Let's talk 'Core'

[MarkGio]

Originally Posted by Cali Panthers Fan

Going by Flash's definition, there are only 2 players currently on the Flames that cannot be replaced.

T.J. Brodie
Johnny Gaudreau

end of list.

I like a LOT of other players, and I would consider them part of a winning team, but if we're talking specific skills that can't be replaced, those are your two guys.

By that reasoning, no player is on the list. You can replace Gaudreau with Pat Kane, and you can replace Brodie with Doughty.

[dissentowner]

Originally Posted by GranteedEV

So Hossa is/was not a core piece for the Blackhawks because he's old?

Are you really comparing our roster and where we are at to the Chicago Blackhawks??? Totally different situations.

[djsFlames]

Gaudreau - Matthews - Bennett

Bring on your McJesus.

[Fighting Banana Slug]

I would include all of:
Gaudreau
Monahan
Bennett
Brodie
Gio
Hamilton

I think the OP definition is a little too narrow. When looking at the Blackhawks core, I can't see how you could exclude Seabrook, even though he might be considered replaceable.

[topfiverecords]

Originally Posted by Cali Panthers Fan

Going by Flash's definition, there are only 2 players currently on the Flames that cannot be replaced.

T.J. Brodie
Johnny Gaudreau

end of list.

I like a LOT of other players, and I would consider them part of a winning team, but if we're talking specific skills that can't be replaced, those are your two guys.

This. Just those 2.

Bennett and Hamilton haven't quite reached the point yet where they've proven themselves unreplaceable. Monahan is still in the evaluation stage of how good he'll be. Giordano could be core, but might as well be off the list due to his age.

[Flash Walken]

Agreed with Cali and others, however, the reason I included Bennett was because I think he has the skill that is in shortest supply around the league and that's Compete.

That's what makes him effective, his will to win.

[dammage79]

Monahan, Bennett, Gaudreau, Brodie, Hamilton as the foundation you build the temple.

Not quite unmovable but you don't really move until they're developed and see what they have:
Kylington, Jankowski, Andersson, Hickey and Gillies.

[Fighting Banana Slug]

So Flash, is it safe to say for Chicago, you would only include Toews, Kane and Keith?

[Wolfman]

I just hope we don't make the same mistake with Gio as we did with Iggy, held on too long and didn't get much back for him in return. Iggy should have been traded two years prior to being dealt.

[Mass_nerder]

Originally Posted by Fighting Banana Slug

So Flash, is it safe to say for Chicago, you would only include Toews, Kane and Keith?

I think right now that would be accurate.
Maybe Panarin comes into the discussion if he continues his upward progression.

[united]

I always though in terms of elite (nearly untouchable), core (difficult to replace and/or great teammates), and hot prospect (too young for core, but trending that way if not elite). So I guess, by default, elite is also core but is hot prospect?

Elite: Gaudreau, Giordano, Brodie
Core: Monahan, Backlund, Hamilton, Frolik
Hot prospect: Bennett, Gillies, 2016 1st-round pick

[Flash Walken]

Originally Posted by Fighting Banana Slug

So Flash, is it safe to say for Chicago, you would only include Toews, Kane and Keith?

Yes, absolutely.

If you're a team with good management, you can afford to have a larger group of players deemed by others to be your core, but the engine that drives the hawks and the 3 players they'd never consider trading before the age of 35 are Kane, Toews and Keith. The hawks don't have near the dead weight the flames have which affords them the luxury of keeping Hossa and Seabrook, but if they had more than one Bickell, that's probably not the case.

[Jaydee]

Johnny Gaudreau on Flames fans "I could play the rest of my career here the way they support us" Easy young fella, #Flames take note

https://twitter.com/tsnjfranklin/sta...57856681787393

[Vinny01]

Gaudreau, Bennett, Monahan
Brodie, Hamilton, Giordano

That is the core of this team and players I would be unlikely to trade if I was GM. In my opinion the only one I would move if I am the Flames is Gio and that is strictly an age thing. His leadership and role on the team keep him in the core for me

[Lanny_McDonald]

Going by this definition:

'Core Player' as defined by Flash Walken is a player who likely has few peers in the league, has demonstrated value specifically to the Flames Organization and who has specific characteristics that can't be easily replaced in the trade market or free agency.

Gaudreau, Monahan, Brodie and Hamilton. Bennett is well on his way to being in this group, but he's got to play a full season and prove a bit more to get there. I fully expect him to be on this list by the end of the season. None of these guys would be available in trade without paying through the nose or an ungodly amount in salary.

The lack of Monahan showing up on some lists makes me wonder what people expect of him? A big, skilled center, that can do everything? How is that not a core player?

[edslunch]

Gaudreau, Brodie and Giordano are currently core. You won't realistically get better players than those. Monahan, Bennett and Hamilton project to be core, Gio will drop out in a number of seasons.

[Strange Brew]

I understand many peoples definition of core includes potential and those you would not trade away. But in my opinion Hamilton still needs to earn his place as part of the core. Right now most of us are influenced by his draft position, what we gave up to get him and his contract. He still has yet to earn it on the ice. Doesn't mean I want to trade him.

[JiriHrdina]

Originally Posted by Strange Brew

I understand many peoples definition of core includes potential and those you would not trade away. But in my opinion Hamilton still needs to earn his place as part of the core. Right now most of us are influenced by his draft position, what we gave up to get him and his contract.

Maybe that is what you are influenced by - but maybe others are evaluating his improved play throughout the season.
Part of core is projecting where the player will be over time. By your definition Sam would also not be part of the core.

[Corral]

Hard to believe there is Flames fans who don't put Monahan in the core list - the guy is only 21 and already has 70 goals in 211 games playing 1st line centre against the best checking lines in the NHL. He seems very coachable and modest for a player who will be an elite NHL player. My bet is that if you told other NHL teams that they could pick any player off the Flames roster - Monahan would be chosen more often than any of the others on this list.

[Frank MetaMusil]

Walken would trade his core. This thread is a tarp.