1st Line Right Winger

[JJ1532]

Originally Posted by Da_Chief

My choice is Charlie Coyle.

Minny has 8 F, 6D, 1G signed for next year with 7.3 mill in Cap. They need to sign 4 Forwards and a backup, 5 players with less then 8 mills. Zucker and Dumba are both RFAs so they will cost 2-3 mill each. So they're in trouble.

Coyle is a 3.2 cap hit, 6'3, 220lbs Right hand shot, 23 years old. He hasn't lived up to expectations but still is a good player.

He has 32 points in 63 games this year with Minny having Parise, Koivu, Granlund, Vanek, Nino, Pominville, Zucker they might be willing to get rid of his cap hit for a pick.

I think an offer of Cal 2nd 2016 at the draft might get it done.

Also note Minny only has 4 picks (1st, 4th, 7th, 7th) at this draft so with Flames having multiple picks, this might be a perfect match.

I think Coyle is out of our reach. Think Minny are still high on him, he was playing on the top line with Koivu in their last game.

Think Nino might be in reach though. Big bodied RW, decent contract, young, lower down the pecking order and thus a cheaper acquisition price.

Either way, I hope a decent level RW comes on the market like Hamilton did in defence. With some expendable roster players that could hold value and the 2 extra 2nds we picked up at the deadline, we should have enough assets to prize a decent RW out of their current team. Hope Brad has got some targets in mind.

[GranteedEV]

Mike Hoffman anyone? Sick goal scorer, great skater, shoots right, Pending RFA, and Ottawa probably lowballing him on offers...

[sureLoss]

^ Mike Hoffman shoots left

[Monahan For Mayor]

This would be how is love to see it play out, obviously slight chance of landing all pieces.

Gaudreau - Monahan - Jagr
Perron - Bennett - Laine/Puljujarvi
Ferland - Backlund - Frolik
Bouma - Stajan - Hathaway

[JiriHrdina]

Boy if I was Chuck I would have taken Drouin for Niederietter. Niederietter is a pretty one dimensional player, and doesn't really even do that part that well (score goals).

[Lanny_McDonald]

Flames can't afford to go shopping for a RW. They have some cap issues on the horizon that they will need to deal with themselves. They can't afford to go after a big time UFA and make the type of commitment in dollars or term that will be expected. Sucks, but that is the way it is when you have three young studs like Gaudreau and Monahan needing new contracts next season, and then Bennett in two years. Big dollars going out that eat up the cap space up front.

[doctajones428]

Originally Posted by Erick Estrada

He wasn't overly impressive in the back to back Alberta games they played this weekend. I would be hesitant about handing him anything more than what they gave Hudler.

Based on those two games alone? He's a big, skilled, right handed 27 year old on pace for 65 points. You seriously would hesitate at giving him more than 4 million a year?

[PlayfulGenius]

Originally Posted by David Struch

Gaudreau - Monahan - Puljujärvi
Ferland - Bennett - Poirier
Bouma - Backlund - Frolik
Colborne - Stajan - Hathaway
Bollig/Jooris

That 2nd line would get murdered next year...switch Frolik and Poirier and I think they'll hold their own

[DeluxeMoustache]

Originally Posted by PlayfulGenius

That 2nd line would get murdered next year...switch Frolik and Poirier and I think they'll hold their own

Ferly is not a top 6

[djsFlames]

Patrik Laine






/thread

[djsFlames]

An interesting question worth asking, though. If we somehow win the lottery, will/should the Flames draft Matthews or go for positional need with a Finn? The three are ahead of the pack and in their own class. One potential franchise center and two potential franchise wingers.

Based on how Matthews is thriving as a rookie in the Swedish men's league though I think he's far too enticing, despite being a center. I guess depends on whether Brad and co. think he's the clear cut BPA or not. But one of our centers would have to convert to wing. Logic says Bennett, as he's already played a fair amount at LW.

Scenario a:
Gaudreau - Monahan - ?
Bennett - Matthews - Frolik

Scenario b:
Gaudreau - Monahan - Laine
? - Bennett - Frolik

[dammage79]

I like Puljujarvi a ton. Laine is pure goal scorer though, all the Flames need is in that package.

If the Flames took #1, you have to take Matthews. But I wouldn't if I were GM. I'd go with Puljujarvi.

You'll find varying responses from the draft junkies (I am one) as to the tiers. I think the top 3 are tight. Others think it's a top 2, a slight drop and 3-5 are tight. Then it drops another 5 or 6.

I think it's: 1-3, 4-8, 9-16 then it dives a bit.

Just a quick EDIT: In 1-3 you have Matthews (#1 Center), Puljujarvi (Pure #1 RW), Laine (LW and now being used as a C). One of each to choose from. With the Flames having Bennett, Monahan, you can afford to grab Puljujarvi and run.

