[Signing] Flames sign Russell to 2 year extension ($2.6M AAV)

[Machiavelli]

Really good contract. Perfect term and great cap hit.

[Erick Estrada]

Originally Posted by getbak

I almost wish it was for more. If they're going to have a struggle to hit the floor next year, I'd rather they overpay for a guy like Russell than go out and overpay some random UFA.

Well now the Flames will have Russell and can still overpay some random UFA. Not sure why you think the team would be better off just overpaying Russell to hit the floor when they can keep Russell and still upgrade.

[Bourque's Twin]

Gio
Wideman
Brodie
Russell
Smid

I like these guys for the most part.

[Enoch Root]

Originally Posted by Erick Estrada

Well now the Flames will have Russell and can still overpay some random UFA. Not sure why you think the team would be better off just overpaying Russell to hit the floor when they can keep Russell and still upgrade.

Exactly.

Plus, they may want to trade him in 2 years at the deadline - with that contract, any team loading up for the playoffs can take him aboard.

[OldSam]

Really pleased with Russell. I'm sure Burke told him the same, and then said show us more of the same and we'll show you the money in two years.

[Enoch Root]

Originally Posted by Bourque's Twin

Gio
Wideman
Brodie
Russell Smid

I like these guys for the most part.

For me, the first one on that list to replace is Wideman - with the offense that Gio, Brodie and Russell are bringing, they need another big, top 4 shut-down guy. (and then another one for the bottom pair)

Then the D would actually be pretty decent.

[JonDuke]

I'm really late to this, but...AWESOME!!

[getbak]

Originally Posted by Erick Estrada

Well now the Flames will have Russell and can still overpay some random UFA. Not sure why you think the team would be better off just overpaying Russell to hit the floor when they can keep Russell and still upgrade.

Assumption being that the overpaid UFA would not be an upgrade but just filling a roster spot because they have to pay someone to reach the floor and can't do it with underpaid youth.

[Fire]

Good to see that Burke didn't go nuts and sign him to more than a 2 year deal. He has had a great 44 games so far this season, hopefully he can continue it.

So Giordano, Wideman, Smid, Russell, and Brodie are signed for next season. Butler and Breen will be UFAs. I expect Butler to be traded before the deadline.

[schteve_d]

Nice.

With a contract like that, we may be able to wrangle a second round pick from someone at the deadline!

I kid. Glad to see him sign at that and I hope his next contract is larger as it'd be beneficial to both sides if he gets there!

[Erick Estrada]

Originally Posted by getbak

Assumption being that the overpaid UFA would not be an upgrade but just filling a roster spot because they have to pay someone to reach the floor and can't do it with underpaid youth.

That's a very odd way of thinking. What teams go into free agency looking to overpay for just roster filler? Teams overpay for sure but I don't recall a team ever overpaying for a UFA that they didn't think would be an upgrade for their team.

[Nammer403]

Good deal

[Flash Walken]

Originally Posted by Machiavelli

Really good contract. Perfect term and great cap hit.

/ End Thread

Perfect term for the organization. Was expecting similar dollars over a longer term, the 2 year deal is nice.

[Flash Walken]

Originally Posted by Erick Estrada

That's a very odd way of thinking. What teams go into free agency looking to overpay for just roster filler? Teams overpay for sure but I don't recall a team ever overpaying for a UFA that they didn't think would be an upgrade for their team.

Dallas did it with Pardy.

Islanders seemingly do it every year.

[getbak]

Originally Posted by Erick Estrada

That's a very odd way of thinking. What teams go into free agency looking to overpay for just roster filler? Teams overpay for sure but I don't recall a team ever overpaying for a UFA that they didn't think would be an upgrade for their team.

The floor has been set low for the last two seasons, and prior to that, you could use unpaid bonus space to reach the floor, so it hasn't been an issue before.


Since Flash mentioned Dallas, a few years ago, they could have picked up Eric Nystrom on re-entry waivers and only taken on half his salary, but they chose to trade for him and take the full cap hit because they needed to reach the floor.

[MisterJoji]

Originally Posted by Bourque's Twin

Gio
Wideman
Brodie
Russell
Smid

I like these guys for the most part.

Paging Ramage, Wotherspoon, Sieloff, or any of our 4 D-men drafted last year (admittedly looooooooooong shot). Someone please step up and claim the #6 spot. Or Ekblad (currently sitting at 10.7% chance of winning the lottery).

[Rubicant]

I was someone that wanted him traded as I felt this year was a high and perhaps an aberration.

This contract changes my mind as it is only 2 years at very reasonable dollars. If Russell continues to improve great, and otherwise he is not a difficult contract to move if it comes to that.

[Hugh Jahrmes]

This > a second round pick

[megatron]

Great signing - term and dollars.

[thymebalm]

Perfect.

Right kind of player. Right term. Right price. Must address size with his partner though.