This is a case of win the battle to lose the war...
At face value, the players are better than what we gave up and worst case you get a long audition.
The most likely scenario is that they inject a bit of new life and hope into the team potentially resulting in some extra wins down the stretch. Not enough to make the playoffs...but enough to drop 3-5 spots in the draft.
I don’t know. I definitely wanted the Flames to sell, but I also like them going for it. At this point, they’re probably going to miss the playoffs. But they’re going for it nonetheless.
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If Ritchie had a contract for next year, I think this would be a win but I’m just not sure what picking up an upcoming UFA does for a team that isn’t likely destined to make the playoffs. It’s a bit of a strange trade to me.
Apparently the issue was he lied about it too. The only reason he was found out is pictures got uploaded to social media accounts.
It was ####ed up though. Sutter will never play again because that stupid maneuver.
You know I’ve never put 1 and 1 together. I knew about gaudette giving team Covid. I knew Sutter was never playing again because of Covid. Didn’t know it’s all from that whistler trip.
I don't mind this move from Brad. It's definitely low cost in terms of assets spent, much higher costs in terms of overall dollars though which means nothing to us fans. But it's probably an important move for Arizona who trims salary.
Having watched them for a couple periods, I don't think either player moves the middle much at all for the team. But Nick Ritchie does still have an intriguing skillset though. Definitely on the slow side, but has surprisingly soft hands for a big body. He has a big shot too, but not sure how much dexterity he has in his ability to release it frequently though. He obviously can hit and fights, but ultimately, I think he'll likely be more useful as a net front presence on the PP and with his size, should be able to hold his own in the corners and along the boards, perhaps a little Lucic esque in that department.
Not sure what to make of Stecher though. He's small and looks slight, but has some moxie. Just ok mobility wise and isn't the prettiest skater. But he does shoot right though, so he might be just a temporary fill in for an injured Michael Stone. From a cursory glance though, I'm not sure he's going to usurp Dennis Gilbert from his position who has been just fine in his role.
Overall though, decent move from Brad. Price was good, low risk with some upside potential wise.
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Overall it is a good deal, both players coming in are significant upgrades on what went out, I just don't see the point. I don't want either playing any sort of minutes this year or next. It isn't short term or long term just a couple of dudes to sit in the box I guess.
Nick Ritchie is a small upgrade, but still pretty inconsequential overall. I actually like Brett Ritchie's energy more to be honest. Neither player should, or will be counted on for offense.
Stecher, I have just never been a fan. I obviously haven't watched every game he's played, but every time I do, he is usually just terrible. I hope he is just taking Mackey's popcorn role. He is undersized for a defenseman and doesn't really contribute offense. I can't imagine Sutter is going to be a big fan.
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