Practice Notes - January 31, 2020

[dissentowner]

Originally Posted by Textcritic

I am not talking about rushing Valimaki into the lineup. I’m talking about the feasibility that he will be ready and able to play games in late March, and would provide an upgrade in the Flames top-six. I’m talking about the possibility that he slides in at the Trade Deadline if Treliving chooses to move one of his pending UFA defensemen. I’m talking about him being the most viable injury replacement down the stretch and into the playoffs. Under these circumstances Valimaki IS going to play NHL games this year.

I bet he doesn't.

[Harry Lime]

Here is the smart play with Valimaki... Have him play in the AHL for the entirety of their season, once he is cleared. Bring him up as a Black Ace when the season is over for Stockton. He is allowed 9 games to qualify as a burnt season, so have him practicing with the main club and available for injury replacement. If he is not needed for injury in the playoffs, inject him in the lineup for the Stanley Cup final series.

The dumb (?) play... play Valimaki as normal. Trade Hanafin for a young right handed D + so the new player is not eligible for selection. I added the (?), because if I think about it too long, this might actually be my preferred play.

[Fire]

Valimaki will of course be playing at least some games in the AHL before he gets a chance in the NHL this season. He has been out too long to jump right into the NHL. I don't see the need to have him in the NHL this season unless someone on the left side gets hurt.

I don't think the Flames should move Hanifin or Kylington to make room for Valimaki when Giordano is 36 years old with only 2 seasons left.

Assuming Valimaki doesn't need to be protected then you protect the following D: Hanifin, Andersson, Kylington