[Rumour] The Kris Russell Sweepstakes Continue - UPDATE: Oilers offer 1-year deal?

[belsarius]

Originally Posted by stang

I honestly like Nakladal better...

That's only because is the better overall player.

Russell was good for blocks and some decent offensive instincts. He would put himself out of position for the block and not pressure enough on defense. A good specialist for a bottom pairing but I quickly tired of him. Reminded me of Ian White but with shot blocking. Lots of heart but not exactly a guy opponents feared when they entered the zone.

[saillias]

Originally Posted by robaur

Russell isnt very good. Was always overhyped by the media here....Kerr, Steinberg etc...but when he went to Dallas...it was pretty obvious.

Same thing happened with Glencross....the local media is more focused on maintaining a good relationship with players on the roster and forget to actually present their thoughts without massive bias.

Most opinions on players in Calgary are tainted by the bias of media such as Steinberg, Wills, Kerr, Millions etc....and its does a massive disservice to this hockey market. I think its just because the Flames ownership are very involved in Fan 960 operations or its just a small town?? Anyone care to elaborate?

Wills is pretty bad that way and Loubardias can't help himself.

For the most part the local media is pretty vanilla though IMO

[TheoFleury]

Russell is not a 'hell of a hockey player' unless that is a term you would use to describe about 120 other defensemen playing in the NHL right now. He's average at best, and depending on the team you're playing, he can be an outright liability. Great guy though I'm sure.

[Ashasx]

Jeff Chapman ‏@NewWaveOil
in re: kris russell
sept 2015: "at least we'll be free of nikitin's salary next year"
sept 2016:

[Erick Estrada]

Originally Posted by Matty81

I get the possession stats putting many against him but he is still better than anyone in our bottom 3. I'd take him over smid wideman or engelland. Although engelland might be needed if tkachuk runs around half as much as he has been at the youngstars

No he's actually not very good. He's the same player the Blues put on waivers years ago leading to his trade to the Flames. He's an undersized defenseman that struggles mightily in his own end. Surely I can't be the only fan that noticed immediate improvement in the Flames defensive play when he was traded and his minutes were spread to Jokipakka and Nakladal.

[Robbob]

Originally Posted by TheoFleury

Russell is not a 'hell of a hockey player' unless that is a term you would use to describe about 120 other defensemen playing in the NHL right now. He's average at best, and depending on the team you're playing, he can be an outright liability. Great guy though I'm sure.

I know a Russell debate is a lost cause, but I think he is better than the average dmen. I think the package he brought back shows what some gms believe he is. I just think some of what he brings to the table is under appreciated or overlooked. Probably just a touch of the standard Internet hyperbole people use to when trying to make a point.

I will be the first person to say he isn't worth around 5 million, but at around 3.5 I think he is good value. UFA is a funny animal as you have to over pay in term or money.

[calgaryblood]

Kris Russel is a really bad defenceman. The only thing he's got is heart. His defensive game is terrible, he lets players come into the slot every time and then tried to block the shot. Many times he succeeds and many more time he fails.

I really hope Edmonton gets him.

[McG]

I don't really have an opinion on Kris Russell's skills etc...

What I want to know though is what changed for the Greasers between now and a month ago? They needed defencemen then as well.

[dino7c]

Originally Posted by McG

I don't really have an opinion on Kris Russell's skills etc...

What I want to know though is what changed for the Greasers between now and a month ago? They needed defencemen then as well.

players are getting desperate enough to go there now...its almost camp

[united]

Kris Russell to the Oilers would be an excellent move for the Flames if he makes his way into their top 4, or even better, as part of the top pairing.

[calgaryblood]

Originally Posted by McG

I don't really have an opinion on Kris Russell's skills etc...

What I want to know though is what changed for the Greasers between now and a month ago? They needed defencemen then as well.

I don't think anything changed for the Oilers it just seems that Russel is getting desperate.

As much as his camp is playing off not being signed yet it is very obvious he has little interest for any significant term or money. I can see a two year deal with the Oilers worth about $7.5 million.

[killer_carlson]

what is changed is that Russell may no longer be asking for a multi-year deal.

[Toonage]

Again, I'll believe it when I see it, but there will be a hearty, hearty laugh if the Oilers sign him for 1 year at $4m or higher.

[Tron_fdc]

This is a match made in heaven.

The defenceman no one else wants, going to the place nobody wants to play.

[Resolute 14]

As much as some here are crapping all over Russell, he is still a pretty good defenceman. And more importantly for the Oilers, a motivated player who will sell out. Mock blocking all you like, but teammates notice that stuff and respond to it. If he signs, the Oilers are going to be improved both on the ice and in attitude.

[Young_Guns]

Russell is just ok in my opinion. He isn't a terrible guy to have on your team as long as he slots in a 5-6 D position. Worth max maybe 3 mil a season. I think he brings good leadership and is one of those heart+soul type players that sometimes are beneficial during playoff runs. His leadership skills and experience could help the Oilers.

[the2bears]

Originally Posted by pac_4_ever

Russell is just ok in my opinion. He isn't a terrible guy to have on your team as long as he slots in a 5-6 D position. Worth max maybe 3 mil a season. I think he brings good leadership and is one of those heart+soul type players that sometimes are beneficial during playoff runs. His leadership skills and experience could help the Oilers.

That's in USD, right?

[AcGold]

Originally Posted by Resolute 14

As much as some here are crapping all over Russell, he is still a pretty good defenceman. And more importantly for the Oilers, a motivated player who will sell out. Mock blocking all you like, but teammates notice that stuff and respond to it. If he signs, the Oilers are going to be improved both on the ice and in attitude.

He's a good defenseman based on what?

He's a good skater?
Good in the dzone?
Good offensively?
Physical presence?
Good outlet passes?

I can block shots too, I have blocked shots. Blocked a few of Lannys shots when I played hockey on his sons team. He gave me props and said good hustle, but I sucked at hockey and blocking is the easiest thing to do in the game, stay still and don't move.

[GioforPM]

Russell is a great blocker and skates well. I think he's an average passer at best and his outlet pass isn't great. He tends to get hemmed in his own zone which is not what the oil needs.

There have been a few times when the oilers have acquired someone I thought would help them but they have never failed to drag the player down.

[Cleveland Steam Whistle]

Originally Posted by AcGold

He's a good defenseman based on what?

He's a good skater?
Good in the dzone?
Good offensively?
Physical presence?
Good outlet passes?

I can block shots too, I have blocked shots. Blocked a few of Lannys shots when I played hockey on his sons team. He gave me props and said good hustle, but I sucked at hockey and blocking is the easiest thing to do in the game, stay still and don't move.

Yet you're not in the NHL and he is. Flames got better when we added Russell, so will the Oilers.