Injury update

[ForeverFlameFan]

Originally Posted by formulate

Just because you think he's wrong for the team doesn't make him not an asset. Right now, our 2014 first round pick isn't helping us win any games, but it's still an asset. It was value, just like Wideman has value. Sure, I would be all for retaining salary and trading him for picks or young players then signing a better UFA, assuming one is willing to sign. But buying him out would just be a waste of both the owners' money and a tradeable asset.

I think buying him out would be a waste too. I liked the way he played the first year, this year, I just feel like his value for both trading and to the team decreased. Since he has 3 years left on his contract, I certainly hope he can bring back his game, it is the injuries that most likely affected his play.

[formulate]

Originally Posted by ForeverFlameFan

I think buying him out would be a waste too. I liked the way he played the first year, this year, I just feel like his value for both trading and to the team decreased. Since he has 3 years left on his contract, I certainly hope he can bring back his game, it is the injuries that most likely affected his play.

Then we're in agreement

His value to the team has most certainly decreased (being passed in the depth chart by Butler is never a good sign), but it still wouldn't surprise me to see him traded if he can be replaced in free agency. If not, yes, hopefully he gets a full recovery over the summer and comes back playing like he did at the beginning of this season.

[Bourque's Twin]

People are too tough on Wideman and seem to forget how good he was during the beginning of the season. He's been playing with an injury for a while, and I'll be excited to see him come back healthy for next season.

It's not like his contract is handcuffing the Flames from making any deals.

[Five-hole]

With Hudler back, did anyone get sent down?

[ForeverFlameFan]

^ I think Hanowski got sent back down for that very reason? Granlund is out the rest of the season with a shoulder injury.

[Lil Pedro]

Originally Posted by formulate

I personally wouldn't like to see a Wideman buyout, regardless of our need to hit the cap floor. 3 years left (after this season) on his contract at 5.25 per. Not exactly in the Redden/Gomez territory of boat anchors. He's certainly looked awful at times, but actually played quite well with Russell at the beginning of the year. He never really seemed to recover after the first injury. Still a guy who should be able to play at least 4-5 defenseman minutes plus powerplay time. With the ability (and Burke's willingness) to retain salary, he could be a very useful trade piece at 3-4 million. A buyout would be a waste of an asset.

I wouldnt really consider him much of an asset, rather a bad contract signed by Feaster. This is a guy who cashed in by playing in a powder soft SE division where everyone puts up career numbers. Sure, he is an NHL defensemen, but his faults outweigh his strengths immensely. He moves the puck OK, but not better than Gio, Brodie, Russell and Butler. Yes, he has a great shot, but doesn't hit the net enough and plays second line PP. He tries to be physical but usually looks like an idiot throwing his rear end into the boards when he misses a hip check.

What I've learned from him is that he had the ability to play 5-7 games very well (like at the beginning with Russell) then play awful for 20 and then get hurt. Doesn't seem like great asset if you ask me. If not for a buyout trade him and retain some salary.

[Phanuthier]

I don't think we need to buy out Wideman either, but he is undoubtedly a anchor left over from the Feaster regime. If anyone is willing to give up a asset for him, I'd gladly dump his contract. I have no idea why Feaster ever gave out such a large contract to this guy, you don't commit big money over 5 years to a 2nd pairing defenseman. Dumb dumb dumb.

[Major Major]

Originally Posted by Phanuthier

I don't think we need to buy out Wideman either, but he is undoubtedly a anchor left over from the Feaster regime. If anyone is willing to give up a asset for him, I'd gladly dump his contract. I have no idea why Feaster ever gave out such a large contract to this guy, you don't commit big money over 5 years to a 2nd pairing defenseman. Dumb dumb dumb.

Why not? Second pairing Dmen who can can run a power play get nice deals come free agency, as they should. It really wasn't that bad of a contract.

[Phanuthier]

Originally Posted by Major Major

Why not? Second pairing Dmen who can can run a power play get nice deals come free agency, as they should. It really wasn't that bad of a contract.

Because those go to top line forwards and top pairing defenseman, and not depth players?

[Canada 02]

Originally Posted by ForeverFlameFan

^ I think Hanowski got sent back down for that very reason? Granlund is out the rest of the season with a shoulder injury.

Hanowski has not been sent down, and Granlund is not out for the season