Who Do You Think Will Unexpectedly Make The Team Next Year?

[Bandwagon In Flames]

I could see Elson earning a spot. His game was made for the Flames.

But if anything, this thread is showing us that we've got too many B-C level prospects with the Club. We need to package some of these players with picks to get a young top-4 d-man or higher picks in the draft.

[Buff]

Joni Ortio.

But, Buff, we're all expecting him to be the backup next year anyway.

Yes, I know. Most people are assuming Ortio will play 25-30 games and Hiller will get the rest (or Ramo if they sign him and trade Hiller). I'm saying whatever happens with Ramo and Hiller, neither guy will be the sole #1. Ortio will work himself to be on equal grounds, if not slightly favoured by Hartley.

[Red Menace]

Jakub Nakladal?

[EldrickOnIce]

The problem is... If the opening roster looks like last season end roster, the Flames are not improved.
That's not acceptable.

[heep223]

Originally Posted by EldrickOnIce

The problem is... If the opening roster looks like last season end roster, the Flames are not improved.
That's not acceptable.

Adding a Norris quality defenseman to the end of last season's roster would be an improvement....where can we find one of those?

[EldrickOnIce]

Originally Posted by heep223

Adding a Norris quality defenseman to the end of last season's roster would be an improvement....where can we find one of those?

Fair enough.
Point still remains, imo

[AC]

Originally Posted by EldrickOnIce

Fair enough.
Point still remains, imo

Our younger players will also be another year improved.

[EldrickOnIce]

Originally Posted by AC

Our younger players will also be another year improved.

Yes, and other players may regress.
The way I see it, if you aren't turning over some portion of your roster it's because you believe you have the guys in place to win it all.
I don't think the Flames do. Maybe one just needs to be patient and see where/how guys develop next year. I'm not sure I'm in that camp.

[tvp2003]

Kenney Morrison.

Makes the team out of camp but then struggles and gets healthy-scratched. Comes back the next game and has the best rookie season by a defenceman since... well, Ekblad. Trademarks the name, "Kenney Hockey".

[Hack&Lube]

Andrei Taratukhin

[Bingo]

Originally Posted by EldrickOnIce

Yes, and other players may regress.
The way I see it, if you aren't turning over some portion of your roster it's because you believe you have the guys in place to win it all.
I don't think the Flames do. Maybe one just needs to be patient and see where/how guys develop next year. I'm not sure I'm in that camp.

Agreed

And if you don't make it better, you at least make the moves you need to make so the team gets to that point in a year or two.

As it stands there are a glut of forwards and no UFA departures to create that natural turnover.

If they break camp as is, then you have almost no change from the way this season finished, which doesn't make a lot of sense to me.

As much as it would suck, I think they should move Hudler at his asset value high by the draft. Get younger, get picks, get prospects. Would probably make sense to entertain the same with two of Jones, Bollig and Raymond as well.

I don't advocate getting rid of all the veterans at all, but does anyone think paying Hudler at 33 for an extended contract makes any sense given his age compared to the rest of the core, or his size in a lineup with Gaudreau?

[Street Pharmacist]

Originally Posted by Bingo

Agreed

And if you don't make it better, you at least make the moves you need to make so the team gets to that point in a year or two.

As it stands there are a glut of forwards and no UFA departures to create that natural turnover.

If they break camp as is, then you have almost no change from the way this season finished, which doesn't make a lot of sense to me.

As much as it would suck, I think they should move Hudler at his asset value high by the draft. Get younger, get picks, get prospects. Would probably make sense to entertain the same with two of Jones, Bollig and Raymond as well.

I don't advocate getting rid of all the veterans at all, but does anyone think paying Hudler at 33 for an extended contract makes any sense given his age compared to the rest of the core, or his size in a lineup with Gaudreau?

The decision really comes down to whether there's a replacement for Hudler on the lineup, and if so whether next year is important enough to keep him for it.

Playoffs are great, but they're trying to build a contender and we still need a few more great players in that Bennett to Gaudreau age bracket. It's likely a bigger uphill climb without Hudler next year, but still probably smart in the long run

[Enoch Root]

I am in the trade Hudler camp, but I think the deadline makes more sense.

He would be one of the top players available. Also, he would be here helping the kids develop for 3/4 of the season first.

[Poe969]

A lot depends on how the off season goes. If we were to do something like offer sheet Hamilton, we should keep Hudler for sure. If we aren't making any big moves, I'd keep him and possibly trade him at the deadline. If we pick up a different top 6 winger, I'd look at trading him this summer or at the draft.

[GioforPM]

There's a few roster moves possible - 6-7 defence could be changed quite easily. I expect Raymond to be moved or unseated. I imagine Byron is in for a tough negotiation and might not be here. That might apply to Shore as well - I'm not sure they believe in him enough, although the fact they didn't move him at the deadline makes me wonder.

I consider having Ferland and Bennett in the lineup on a regular basis to be a roster change from this year. I beleive Poirier will be given a lot of consideration. If Shore gets a more regular spot, I consider that a change as well.

In two years time I think Jones and Wideman may be gone, and Hudler as well. Stajan could be traded.

[Enoch Root]

Originally Posted by EldrickOnIce

The problem is... If the opening roster looks like last season end roster, the Flames are not improved.
That's not acceptable.

While I agree with the point you are making, I don't think it's fair or accurate to suggest that the season ending roster would leave them 'not improved'.

The D will be better, having Giordano and Schlemko there at the same time (and not having to play the other 3 25 minutes a night).

Also, the additions of Bennett and Ferland definitely add speed, talent and depth to the forward corp.

Having said that, I expect they will add a forward and a defenseman in free agency. I also think there may be a change in goal.

[Dime_On_Flames]

This years first round pick.

[Bingo]

My gut says Hudler would get more at the draft because of his contract. 4M cap hit for a guy that can play on your top line is a pretty attractive asset to have for the entire season. Would be different if he was a 7M player and the teams would need to accrue cap space through the season to add him.

Hoping they at least explore this.

Never give the guy away, as he has development value even if he walks away or you deal him at the deadline, but asset management and showing they understand where this team is in the process would say move the guy.

[ricardodw]

Originally Posted by Poe969

also surprised no one is picking Glencross

He is as much of a Flame as fellow UFA Schlemko.

[heep223]

Trading Hudler would leave a HUGE hole in our roster.