay for Russell because he's one of the best kept secrets of the Flames' blueline. I just want to see us pair him with a player who compliments him. Russell-Wideman has been good, for sure. But I can't help but wonder what a Russell-Boychuk pairing might be able to do, for example. Assuming Boychuk doesn't get locked up, of course.

ForeverFlameFan · 03-09-2015, 11:33 AM

I think it's safe to say that Russell is our #3 defenseman. I remember we all used to call him just a 4/5er, but he's really proven himself that he is the 3rd best defenseman behind Giordano and Brodie. He's really stepped it up with the absence of Gio, we really needed that to happen.

GranteedEV · 03-09-2015, 11:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cannon7

I didn't realize he still had another ear on his contract, but I'd still like it to be many years left.

I honestly don't care what other teams are willing to pay for Russell because he's one of the best kept secrets of the Flames' blueline. I just want to see us pair him with a player who compliments him. Russell-Wideman has been good, for sure. But I can't help but wonder what a Russell-Boychuk pairing might be able to do, for example.

Or Russell-Seabrook

GioforPM · 03-09-2015, 11:54 AM

Russell actually reminds me of a young Gio. Smallish, but with grit, good all around skater, passer, shooter, plays well positionally, not going to overwhelm in any one facet but brings it consistently.

killer_carlson · 03-09-2015, 12:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ForeverFlameFan

I think it's safe to say that Russell is our #3 defenseman. I remember we all used to call him just a 4/5er, but he's really proven himself that he is the 3rd best defenseman behind Giordano and Brodie. He's really stepped it up with the absence of Gio, we really needed that to happen.

See, I disagree.

Both Wideman and Russell have stepped it up. Wideman has played more minutes since Gio has gone down, and has more points iirc. (note, they are about the same).

Wideman and Russell will also be up with the league leaders for defenceman scoring and icetime. (Wideman currently 21st in defenceman ATOI, Russell 23rd)

So I think calling Russell our #3 doesn't give Wideman the credit he deserves. In reality, we have an awesome 2nd pairing that would be the first pairing on a bunch of teams.

What we don't have is much depth beyond our top 2 pairings.

I think we have:

#1 Gio
#2 Brodie
#3 Russell
#3 Wideman

#4 -
#5 -

#6 Engelland
#6 Smid whose injuries have killed his year
#7 Diaz
#7 Schlemko

#8 Potter

OzSome · 03-09-2015, 12:41 PM

Looking back on some of the post cracks me up

Some called Russell a bad defenseman and some even considered Butler a lot better than Russell. I wonder how many of them are eating their words now. Russell have been awesome for the Flames ever since he signed with the Flames. It seems like Wideman and Russell have great chemistry and really solidify the Flames 2nd D unit.

ForeverFlameFan · 03-09-2015, 12:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by killer_carlson

See, I disagree.

Both Wideman and Russell have stepped it up. Wideman has played more minutes since Gio has gone down, and has more points iirc. (note, they are about the same).

Wideman and Russell will also be up with the league leaders for defenceman scoring and icetime. (Wideman currently 21st in defenceman ATOI, Russell 23rd)

So I think calling Russell our #3 doesn't give Wideman the credit he deserves. In reality, we have an awesome 2nd pairing that would be the first pairing on a bunch of teams.

What we don't have is much depth beyond our top 2 pairings.

I think we have:

#1 Gio
#2 Brodie
#3 Russell
#3 Wideman

#4 -
#5 -

#6 Engelland
#6 Smid whose injuries have killed his year
#7 Diaz
#7 Schlemko

#8 Potter

I can agree with that. Russell and Wideman as a pairing has stepped it up, how about that

?

Bingo · 03-09-2015, 01:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by killer_carlson

What we don't have is much depth beyond our top 2 pairings.

I think we have:

#1 Gio
#2 Brodie
#3 Russell
#3 Wideman

#4 -
#5 -

#6 Engelland
#6 Smid whose injuries have killed his year
#7 Diaz
#7 Schlemko

#8 Potter

You have to elevate Wideman for sure. A month ago I would have said

#1 Gio
#2 Brodie
#3 Russell
#4 -
#5 Wideman

#6 Engelland
#6 Smid whose injuries have killed his year
#7 Diaz
#7 Schlemko

but now I think Wideman gets the 4 tag at worst.

Bottom line I agree its the 4/5 that needs upgraded, then you hope that guy pushes Russell for 3 at some point. That's why its a shame they didn't test drive Wotherspoon more around the all star break. Gioradano was healthy, and they had time. Now it's likely too late. He could have exceeded all other options for 4/5 and been Giordano's upward push replacement now.

Diemenz · 03-09-2015, 11:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OzSome

Looking back on some of the post cracks me up

Some called Russell a bad defenseman and some even considered Butler a lot better than Russell. I wonder how many of them are eating their words now

It's always the same 4-5 posters. Every pickup or trade according to them is the worst move possible and their infinite knowledge (NHL.com stats page) outweighs all others.

It's great that Russell has taken this opportunity and made a successful story out of it.

Calgary4LIfe · 03-10-2015, 12:28 AM

Agreed with what most have been saying about Russel and Wideman.

Also should be acknowledged that Engelland has been pretty darn good of late too. If there should be any changes, it is finding the right partner for Engelland on the bottom-pairing. He isn't nearly as useless as what people have been saying about him. I wonder if Wotherspoon could be that guy, and have that bottom pairing take some good minutes from the top 4?

Russel has definitely been a huge and pleasant surprise for the Flames. I was surprised for about 2 seconds when I saw him with the A on his chest. He is very much the 'good version' of Ference back in the day who was willing to do whatever it took to help the team win.