[Signing] Flames sign Zadorov to 1 year deal worth $3.75 mil

[CSharp]

Originally Posted by Hack&Lube

I'm basically going by what Sutter has said in many post games about how much the identity of the team has changed with these two and how the big defensemen were one of his priorities coming into the season. I think it is definitely part of his overall plan. He mentioned in a few press conferences how he saw the defensemen and Markstrom being bullied too often in our own zone last year and he had to fix that by getting some big bodies that could take and dish out the punishment.

Perhaps having these big guys playing those tougher minutes is what has contributed to fewer injuries on the team. Everybody is healthy, especially Tanev. Canucks fans always tried to justify losing him because he never played an 82 game season, he always had injury problems. Now I see it more like other teams had no choice but to throw him into those grinding defensive roles rather than strategic because they had no choice and it wore him down. With the size of Z+G (and Lucic, etc.) I think the team has been able to stay a lot healthier and successful overall.

That's the key for a full 82 game season and especially true in the playoffs. Big teams are hard to play against. The physical side of this sport takes a huge toll on bodies, especially smaller people and guys with less weight. It's a huge bonus when big guys like Z and G can skate, have good shots on the point, and can make plays. Sure we've seen a few times when a smaller Flames team can take first overall in the Conference or 2nd overall in the NHL. However, by the end of the season, the top two lines are basically worn down with injuries and most of the d-core can't move big people in their own zone. This is a refreshing season where the Flames are actually pounding down other teams. Kinda reminds me of the Flames team back in '88-'89 season when their back ends are giant tower of strengths.

And for those who keep saying to replace one or both of those d-men with Mackey and/or with Valamaki - there's no way in anyone's right mind who would do that. Mackey is a big d-man but the size, physicality, and the experience of either Z and G will never be matched with what the Flames have from the farm in the next couple of years. Valamaki has been given ample opportunities and have not shown he's got what it takes right now. I can see Mackey getting called up if the Flames run is deep.

Flames also got lucky with Lucic as well not being picked up on the expansion draft and him picking up his game this season.

Size matters in the NHL unless all arenas are built to Olympic standards and the owners are willing to take some hit with removing seats to make room for the bigger ice surface.

[Johnny Makarov]

Originally Posted by TheScorpion

The Flames have so many guys to sign this summer. Zadorov is gonna be like #6 on their priority list. Can't see a guy that far down getting a 4x4 from them.

You've been on his case since day 1. Not sure why the hesitation other than he is proving you wrong.

I'd even give him a 5-6 year contract.

[Enoch Root]

the hesitation is because there is a salary cap

[GioforPM]

Originally Posted by Enoch Root

the hesitation is because there is a salary cap

And three big signings that need to get done.

[The Cobra]

Originally Posted by Johnny Makarov

You've been on his case since day 1. Not sure why the hesitation other than he is proving you wrong.

I'd even give him a 5-6 year contract.

Which of the current core players are you removing to do so?

Johnny, Tkachuk or Mangiapane? Those 3 are gets good big raises if kept. And Mangiapane may have to be already traded to fit in the other two.

[The Cobra]

Originally Posted by CSharp

Flames also got lucky with Lucic as well not being picked up on the expansion draft and him picking up his game this season.

Lucky lol. That would have been a dream. Lucuc has played at an acceptable level but let’s not pretend he is worth anything close to his cap hit.

[Classic_Sniper]

Originally Posted by Johnny Makarov

You've been on his case since day 1. Not sure why the hesitation other than he is proving you wrong.

I'd even give him a 5-6 year contract.

To afford a luxury piece like Zadorov, Treliving would have to trade a Hanifin or not re-sign a Mangiapane or Tkachuk. Based on the cap projections, I suspect the third pair LD will be closer to league minimum skater than a $4M Zadorov.

[Johnny Makarov]

If Zad can continue this type of play in the playoffs... goodbye Hanifin!

[Mathgod]

Originally Posted by The Cobra

Lucic has played at an acceptable level but let’s not pretend he is worth anything close to his cap hit.

Maybe he gets offered a handsomely compensated front office position with the organization if he retires this July?

[The Cobra]

Originally Posted by Mathgod

Maybe he gets offered a handsomely compensated front office position with the organization if he retires this July?

People always say this, yet it has never happened.

[GioforPM]

Originally Posted by The Cobra

People always say this, yet it has never happened.

And the league would (rightly) look pretty hard at that.

[PaperBagger'14]

Originally Posted by GioforPM

And the league would (rightly) look pretty hard at that.

Would they? I mean we still don't have an explanation on Evander Kane and his missing cap hit against the sharks

[Scroopy Noopers]

I don’t think the league would care about something like that. Players want to play until their bodies say “no more”. And even then they struggle to admit retirement. It’s a non-issue.

[The Cobra]

Originally Posted by Scroopy Noopers

I don’t think the league would care about something like that. Players want to play until their bodies say “no more”. And even then they struggle to admit retirement. It’s a non-issue.

You pay Lucic $2M to sit around and hold Conroy’s hand and the league would absolutely look at it.

Plus the Flames simply aren’t going to waste that kind of money.

Plus, they would never try and get away with something like that.

[Jay Random]

Originally Posted by PaperBagger'14

Would they? I mean we still don't have an explanation on Evander Kane and his missing cap hit against the sharks

We have a simple explanation: The NHLPA's grievance hasn't been heard, but Kane has signed a contract with another team. In the circumstances, nobody knows how much of the terminated contract should count against San Jose's cap. That has to wait until there's a ruling on the case.

[Scroopy Noopers]

Originally Posted by The Cobra

You pay Lucic $2M to sit around and hold Conroy’s hand and the league would absolutely look at it.

Plus the Flames simply aren’t going to waste that kind of money.

Plus, they would never try and get away with something like that.

My point is that I doubt Lucic would do such a thing. He’s either stopping because he’s done, or he’s continuing playing.

[getbak]

Originally Posted by Jay Random

We have a simple explanation: The NHLPA's grievance hasn't been heard, but Kane has signed a contract with another team. In the circumstances, nobody knows how much of the terminated contract should count against San Jose's cap. That has to wait until there's a ruling on the case.

The Sharks have so much cap space this season (and they're not likely to come close to using it) that there's no big rush for the grievance to be decided.

[Jay Random]

Originally Posted by getbak

The Sharks have so much cap space this season (and they're not likely to come close to using it) that there's no big rush for the grievance to be decided.

It sounds really strange to hear that, but it's true.

[The Cobra]

Originally Posted by Scroopy Noopers

My point is that I doubt Lucic would do such a thing. He’s either stopping because he’s done, or he’s continuing playing.

Absolutely.

[cam_wmh]

Originally Posted by Jay Random

We have a simple explanation: The NHLPA's grievance hasn't been heard, but Kane has signed a contract with another team. In the circumstances, nobody knows how much of the terminated contract should count against San Jose's cap. That has to wait until there's a ruling on the case.

I wonder if this is affected by his bankruptcy case...