That's Marc Staal from the Rangers. You'd have to think that Carolina would be very interested in him if he hits the market so he could join his brothers.
__________________
Fan of the Flames, where being OK has become OK.
Or do you think Carolina is going to collect their third Staal?
it wouldn't surprise me one bit. The Canes are going to lose Sekera for sure and they'll have the cap space, while the Rangers need to re-sign quite a number of key guys. Wouldn't shock me at all if he joined his brothers in Carolina.
Franson actually ticks a lot of boxes. Big, right-handed shot, has quite good numbers in the shot-blocking and hitting categories, can play 20+ minutes and contribute offensively. Would be perfect for our second pairing alongside Russell.
I could see Green landing here (given his Calgary roots), to bolster the top 4 (possibly bumping Wideman down) as well as the PP. The question is whether we could get him at a reasonable price, or whether somebody pays stupid money given the relatively few offensive RH D-men available...
Staal would be a big one - anchor the 2nd pairing, long term successor to top pairing.
Boychuk would be a solid addition to 2nd pairing as well, but Staal would be ranked ahead of him IMO.
Franson I see as a guy primed for an overpayment - good player, but not worth what he will get. At a reasonable price, the 3rd best option
Green may cost less now, but he would only be a slightly better Wideman at this stage.
Methot does not adequately upgrade Russell, and likely commands more than should be committed to a guy not guaranteed top 4 minutes (due to the depth chart and being a lefty)
Up front, I would not be interested in many, due to the glut of forwards in the system, and the lack of outstanding younger talent in the UFA pool, but a good veteran like Ward would fit, especially as he plays on the RW. Older, but a late bloomer, so may have more tread left on the tires.
Whether it be trade or free agency, I'd like to see the Flames target a player(s) with a winning history. I'm talking minimum 80 playoff games playoff experience and a championship ring.
Justin Williams and Johnny Boychuck are two of the guys on that list that I like.
NHL playoff experience and championship rings are things that cannot be drafted and developed.
Whether it be trade or free agency, I'd like to see the Flames target a player(s) with a winning history. I'm talking minimum 80 playoff games playoff experience and a championship ring.
Justin Williams and Johnny Boychuck are two of the guys on that list that I like.
NHL playoff experience and championship rings are things that cannot be drafted and developed.
I think Williams is going to get seriously paid in the off season.
__________________ The Beatings Shall Continue Until Morale Improves!
This Post Has Been Distilled for the Eradication of Seemingly Incurable Sadness.
The World Ends when you're dead. Until then, you've got more punishment in store. - Flames Fans
If you thought this season would have a happy ending, you haven't been paying attention.
I'm a huge fan of Boychuk, would love to see him sign here. Gritty, right handed, stay at home defender with a cannon of a shot? Yea, Calgary could kind of use someone like that. He'd be a huge upgrade to the top 4. Too bad it won't happen.
__________________
Quote:
Originally Posted by CroFlames
Before you call me a pessimist or a downer, the Flames made me this way. Blame them.
Staal would be a big one - anchor the 2nd pairing, long term successor to top pairing.
Boychuk would be a solid addition to 2nd pairing as well, but Staal would be ranked ahead of him IMO.
Franson I see as a guy primed for an overpayment - good player, but not worth what he will get. At a reasonable price, the 3rd best option
Green may cost less now, but he would only be a slightly better Wideman at this stage.
Methot does not adequately upgrade Russell, and likely commands more than should be committed to a guy not guaranteed top 4 minutes (due to the depth chart and being a lefty)
Up front, I would not be interested in many, due to the glut of forwards in the system, and the lack of outstanding younger talent in the UFA pool, but a good veteran like Ward would fit, especially as he plays on the RW. Older, but a late bloomer, so may have more tread left on the tires.
Boychuk is a right hand shot, which would give us more balance and thus put him over Staal imo.
I could see Green landing here (given his Calgary roots), to bolster the top 4 (possibly bumping Wideman down) as well as the PP. The question is whether we could get him at a reasonable price, or whether somebody pays stupid money given the relatively few offensive RH D-men available...
Isn't Green just a somewhat better but still one dimensional Wideman?
Isn't Green just a somewhat better but still one dimensional Wideman?
Anyone else on the list with Alberta roots?
Boychuk played junior here in Calgary, born in Edmonton.
__________________ "I think the eye test is still good, but analytics can sure give you confirmation: what you see...is that what you really believe?" Scotty Bowman, 0 NHL games played
I'm a huge fan of Boychuk, would love to see him sign here. Gritty, right handed, stay at home defender with a cannon of a shot? Yea, Calgary could kind of use someone like that. He'd be a huge upgrade to the top 4. Too bad it won't happen.
I agree... He would be a great target. Put him with Russell and move wideman to the 3rd pairing. The cost will be very high. And can't forget giordano needs to be re-signed preferably this summer rather than during the season next year. Plus Monahan and gaudreau will both be RFAs I believe in the summer of 2016. So that's a lot of cap space starting to be eaten up very quickly. At the same time... Jones will likely be off the books by then and possibly wideman and hudler (though I hope not).
Dream would be Staal, but he needs 6 years and 6,5 millions.
Boychuk also is very popular choice but I think it will cost too much.
Really i think that Zbynek Michalek would be great anchor for 3rd pair or even top 4, I think that there could be trade Smid for Michalek after all-stars game. 2 years and 4,5 million for Michalek in summer.
Justin Williams would be good mentor and replacement for Glencross.
1. Cody Franson
2. Mike Green
3. Johnny Boychuk (he's been a fantastic fit on the Isles, I can see him re-signing there quite easily, they're a young strong team and he's figures prominently in their success)
4. Marc Staal (Do the Rangers let him walk? Can't see it and then there's the Hurricanes factor)
The top two to me are the most likely to hit the market. Franson could possibly be seeking 5m plus on the open market and from a Flames perspective do they really want to pay him more than Brodie? I'd take a shot at him if they could reel him in for equal pay to Brodie.
Green will fetch around the same price as his current deal because his offensive capabilities are still elite. The Flames could live with paying him more than Brodie I think. But injury history is an issue IMO.