[Demetric]

first, I think even if we win a lottery and draft top 3, who ever is picked will not be on the top line. They will shelter this pick if/when they make the team. So the questions of who will play on the top line will still exist.

yes, Okposo would likely be the best option, but I think a he will be priced out of our price range as will the likes of Backes, Lucic, Eriksson, Hudler.

Also, if we assume that we will draft top 3, then really all we are looking for is a 2-3 year stop gap and even if not, i think the likes of the following would fit in on the team and with a decent cap under 4 mil:

PA PARENTEAU - likely be able to get him on a 2 year deal as a stop gap at 2-3 mil or under and still puts up decent number and his fancy stats are good
David Perron - I think this guy is going to have to take a pay cut (short of a steller playoffs) to get another contract as his counting numbers have not been great but fancy ones are not bad

fancy stats

I think I would lean more towards Perron as he also play a physical game that I think we need on our top line.

Just need to keep the contract under that 4 mil mark (or close to it) and the term also short like 2-3 years.

Also, I think Jagr will resign with FLA.

[polak]

Puljujarvi all day. God I'd be A-OK with this season if we got him.

That said, I've only watched him play in the WJC but still, that combined with everything I read sounds exactly like what the Flames need.

[drewtastic]

Originally Posted by Erick Estrada

I've been mildly disappointed with Frolik. I never expected him to be a major offensive contributor but I expected more than Joe Colborne offensive numbers and I realize he does other things well but IMO not that well. He's a good all around forward but I don't see much value with his contract based on this season's play. That said I wouldn't be surprised if he has a better 2nd season as Flame after getting this season under his belt. That said I agree he's not a goo fit with Monahan and Gadreau.

I'd say this has more to do with (a) his injury and (b) being shifted up and down the lines. I think you are correct with respect to next season--a full season under his belt, hopefully no more injuries, and he'll be a great asset.

I'd also like to see him play with Bennett more regularly. I realize that Backlund/Colborne/Frolik are working really well lately (arguably our best line against the Bruins), but Frolik and Bennett seemed to click well earlier in the year, especially because they can keep up with one-another, speed-wise.

Plus, I think Frolik is a smarter player than Jooris/Ferland, and could give Bennett better options offensively. I assume Bennett is playing with those guys in a third/fourth line role right now to give him "protected" minutes as a developing centre. Still--would like to see if Frolik/Bennett can develop some offensive chemistry, longer-term.

[MrMastodonFarm]

Originally Posted by polak

Puljujarvi all day. God I'd be A-OK with this season if we got him.

That said, I've only watched him play in the WJC but still, that combined with everything I read sounds exactly like what the Flames need.

He's the guy I want, outside of Dubious been pumping his tires the most but I hope he isn't thrown on the top line next season and expected to produce. Puljujarvi could be in the NHL right away but we're probably looking at a similar season to Barkov as a rookie. Handful of goals, decent amount of points but nothing amazing at 18.

Playing on the wing to either Stajan or Backlund 5on5 with some powerplay time is best IMO. Don't throw him with Gaudreau and Monahan right away.

[Da_Chief]

Here's another option.

Patric Hornqvist of the Penguins.

Pens have 8 forwards signed with about 750K in cap space next year. Hornqvist is a RH decent sized forward (5'11" - 190 lbs) but plays a chippy game. 29 years of age and will have 2 years left on his contract at 4.25 mill per.

He has scored at least 20 goals in 6 of the last 7 seasons. Ideally Pit would like to move Kunitz and his 3.85 mill cap hit but that will be a tougher sell.

Pit is also low on picks, if they make the playoffs they will have 5 picks (2 - 2nds, 4th, 5th, 6th)

[Imported_Aussie]

Originally Posted by Da_Chief

Here's another option.

Patric Hornqvist of the Penguins.

Pens have 8 forwards signed with about 750K in cap space next year. Hornqvist is a RH decent sized forward (5'11" - 190 lbs) but plays a chippy game. 29 years of age and will have 2 years left on his contract at 4.25 mill per.

He has scored at least 20 goals in 6 of the last 7 seasons. Ideally Pit would like to move Kunitz and his 3.85 mill cap hit but that will be a tougher sell.

Pit is also low on picks, if they make the playoffs they will have 5 picks (2 - 2nds, 4th, 5th, 6th)

Not a bad option to consider, wonder if something could be done around the rights to one of our RFAs, like Colborne - then they get immediate cost-controlled asset to help their NHL roster to offset losing a top 6 forward?

Hornqvist does have a NTC though, which could scuttle a deal. But they do need to move at least one of Kuntiz, Hornqvist or Daley IMO

[Da_Chief]

Ya Hornqvist has 8 teams he can list up for his NTC. If BT was dealing for him, I don't see him saying no to Flames. My opinion.

[Fire of the Phoenix]

Hornqvist or Coyle would be perfect for this team. Add one of them (or Okposo) and get a competent goalie and this is a probable playoff team.